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When to Plant Microgreens in Napa County, CA

Microgreens are young seedlings of vegetables and herbs harvested at the cotyledon or first true leaf stage. They pack concentrated flavors and nutrients in a tiny package.

Napa County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.

At an elevation of 449 feet, Napa County receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Microgreens during the growing season.

Napa County, CA (Zone 9a) Year-round
273 days
Last Spring Frost February 26
273 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Napa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (250 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 13 Transplant: Feb 10 🍅 Harvest: Feb 17 – Mar 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (238 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Feb 26 🍅 Harvest: Mar 5 – Apr 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (224 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Apr 9 – May 7

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,234 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Microgreens needs ~224 GDD — county provides 4,384 GDD Excellent fit

Microgreens Planting Timeline โ€” Napa County, CA

Microgreens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 โ€“ Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Direct Sow February 5 Feb 5 โ€“ Feb 26
Fall Sowing October 1 Oct 1 โ€“ Oct 15
Harvest March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Apr 2

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 2" apart ยท Rows 6" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Harvest
April Harvest
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October Fall Sowing
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

7โ€“21 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

273 days

Growing Tips for Napa County

Sow seeds densely on shallow trays of moist growing medium. Cover until germination, then provide light. Harvest with scissors when 1-3 inches tall. Grow year-round indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Microgreens in Napa County, CA?

Napa County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Microgreens planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Napa County, CA?

Napa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Napa County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Napa County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.