Crops Grown at Mission San Francisco Solano

Mission San Francisco Solano, the last and northernmost of the 21 Alta California missions (founded 1823 in present-day Sonoma), maintained a diverse agricultural program to feed its population and support trade. Historical records list the following crops cultivated at the mission:

Grains and Staples

• Corn (Maize)
• Wheat
• Barley
• Oats

Legumes and Vegetables

• Beans
• Squash

Orchard Fruits

• Apples
• Pears
• Peaches
• Plums
• Cherries
• Figs
• Pomegranates
• Dates

Nuts

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pistachios

Mediterranean Specialties

• Grapes (for wine and brandy)
• Olives (for oil)

This mix reflects the Mediterranean climate of the Sonoma Valley and the Franciscans' strategy of replicating Spanish agriculture using Native American labor. The mission's vineyards and olive groves were particularly notable, laying early foundations for California's wine and olive oil industries.