What to plant this week in Riverside, CA
In Riverside, the lingering heat of spring means your summer crops are already in full swing, while cool-season options like Daikon radishes and Lisianthus offer a final chance to sow before the intense afternoon sun peaks. With last frost historically passing on Jan 15, you have months ahead to harvest, but be mindful that temperatures often dip near 30°F only during rare winter intrusions, not this week.
The next 7 days
Riverside, CAGrowing in Riverside right now
- Riverside's deep, porous soils drain quickly in spring showers; if planting now, incorporate compost or organic matter to boost moisture retention for seedlings like Daikon radish.
- The intense Riverside sun and low humidity create a rapid drying effect on foliage; water deeply in the early morning to prevent wilting of fast-growing crops like Bush Beans and Cucumbers.
- This week is critical for harvesting winter squashes (Acorn, Butternut) before they crack from fluctuating soil moisture after recent rains, while summer crops like Watermelon and Cantaloupe need consistent watering to avoid blossom drop.
- Native invasive Tamarisk trees along the Santa Ana River can host aphids that migrate; check neighboring plants in Riverside neighborhoods for early signs of infestation on delicate flowers like Cosmos and Zinnia.
Sow this week
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
43 crops- Acorn Squash
- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Butternut Squash
- Cantaloupe
- Celosia (Cockscomb)
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Delicata Squash
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Morning Glory
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Purslane
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Spaghetti Squash
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and cucumbers every two weeks to extend your summer harvest window.
- Mulch around newly planted okra and summer savory to retain moisture as temperatures climb.
- Deadhead zinnias and cosmos frequently to encourage continuous blooming through the heat.
Pest & disease watch
- Aphid colonies often build up quickly on the new growth of Pole Beans and Sweet Corn due to the warm, dry conditions typical of Riverside this season.
- Spider mites thrive in Riverside's low humidity; inspect the undersides of Malabar Spinach leaves daily for webbing or stippling damage that can escalate rapidly under direct sun.
- Powdery mildew is a risk on Squash varieties (Delicata, Spaghetti) if plants become overcrowded and lack air circulation during this humid spring window.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation and keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during this warm season.
Harvest zucchini and yellow summer squash daily when they are young to prevent them from becoming tough and seedy.
Riverside gardening questions
3Can I still start Daikon Radish seeds now in Riverside?
Yes, Daikon is one of the few cool-season crops listed for sowing right now before the summer heat becomes too intense. Sow them directly into the soil where they will grow as you enjoy your spring harvests.
When should I begin harvesting my Acorn and Butternut Squash?
These squashes are ready to be pulled from the ground soon, but wait until the rinds have hardened and the vines start to yellow or die back naturally.
Which plants listed need extra water protection against Riverside's dry winds?
Fast-growing crops like Cucumber, Bush Bean, and Pole Bean are most vulnerable to rapid moisture loss from Santa Ana breezes or hot sun exposure.
Other cities in zone 10a
6See the full zone 10a guide → · Plan your Riverside garden in SproutGuide →