
The best time to fertilize in California is generally from March to November, although the timing differs slightly depending upon where you live in this vast state and your grass type.
Cool-season grasses common in Northern California grow most actively between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and warm-season grasses are most active in temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees. Knowing when to fertilize is essential for dense, healthy grass.
Let’s take a closer look at the best times to fertilize in the Golden State.
Key takeaways
Fertilize in Northern California from March to October, May to September, or May to October, depending on your area and grass type.
Fertilize in Central California from March to October, March to September, or May to October, depending on your area and grass type.
Fertilize in Southern California from March to November, March to October, or May to October, depending on your area and grass type.
Nitrogen is king in fertilizers: Most California grasses need 4 to 6 pounds of actual nitrogen per year per 1,000 square feet, and no more than ½ to 1 pound per 1,000 square feet per session.
When to fertilize lawns in Northern California
The best time to fertilize your lawn in Northern California depends on your grass species. Northern California’s weather usually ranges from damp to wet. It has mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Warm-season grasses slowly green up in the spring, and don’t need fertilizer for at least two weeks afterwards.
Here’s when to fertilize cool- and warm-season grasses in Northern California:


Region | Cool-season grasses | Warm-season grasses |
North California coast | March, May, Sept., Oct. | – |
Northern inland valleys | March, May, Sept., Oct. | May, June, Sept., Oct. |
Northeastern California mountain valleys | May, June, Aug., Sept. | – |
When to fertilize lawns in Central California
Central California has hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. Coastal areas normally have milder temperatures year-round. Once again, the best time to fertilize depends on grass species.
Here’s when to fertilize cool- and warm-season grasses in Central California:
Region | Cool-season grasses | Warm-season grasses |
Sacramento Valley | March, May, Sept., Oct. | May, June, Sept., Oct. |
San Joaquin Valley | March, May, Sept., Oct. | May, June, Sept., Oct. |
Sierra | May, June, Aug, Sept. | – |
Central Inland Valley | March, May, Sept., Oct. | May, June, Sept., Oct. |
Central California Coast | March, May, Sept., Oct. | May, June, Sept., Oct. |
When to fertilize lawns in Southern California

Finally, there’s Southern California. Most of Southern California has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild, wet winters. You’re unlikely to encounter too much cold or freezing weather here. Parts of this region also have other climates, like deserts, mountains, and semi-arid.
Although Southern California is different from the rest of the state, the same rule applies here: when to fertilize depends on grass type.
Here’s when to fertilize cool- and warm-season grasses in Southern California:
Region | Cool-season grasses | Warm-season grasses |
Southern California Coast | March, May, Oct., Nov. | April, May, Sept., Oct. |
Southern California Inland Valleys | March, May, Oct., Nov. | April, May, Sept., Oct. |
Southern California Deserts | March, May, Sept., Oct. | May, June, Sept., Oct. |
Central California Coast | March, May, Oct., Nov. | April, May Sept., Oct. |
Which fertilizer to apply, and how much

Knowing which fertilizer and how much is key. Overfertilizing leads to damage to grass and the environment. Nitrogen is the major fertilizing element. It’s also the most soluble and has the highest potential for burning grass if overused.
How much nitrogen does your grass need? Most California grasses need four to six pounds of actual nitrogen per year per 1,000 square feet. Use half the amount of fertilizer in shady areas, because they don’t need as much. Always check your product label. Split your applications into multiple sessions (see more information about that further down below).
How to calculate your nitrogen application rate? Divide 100 by the first number of the analysis shown on the bag. This is the number of fertilizer you need to apply to 1,000 square feet to supply 1 pound of actual nitrogen to the turf.
For example, if the fertilizer analysis is 21-0-0, calculate 100 divided by 21, which is 4.76. You’d need to apply 4.76 pounds of fertilizer to apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen.
If necessary, use a complete fertilizer on the months marked with an asterisk in the above tables.
What is a complete fertilizer? A complete fertilizer contains all three primary nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Most established lawns only need nitrogen, but may benefit from a complete fertilizer once a year. Remember to test your soil before you fertilize, so you can find out what nutrients it needs.
Pro tip: Use grass clippings on your lawn to nourish it after each mow.
How often to fertilize in California
Never apply your nitrogen all at once; this may lead to nitrogen burn. Instead, spread out your nitrogen into four to six applications. In a single session, you should apply a maximum of ½ to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Always check and follow your product label.
You can reapply quick-release fertilizer after four to six weeks, and slow-release fertilizer after six to eight weeks.
How to apply fertilizer

Overfertilizing can damage your grass and the environment. It’s important to follow proper fertilization techniques to get the job done right.
The key to fertilizing is to make sure you spread the product evenly. If you use granular fertilizer, it’s best to apply it with a mechanical spreader. If you use a liquid fertilizer, you can apply it with a hose-end sprayer or a similar device. Always follow the instructions on your product.
Nevertheless, there’s more to applying fertilizer than that. There are multiple types of spreaders, as well as guidelines you should adhere to for your fertilizer to sink into the soil properly. Plus, you should know how to avoid polluting local waterways. Read on about how to apply fertilizer in our article How to Fertilize Your Lawn.
FAQ
What are the best grasses for California?
A variety of grasses grow in California. The best grass type depends on your region. Common grass types include Bermudagrass, buffalograss, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and tall fescue
For more about native grasses in California, check out California Native Grasses for Your Lawn and Landscape.
Which native plants grow in California?
California has a variety of beautiful plants. The plant you should get depends on your plant growing zone. Here are just some of the native plants that grow there:
- Beardtongue
- Baby blue eyes
- Dutchman’s pipe vine
- Deer grass
- Bush anemone
Which California plants love shade?
A number of California plants love shade, or at least tolerate it. Some of its most shade-loving plants include:
- Common yarrow
- Island alum root
- Deer grass
- Round-fruited sedge
What is California’s green lawn care law?
As of January 1, 2024, Californians can no longer buy gas-powered lawn and garden equipment because of the green lawn care law. Here’s more about the law and here are 15 FAQs regarding the law.
What is xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is the practice of landscaping to reduce water usage. It involves planting slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants.
The best lawn care pros in California
Once you read through all our pages, you’ll find out all about the best lawn care practices for California’s varied regions. But now you also need to put your knowledge into practice, and that takes time, effort, and responsibility. Make the job easier for yourself. Get an instant quote from a pro.
Main Image Credit: David Sawyer | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0