What can I grow in Seoul?

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 64°F (18°C) · Ideal: 57–75°F (14–24°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 44°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 11 in (281 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.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 88 portions · Ideal: at least 55 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -20°F (-29°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 140 days

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 15 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 49 in (1,251 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.

• Growing-season average100

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

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 62°F (17°C) · Ideal: at least 59°F (15°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 35 in (893 mm) · Ideal: 28–79 in (700–2,000 mm)

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: 67°F (20°C) · Ideal: 61–79°F (16–26°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 44°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 41°F (5°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 25 in (626 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm)

• Longest day100

  Here: 14.7 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: 58°F (15°C) · Ideal: 54–70°F (12–21°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 13 in (321 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: 58°F (15°C) · Ideal: 52–68°F (11–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 13 in (321 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: 58°F (15°C) · Ideal: 54–72°F (12–22°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 13 in (321 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: 67°F (20°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 44°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 43°F (6°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 25 in (626 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: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 68–86°F (20–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 34 in (856 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: 67°F (20°C) · Ideal: 55–68°F (13–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 44°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 25 in (626 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: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 64–86°F (18–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 34 in (856 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 3,958 °F·days (2,199 °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.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 88 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -26°F (-32°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 140 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 3,958 °F·days (2,199 °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 rain100

  Here: 49 in (1,251 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: 88 portions · Ideal: at least 40 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -6°F (-21°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 170 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 3,958 °F·days (2,199 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,340 °F·days (1,300 °C·days)

• Yearly rain94

  Here: 49 in (1,251 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: 88 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -18°F (-28°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 150 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 3,958 °F·days (2,199 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,800 °F·days (1,000 °C·days)

• Yearly rain94

  Here: 49 in (1,251 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.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 88 portions · Ideal: at least 45 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -8°F (-22°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 180 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 3,958 °F·days (2,199 °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 rain94

  Here: 49 in (1,251 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: 88 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -11°F (-24°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 150 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 3,958 °F·days (2,199 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,440 °F·days (800 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 30 days

• Yearly rain69

  Here: 49 in (1,251 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

Rain near harvest splits sweet cherries. Spring frosts at bloom are the main yield risk.

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

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 88 portions · Ideal: at least 30 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

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

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 210 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)67

  Here: 3,958 °F·days (2,199 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 4,320 °F·days (2,400 °C·days)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 49 in (1,251 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.

• Coldest-month average100

  Here: 28°F (-2°C) · Ideal: at most 43°F (6°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -22°F (-30°C)

• Warmest-month average100

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

• Yearly rain69

  Here: 49 in (1,251 mm) · Ideal: 16–39 in (400–1,000 mm)

Planted in autumn and harvested in early summer; cloves need weeks below ~10 °C to form bulbs (hardnecks more than softnecks).

Allium sativum. Sources: UC ANR: Garlic production in California; FAO ECOCROP: Allium sativum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 72–91°F (22–33°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain69

  Here: 34 in (856 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.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 72–86°F (22–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)77

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

• Growing-season rain86

  Here: 39 in (983 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.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 64–81°F (18–27°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 55°F (13°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain49

  Here: 34 in (856 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 average88

  Here: 70°F (21°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)53

  Here: 49°F (9°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain95

  Here: 41 in (1,033 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 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.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -11°F (-24°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 79°F (26°C) · Ideal: 63–79°F (17–26°C)

• Coldest-month average100

  Here: 28°F (-2°C) · Ideal: at most 50°F (10°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 120 days

• Yearly rain27

  Here: 49 in (1,251 mm) · Ideal: 14–33 in (350–850 mm)

Dislikes wet winters and humid summers more than cold. Needs sharp drainage.

Lavandula angustifolia / L. × intermedia. Sources: University extension lavender production guides (e.g. Oregon State, Washington State); FAO ECOCROP: Lavandula angustifolia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Longest day70

  Here: 14.7 h · Ideal: at least 15.0 h

• Coldest-month average100

  Here: 28°F (-2°C) · Ideal: at most 43°F (6°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least -18°F (-28°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 130 days

• Warmest-month average60

  Here: 79°F (26°C) · Ideal: 63–75°F (17–24°C)

• Yearly rain58

  Here: 49 in (1,251 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

Long summer days drive cone yield, which is why production clusters between 35° and 55° latitude. Needs a cold winter for dormancy.

Humulus lupulus. Sources: Neve 1991, Hops (Chapman & Hall); FAO ECOCROP: Humulus lupulus. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winkler index (Apr–Oct degree days)53

  Here: 3,890 °F·days (2,161 °C·days) · Ideal: 2,610–3,510 °F·days (1,450–1,950 °C·days)

• Coldest night of the year (average)72

  Here: 0°F (-18°C) · Ideal: at least 3°F (-16°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 211 days · Ideal: at least 180 days

• Yearly rain50

  Here: 49 in (1,251 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

Winkler regions: I < 1389, II 1389–1667, III 1667–1944, IV 1944–2222, V > 2222 °C·days (Apr–Oct, base 10 °C). Wet summers mean mildew pressure.

Vitis vinifera. Sources: Amerine & Winkler 1944, Composition and quality of musts and wines of California grapes (Hilgardia); Jones et al. 2010, Spatial analysis of climate in winegrape growing regions in the western United States (American Journal of Enology and Viticulture). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.