Gardening in Arizona’s low desert comes with unique challenges, and timing is everything. I created this Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide based on what actually works in my own garden in Mesa, with updated planting dates that reflect our warming climate.

If you’re gardening in areas below 3500 feet (like Phoenix or Tucson), this guide has pictures, timing tips, and planting windows for nearly 75 vegetables. You’ll know what to plant, when to plant it, and whether to use seeds or transplants, so your garden has the best chance to thrive.

Want the information from te Arizona vegetable planting guide in a format you can hold in your hands? This same month-by-month planting information is available in my printed planting guides and garden journals, which are designed specifically for Arizona gardeners. Keep it by your garden bench, in your kitchen, or wherever you plan your next season.

Shop Guides and Calendars Here

Be sure to scroll to the end of this Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide for links to helpful articles that answer common questions about growing a vegetable garden in Arizona.

Monthly Planting Resources

Need help knowing what to plant each month? I’ve got you covered.

• January, February, and March offer cool-season and spring planting opportunities.
• April and May are all about adjusting to the heat.
• June and July are tricky, but you can still plant with care.
• August marks the start of fall planting and the continued planting of warm-season crops.
• September and October are the busiest months for planting.
• November is still a great time to grow.
• December brings mild winter conditions that allow for another round of cool-season crops.

Click any month to see what to plant and how to keep your garden growing.

Use this Arizona Vegetable Planting Calendar for a compiled month-by-month guide to planting in the low desert.

Looking for growing advice tailored to specific plants? The Ultimate Plant Index offers detailed, alphabetically organized articles on vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more. Perfect for both inspiration and practical planting guidance.

Click on a vegetable to go directly to that crop in the Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide:

Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Vegetables

Amaranth

When to plant Amaranth in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March – April and July – August

How to grow Amaranth in Arizona:

• Grows best from seed
• Harvest leaves as needed and cut the seed heads with stems for drying to collect seeds. 
• Leaves are high in protein. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow amaranth.

Armenian Cucumber

When to plant Armenian Cucumbers in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: February – June
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – July

How to grow Armenian Cucumbers:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Don’t rush to plant in the spring; Armenian cucumbers prefer warm temperatures. Heat tolerance is their number one attribute; high temperatures do not stress these plants.

Read this article for more information about how to grow Armenian cucumbers. 

Artichoke (Globe)

When to plant Globe Artichokes in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds outside: October – December
Plant transplants outside: October – February

How to grow Globe Artichokes:

• Grows best from transplant
• Time to harvest: 4 – 6 months
• Buds are edible when harvested young (before opening and developing into flowers). 
• At the end of flowering, plants should be cut down to ground and mulched heavily. Plants normally come back each year.

Read this article for more information about how to grow artichokes. 

Artichoke (Jerusalem)

When to plant Jerusalem Artichokes in Arizona:

Plant seeds or transplants outside: February – May

How to grow Jerusalem Artichokes:

• Grows best from tubers planted in late winter to early spring
• Tubers are edible and harvested after the plant dies back in late fall
• At the end of the season, cut stalks to the ground; plants regrow each year from remaining tubers. Can spread aggressively if not contained.

Arugula

When to plant Arugula in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Arugula:

• Grows best from seed
• Prolonged warm temperatures cause arugula to bolt and become bitter.
• Harvest outer leaves using cut-and-come-again method to allow additional harvests.
• Arugula tolerates a little frost.

Read this article for more information about how to grow arugula.

Asparagus

When to plant Asparagus in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – November
Plant seeds outside: November – January

How to grow Asparagus:

• Asparagus grows quickest from 2 year old roots; can also start from seeds or transplants
• Time to harvest: 1 – 2 years

Read this article for more information about how to grow asparagus. 

Beans (Black-eyed-peas)

When to plant Beans (Black-eyed-peas):

Plant seeds outside: April – August

How to grow Beans (Black-eyed-peas):

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden.
• Also called cowpeas.

Read this article for more information about how to grow black-eyed-peas.

Beans (Bush & Pole)

When to plant Bush and Pole Beans in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March 15 – April and August – September

How to grow Bush and Pole Beans:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden.
• Time to harvest: 60 – 90 days
• Harvest beans when they are small and tender. Picking beans often encourages more bean production.

Read this article for more information about how to grow bush and pole beans.

Beans (Fava)

When to plant Fava Beans in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – January

How to grow Fava Beans:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden.
• Pods are edible when young; mature beans can be shelled and eaten fresh or dried
• At the end of the season, pull plants and compost or chop and drop as green manure—adds nitrogen to the soil. Cold-hardy and ideal for winter gardens.

Read this article for more information about how to grow fava beans.

