What can I grow in Niigata?

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 62°F (16°C) · Ideal: 57–75°F (14–24°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 45°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 12 in (305 mm) · Ideal: 5.9–18 in (150–450 mm)

Grown as a short-season crop in most commercial systems; day-neutral types fruit through summer.

Fragaria × ananassa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Fragaria × ananassa; UC ANR: Strawberry production. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 72°F (22°C) · Ideal: 64–86°F (18–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 54°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 20 in (513 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,052 °F·days (2,251 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,980 °F·days (1,100 °C·days)

Hybrids are matched to season length by relative maturity. Heat over ~35 °C at silking hurts pollination.

Zea mays. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Zea mays; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979, Yield response to water). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 72°F (22°C) · Ideal: 68–86°F (20–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 54°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 20 in (513 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm)

Maturity groups are matched to latitude because flowering is triggered by shortening days.

Glycine max. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Glycine max; FAO Crop Water Information: soybean. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: 54–70°F (12–21°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 36°F (2°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 17 in (423 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–22 in (250–550 mm)

Heat over ~30 °C at flowering cuts yield; a cool-season crop in warm climates.

Brassica napus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Brassica napus; Canola Council of Canada: Canola Encyclopedia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: 54–72°F (12–22°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 36°F (2°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 17 in (423 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm)

In mild-winter climates spring wheat is sown in autumn and grows through the cool season.

Triticum aestivum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Triticum aestivum; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 75°F (24°C) · Ideal: 72–88°F (22–31°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 64°F (18°C) · Ideal: at least 59°F (15°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 22 in (568 mm) · Ideal: 28–79 in (700–2,000 mm) · covered by irrigation

Paddy rice is usually flooded from irrigation or monsoon rain; nights below ~15 °C at flowering cause empty grains.

Oryza sativa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Oryza sativa; FAO Crop Water Information: rice. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 65°F (19°C) · Ideal: 55–68°F (13–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 45°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 19 in (485 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm)

Tubers form best with cool nights; above ~25 °C tuber growth stalls. In the tropics it's a highland or cool-season crop.

Solanum tuberosum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum tuberosum; FAO Crop Water Information: potato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 65°F (19°C) · Ideal: 61–79°F (16–26°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 45°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 41°F (5°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 19 in (485 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm)

• Longest day100

  Here: 14.8 h · Ideal: at least 14.5 h

Grain and fibre cultivars bred at high latitudes flower too early under the short days of the tropics. Licensing rules vary by country.

Cannabis sativa. Sources: Amaducci et al. 2015, Key cultivation techniques for hemp in Europe and China (Industrial Crops and Products); FAO ECOCROP: Cannabis sativa. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: 52–68°F (11–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 36°F (2°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 17 in (423 mm) · Ideal: 7.9–20 in (200–500 mm)

The most cold- and drought-tolerant small grain; malting barley wants a cool, dry finish.

Hordeum vulgare. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Hordeum vulgare; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 72°F (22°C) · Ideal: 64–81°F (18–27°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 54°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 20 in (513 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm)

Fruit set fails when nights drop below ~10 °C or days top ~35 °C. Wet seasons bring blight.

Solanum lycopersicum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum lycopersicum; FAO Crop Water Information: tomato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 65°F (19°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 45°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 43°F (6°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 19 in (485 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm)

Deep roots make it fairly drought tolerant.

Helianthus annuus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Helianthus annuus; FAO Crop Water Information: sunflower. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 72°F (22°C) · Ideal: 72–91°F (22–33°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 54°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 20 in (513 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm)

Handles heat and drought better than maize.

Sorghum bicolor. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Sorghum bicolor; FAO Crop Water Information: sorghum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 94 portions · Ideal: at least 42 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 14°F (-10°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 240 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,052 °F·days (2,251 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,520 °F·days (1,400 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 30 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 39–79 in (1,000–2,000 mm)

Shoots are tender to spring frost; vines need shelter from wind.

