California · Garden vegetables

Spinach season in California

Typically early January to late December, with peak early February through late November.

Hatched chalk = early and late shoulders; solid = peak.

Salinas Valley runs spring through fall and the desert valleys take over in winter.

At a glance

Early

From early January — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

early February through late November — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through late December — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 52 weeks end to end, shoulders included.


Chasing the season?

Spinach peak moves across the map. After this window, it lands next in:

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Frequently asked questions

When is spinach season in California?

In California, the spinach season typically runs early January to late December, with peak availability early February through late November. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own spinach in California?

Rarely offered u-pick; buy same-day cut bunches at spring and fall market stalls. The best market weeks are early February through late November.

How long does spinach season last in California?

about 52 weeks end to end — early January to late December. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.