Philadelphia, PA Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Philadelphia

In October:

• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Oct 4)

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (Mar 30, 50% risk), balanced = Apr 4 (30%), safe = Apr 12 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

Frost odds aren't the only check. CSU recommends measuring soil temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans) before you sow. NOAA doesn't publish soil-temperature normals, so we list each crop's minimum soil temperature from CSU instead of a date.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Philadelphia

What to plant in Philadelphia in January

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Jan 17–31)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Jan 17–31)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Jan 31 – Feb 14)

What to plant in Philadelphia in February

• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Feb 14 – Mar 7)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Feb 21 – Mar 7)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Jan 31 – Feb 14)

What to plant in Philadelphia in March

• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 2–29)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Mar 14–28)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Mar 30 – Apr 12)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Mar 30 – Apr 12)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Mar 30 – Apr 12)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Mar 30 – Apr 12)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Feb 14 – Mar 7)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Feb 21 – Mar 7)

What to plant in Philadelphia in April

• Peppers: transplant outdoors (Apr 13–26)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (Apr 13–26)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (Apr 13–26)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (Apr 13–26)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 13–26)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 16 – Apr 12)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Mar 30 – Apr 12)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Mar 30 – Apr 12)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Mar 30 – Apr 12)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Mar 30 – Apr 12)

What to plant in Philadelphia in May

• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (May 2)

What to plant in Philadelphia in June

• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 22 – Jul 6)

What to plant in Philadelphia in July

• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jul 12–26)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 22 – Jul 6)

What to plant in Philadelphia in August

• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Aug 10)
• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Aug 21)
• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Aug 25)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Aug 26)
• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Aug 30)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Aug 30)
• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Aug 31)

What to plant in Philadelphia in September

• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Sep 4)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Sep 4)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Sep 4)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Sep 4)
• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Sep 14)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Sep 14)
• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Sep 24)

What to plant in Philadelphia in October

• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Oct 4)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Philadelphia

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rules are to set tomatoes out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost and only once nights are above 52°F. In Philadelphia, the frost rule alone would allow about Apr 13, but the average nightly low at Philadelphia Franklin Institute isn't above 52°F until May 2, so the night rule sets the date at every risk level: about May 2. Start seeds indoors Mar 14–28, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on May 2. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at Philadelphia Franklin Institute climbs to 55°F on May 12. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for tomato plants is 65 days. Set out on May 2, they would start producing around Jul 6, 134 days before the typical first frost (Nov 17).

When to plant peppers in Philadelphia

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule (2+ weeks after the average last frost), set peppers out around Apr 13 with the typical date, Apr 18 for a balanced choice, or Apr 26 with the safer 10% date. Sow seeds indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7, 6–8 weeks before transplanting on Apr 18. Below 55°F at night, fruit set suffers (CSU). At Philadelphia Franklin Institute, the normal low reaches 55°F on May 12. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for pepper plants is 70 days. Set out on Apr 18, they would start producing around Jun 27, 143 days before the typical first frost (Nov 17).

When to plant potatoes in Philadelphia

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says potatoes can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 45°F. In Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 16–30 going by the typical date, or Mar 29 – Apr 12 going by the safer date.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. CSU says onions (dry, from sets) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 2–16 in Philadelphia using the typical date, or Mar 15–29 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F.

When to plant peas in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. Per CSU, peas can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Philadelphia, that works out to roughly Mar 2–16 (typical date) or Mar 15–29 (safer date). For fall, sow by Aug 30 (Aug 17 to be safe), which is 79 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. CSU says lettuce (leaf) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 2–16 going by the typical date, or Mar 15–29 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 4, or by Aug 22 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant carrots in Philadelphia

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting carrots as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 16–30 by the typical date or Mar 29 – Apr 12 by the safer date. For fall, sow by Aug 25 (Aug 12 to be safe), which is 84 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant beans (snap) in Philadelphia

Tender crop. CSU's timing for beans (snap) is around the average last frost, which is about Mar 30 in Philadelphia. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until Apr 12. Seeds want soil at 55°F or warmer. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 21, or by Aug 8 to be safe. That's 88 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant summer squash in Philadelphia

Tender crop. CSU says to sow summer squash around the average last frost, about Mar 30 in Philadelphia. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until Apr 12. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, count back 78 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 31, or by Aug 18 to be safe.

