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Zone 10B — October

What to Plant in October in Zone 10B

October in Zone 10B: 4 crops to start indoors, 7 to plant or direct sow outside, and 1 entering harvest window. About 1 winter in 9 freezes; in those winters the last frost averages January 11. Reference city: Los Angeles, CA.
Updated August 12, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
4 Start Indoors
7 Plant Outside
1 Harvest
Frost risk: Possible

Frost is still possible in Zone 10B: about 1 winter in 9 reaches 32°F. In those winters, the last spring frost typically lands on January 11, with the earliest plausible clearance around December 19. Hold tender crops indoors a while longer.

See full Zone 10B frost outlook

Start Indoors in October

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant Outside Harvest Window
Green Onion allium Oct 5 Dec 7 Perennial — see plant page
King Richard Leek allium Oct 12 Dec 14 Feb 27
Leek allium Oct 12 Dec 14 Mar 24 – Apr 23
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Oct 19 Dec 28 Feb 26 – Mar 8

Plant Outside in October

Plant Type Action Target Date Harvest Window
Asian Tempest Garlic allium Plant Out Oct 15 —
Chengdu Garlic allium Plant Out Oct 15 —
Creole Red Garlic allium Plant Out Oct 15 —
Inchelium Red Garlic allium Plant Out Oct 15 —
Mild French Garlic allium Plant Out Oct 15 —
Nantes Carrot (fall planting) root vegetable Direct Sow Oct 12 Dec 26
Softneck Garlic allium Plant Out Oct 15 Jun 12, 2027 – Jul 12, 2027

Harvest in October

Plant Type Planted / Sown Harvest Window
Witloof White Chicory lettuce Jun 16 Oct 4 – Oct 24

Key Tasks for October in Zone 10B

  1. 1 Start 4 varieties indoors this month under grow lights or in a sunny south-facing window. Use a seed-starting mix and bottom heat (70–75°F) for best germination rates.
  2. 2 Direct sow seeds at the recommended depth and spacing. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination is complete.
  3. 3 Check soil moisture before watering — stick a finger 2 inches into the soil. Water only when the soil is dry at that depth. Consistent moisture is more important than frequency.
Back to full Zone 10B planting calendar
September October in Zone 10B November

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