Beans (Garbanzo, Lentil)

When to plant Garbanzo and Lentil Beans in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – January

How to grow Garbanzo and Lentil Beans:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden.
• Pods are edible once dry; harvest when plants begin to yellow and dry out
• At the end of the season, pull plants and compost or use as green manure. Both are cool-season crops and fix nitrogen in the soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance.

Beans (Lima)

When to plant Lima Beans in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March 15 – April and July – August

How to grow Lima Beans:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden.
• Time to harvest: 60 – 100 days
• Lima beans prefer warm but not hot temperatures and may begin producing once temperatures drop in the fall.

Read this article for more information about how to grow lima beans.

Beans (Tepary)

When to plant Tepary Beans in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March and July – August (monsoon season)

How to grow Tepary Beans:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden.
• Time to harvest: around 100 days
• Tepary beans have been grown in the Sonoran Desert for hundreds of years.
• Do not overwater. 
• Harvest when pods are dry.

Read this article for more information about how to grow tepary beans.

Beans (Yardlong)

How to grow yardlong beans in the low desert of Arizona:

When to plant Yardlong Beans in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March 15 – July

How to grow Yardlong Beans:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden.
• Time to harvest: 60 – 90 days
• Yardlong beans tolerate heat and humidity better than snap bean varieties.
• Also called asparagus beans or Chinese-longbeans.

Read this article for more information about how to grow yardlong beans. 

Beets

When to plant Beets in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – February

How to grow Beets:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden. But can be carefully transplanted when young.
• Time to harvest: 60 – 80 days
• Beets tolerate a little frost.
• Beet thinnings can be carefully transplanted.
•  Plant beet seeds every few weeks for a continual harvest. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow beets. 

Bok Choy

When to plant Bok Choy in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – January
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – February

How to grow Bok Choy:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest: 45 days
• Bok Choy likes cool temperatures.
• A light frost improves the flavor of Bok Choy. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow bok choy. 

Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Vegetables (continued)

Broccoli

When to plant Broccoli in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – November
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Broccoli:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest: 
  • Seed: 120 – 130 days
  • Transplants: 80 – 90 days
• In many varieties, smaller side shoots will form after the main head is harvested.

Read this article for more information about how to grow broccoli. 

Brussels Sprouts

When to plant Brussels Sprouts in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – September
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Brussels Sprouts:

• Grows best from transplant in the low desert of Arizona.
• Time to harvest: 100 – 120 days
• Once buds form, if temperatures are beginning to climb or if you want to harvest all the Brussels sprouts at one time, pinch off the rosette (growing tip at the top of plant) about a month before the desired harvest. This directs the plant’s energy to increasing the size of the buds and they will develop all at once.

Read this article for more information about how to grow Brussels sprouts. 

Buckwheat

When to plant Buckwheat in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March – April and September – October

How to grow Buckwheat:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden
• Seeds are edible and ready to harvest about 10–12 weeks after planting
• At the end of the season, cut plants before seeds fully drop. Great as a quick cover crop—improves soil and attracts pollinators. Heat-sensitive; avoid midsummer planting.

Cabbage

When to plant Cabbage in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – November
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Cabbage:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest: 
  • Seed: 120 – 130 days
  • Transplants: 80 – 90 days
• Cabbage will not form a head but split or bolt if exposed to too much heat or severe frost.

Read this article for more information about how to grow cabbage. 

Cantaloupe

When to plant Cantaloupe in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – June 
Plant seeds or transplants outside: February 15 – July

How to grow Cantaloupe:

• Grows best from seed if soil is warm enough.
• Time to harvest: 80 – 120 days
• Can be started indoors, but do not let seedlings become pot bound.
• Try growing native-adapted varieties from Native Seeds Search.

Read this article for more information about how to grow cantaloupe.

Carrots

How to grow carrots in the low desert of Arizona:

When to plant Carrots in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – March

How to grow Carrots:

• Grows best from seed. DO NOT USE TRANSPLANTS.
• Time to harvest: 60 – 100 days
• Thin carrot seedlings for good-sized carrots.
• Harvest carrots before the heat of the summer; the heat turns them bitter. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow carrots.

Cauliflower

When to plant Cauliflower in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – November
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Cauliflower:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest:
  • Seed: 120 – 130 days
  • Transplants: 90 – 100 days
• To grow cauliflower successfully, it needs at least 2 months of cool weather (60 degrees is ideal) to mature. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow cauliflower. 

Celery

When to plant Celery in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – September
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Celery:

• Grows best from transplant
• Time to harvest: 120 – 150 days
• Harvest individual stalks of celery as needed rather than cutting off the entire base. 
• Celery can also be grown with the cut-off base of grocery store celery.

Read this article for more information about how to grow celery. 