Actinidia deliciosa. Sources: Zespri / New Zealand kiwifruit growing guidance; FAO ECOCROP: Actinidia deliciosa. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average91

  Here: 71°F (21°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 54°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 33 in (830 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 190 days

Needs a long, hot season and dry weather when bolls open.

Gossypium hirsutum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Gossypium hirsutum; FAO Crop Water Information: cotton. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 72°F (22°C) · Ideal: 72–86°F (22–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)80

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 57°F (14°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 29 in (741 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm)

Needs warm, light soil for pods to develop underground.

Arachis hypogaea. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Arachis hypogaea; FAO Crop Water Information: groundnut. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 94 portions · Ideal: at least 55 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -20°F (-29°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 140 days

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 15 days

• Yearly rain66

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 30–59 in (750–1,500 mm)

Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5), which climate can't tell us. Shallow roots: irrigate in dry spells.

Vaccinium corymbosum / V. virgatum. Sources: Retamales & Hancock, Blueberries (CABI, 2nd ed.); NC State Extension: blueberry chill requirements. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 94 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -26°F (-32°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 140 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,052 °F·days (2,251 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,800 °F·days (1,000 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 10 days

• Yearly rain55

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 26–51 in (650–1,300 mm)

Rootstock and variety set cold hardiness; the hardiest survive zone 3. Hot summers hurt colour and cause sunburn.

Malus domestica. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); FAO ECOCROP: Malus domestica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 94 portions · Ideal: at least 30 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 0°F (-18°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 210 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)75

  Here: 4,052 °F·days (2,251 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 4,320 °F·days (2,400 °C·days)

• Yearly rain66

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 30–59 in (750–1,500 mm)

Needs a long, hot season to fill the nuts.

Carya illinoinensis. Sources: Wells 2017, Pecan: America's Native Nut Tree (University of Alabama Press); FAO ECOCROP: Carya illinoinensis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Average temperature51

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: 61–77°F (16–25°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 14°F (-10°C)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 59–118 in (1,500–3,000 mm)

• Dry-season length100

  Here: 0 months · Ideal: at most 2 months

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 10 days

Needs acidic soil and steady rain; the finest teas come from cool highlands.

Camellia sinensis. Sources: Carr 1972, The climatic requirements of the tea plant: a review (Experimental Agriculture); FAO ECOCROP: Camellia sinensis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 94 portions · Ideal: at least 45 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -8°F (-22°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 180 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,052 °F·days (2,251 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,700 °F·days (1,500 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 75 days

• Yearly rain20

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 26–47 in (650–1,200 mm)

Late-leafing varieties (Chandler) dodge spring frost. Very hot days sunburn the nuts.

Juglans regia. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); UC ANR: Walnut Production Manual. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 94 portions · Ideal: at least 40 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -6°F (-21°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 170 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,052 °F·days (2,251 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,340 °F·days (1,300 °C·days)

• Yearly rain20

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 24–47 in (600–1,200 mm)

Flower buds are killed around −23 °C in midwinter and by frost after bloom.

Prunus persica. Sources: Fadón et al. 2020, Chilling and heat requirements of temperate stone fruit trees (Prunus sp.) (Agronomy); FAO ECOCROP: Prunus persica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 94 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -18°F (-28°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 150 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,052 °F·days (2,251 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,800 °F·days (1,000 °C·days)

• Yearly rain20

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 24–47 in (600–1,200 mm)

Warm, humid springs raise fire blight risk.

Pyrus communis / P. pyrifolia. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); FAO ECOCROP: Pyrus communis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)52

  Here: 14°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 18°F (-8°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 80°F (27°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 200 days

• Yearly rain16

  Here: 72 in (1,838 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–39 in (250–1,000 mm)

Tops die back around −10 °C but roots often regrow. Rain at ripening splits fruit.

Ficus carica. Sources: UC ANR: Fig production; FAO ECOCROP: Ficus carica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.