When to plant broccoli in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. CSU says broccoli can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 2–16 in Philadelphia using the typical date, or Mar 15–29 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. Set out on Mar 7, broccoli plants would start producing around May 11, based on CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 190 days before the typical first frost (Nov 17). For a fall harvest of broccoli, get transplants in the ground by Aug 30 (UNL Extension count-back from the typical first frost, Nov 17, with CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest). To raise your own, sow seeds Jul 12–26, 5–7 weeks ahead (CSU).

When to plant cabbage in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. CSU says cabbage can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 2–16 going by the typical date, or Mar 15–29 going by the safer date. Set out on Mar 7, cabbage plants would start producing around May 31, based on CSU's typical 85 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 170 days before the typical first frost (Nov 17). For a fall harvest of cabbage, get transplants in the ground by Aug 10 (UNL Extension count-back from the typical first frost, Nov 17, with CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest). To raise your own, sow seeds Jun 22 – Jul 6, 5–7 weeks ahead (CSU).

When to plant cauliflower in Philadelphia

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting cauliflower as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 16–30 by the typical date or Mar 29 – Apr 12 by the safer date.

When to plant kohlrabi in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. CSU says kohlrabi can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 2–16 in Philadelphia using the typical date, or Mar 15–29 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, count back 64 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Sep 14, or by Sep 1 to be safe.

When to plant green onions in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. CSU says green onions can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 2–16 in Philadelphia using the typical date, or Mar 15–29 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. For fall, sow by Sep 4 (Aug 22 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant radishes in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. Per CSU, radishes can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Philadelphia, that works out to roughly Mar 2–16 (typical date) or Mar 15–29 (safer date). For a fall crop, sow by Oct 4, or by Sep 21 to be safe. That's 44 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant spinach in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. CSU says spinach can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 2–16 going by the typical date, or Mar 15–29 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 24, or by Sep 11 to be safe. That's 54 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant turnips in Philadelphia

Hardy crop. CSU says turnips can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 2–16 going by the typical date, or Mar 15–29 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 14, or by Sep 1 to be safe. That's 64 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Philadelphia

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting beets as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 16–30 by the typical date or Mar 29 – Apr 12 by the safer date. For fall, sow by Sep 4 (Aug 22 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant swiss chard in Philadelphia

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting swiss chard as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 16–30 by the typical date or Mar 29 – Apr 12 by the safer date. For fall, sow by Sep 4 (Aug 22 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant parsnips in Philadelphia

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting parsnips as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 35°F or warmer. For Philadelphia, that's roughly Mar 16–30 by the typical date or Mar 29 – Apr 12 by the safer date.

When to plant sweet corn in Philadelphia

Tender crop. CSU says to sow sweet corn around the average last frost, about Mar 30 in Philadelphia. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until Apr 12. Seeds need soil of at least 50°F.

When to plant cucumbers in Philadelphia

Tender crop. CSU's timing for cucumbers is around the average last frost, which is about Mar 30 in Philadelphia. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until Apr 12. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For fall, sow by Aug 26 (Aug 13 to be safe), which is 83 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant eggplant in Philadelphia

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to set eggplant out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about Apr 13 using the typical date, Apr 18 as a balanced choice, or Apr 26 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Feb 14 – Mar 7, 6–9 weeks before transplanting on Apr 18. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for eggplant plants is 60 days. Set out on Apr 18, they would start producing around Jun 17, 153 days before the typical first frost (Nov 17).

When to plant cantaloupe in Philadelphia

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant cantaloupe around Apr 13 at the earliest, Apr 18 as a balanced choice, or Apr 26 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Philadelphia

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant watermelon around Apr 13 at the earliest, Apr 18 as a balanced choice, or Apr 26 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Philadelphia

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant winter squash 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about Apr 13 (typical date), Apr 18 (balanced) or Apr 26 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Philadelphia?

Tomatoes: Mar 14–28. Peppers: Feb 21 – Mar 7. Both windows count back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Philadelphia?

About May 2 at every risk level, because the night rule decides it. CSU wants nights above 52°F at transplant, and the average nightly low at Philadelphia Franklin Institute first rises above 52°F on May 2. CSU's frost rule (2+ weeks after the average last frost) would allow about Apr 13 here.

What can I plant in Philadelphia in the fall?

Based on UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Nov 17), the deadlines are: peas by Aug 30; lettuce (leaf) by Sep 4; carrots by Aug 25; beans (snap) by Aug 21; summer squash by Aug 31; broccoli by Aug 30 (transplants); cabbage by Aug 10 (transplants); kohlrabi by Sep 14; green onions by Sep 4; radishes by Oct 4; spinach by Sep 24; turnips by Sep 14; beets by Sep 4; swiss chard by Sep 4; cucumbers by Aug 26.

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