Chichiquelite

When to plant Chichiquelites in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – February
Plant transplants outside: March – April

How to grow Chichiquelites:

• Grows best from transplant
• Berries are edible when fully ripe. They are slightly sweet, with a mild flavor, great for jams or fresh eating
• Annual in hot climates. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Related to nightshades, only eat ripe berries; unripe fruit and foliage may be mildly toxic.

Chiltepin

When to plant Chiltepin in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – January
Plant transplants outside: February 15 – April and July 15 – September

How to grow Chiltepin:

• Grows best from transplant
• Berries are edible when fully ripe. Small, fiery fruits with a bold, smoky heat, perfect for salsas and traditional dishes.
• Perennial in mild climates, often grown as an annual in hot regions. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Related to nightshades; only eat ripe berries, as unripe fruit and foliage can be mildly toxic.

Read this article for more information about how to grow chiltepin.

Collard Greens

When to plant Collard Greens in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – January
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – February

How to grow Collard Greens:

• Grows best from transplants or direct seed in fall
• Leaves are edible and harvested young for tenderness or mature for cooking
• Cold-hardy and frost-tolerant. It can be grown as a short-lived perennial in mild winters. Thrives in full sun with consistent moisture.

Comfrey

When to plant Comfrey in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – February
Plant transplants outside: March – April

How to grow Comfrey:

• Grows best from root cuttings or transplants
• Leaves are useful for compost, mulch, or external herbal remedies, not for internal use
• Tolerates heat and drought once established. Deep roots improve soil. Great for pollinators and permaculture gardens.

Corn

When to plant Corn in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: February 15 – March and July – August

How to grow Corn:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 70 – 90 days
• Plant corn in blocks rather than rows to encourage pollination. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow corn.

Cucamelon

When to plant Cucamelons in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – March and June – August
Plant transplants outside: February 15 – April and August 15 – September

How to grow Cucamelons:

• Grows best from transplant in the low desert of Arizona
• Time to harvest: 65 – 75 days
• Growing in Arizona can be challenging. If you have trouble getting plants to grow, try starting seeds indoors.
• Also called Mexican sour gherkin and Mouse Melon.

Read this article for more information about how to grow cucamelons. 

Cucumber

When to plant Cucumbers in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – March and July – August
Plant seeds or transplants outside: February 15 – April and August 15 – September

How to grow Cucumbers:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 60 – 90 days
• For spring planting, choose short-season varieties that will ripen before the hottest days of summer. Arizona summer heat makes cucumbers bitter. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow cucumbers. 

Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Vegetables (continued)

Edamame

When to plant Edamame in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March 15 – April and August – September

How to grow Edamame:

• Grows best from seed
• Days to harvest: 75 – 110 days
• Harvest pods as soon as they are plump and still bright green. Once pods turn yellow, the consistency and flavor deteriorates rapidly.

Read this article for more information about how to grow edamame. 

Eggplant

When to plant Eggplants in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – February and May – July
Plant transplants outside: March – April and July 15 – September

How to grow Eggplants:

• Grows best from transplant
• Time to harvest: 70 – 120 days 

Read this article for more information about how to grow eggplant. 

Garlic

When to plant Garlic in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – November

How to grow Garlic:

• Planted from cloves
• Soft-neck varieties grow best in the low desert of Arizona
• Time to harvest: 5 – 7 months
• Place whole cloves in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator 6 weeks before planting. Vernalization helps ensure correct bulb formation.

Read this article for more information about how to grow garlic. 

Ground Cherries

When to plant Ground Cherries:

Start seeds indoors: December – January and May – June 
Plant transplants outside: February 15 – March  and July 15 – September

How to grow Ground Cherries:

• Grows best from transplant
• Ground cherry plants are sprawling and grow wide. Allow 2 – 3 feet between each plant. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow ground cherries.

Jicama

When to plant Jicama in Arizona:

Plant seeds indoors: January – February
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – April

How to grow Jicama:

• Grows best from seed
• Roots are edible, crisp, and sweet—harvest when vines begin to yellow in fall
• Requires a long growing season (at least 5–9 months). Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Vines can be trellised. Only the root is edible—leaves and seeds are toxic.

Kale

When to plant Kale in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – December
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Kale:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest: 60 – 90 days
• For a continual harvest, harvest only the outer leaves of kale (known as the cut-and-come-again method). 

Read this article for more information about how to grow kale. 

Kohlrabi

When to plant Kohlrabi in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – December
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Kohlrabi:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest: 45 – 60 days
• Kohlrabi tastes best when harvested small and before the weather gets hot. Begin harvesting when bulbs are about 2 inches wide. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow kohlrabi.

Leek

When to plant Leeks in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – November
Plant seeds outside: October – November
Plant transplants outside November – January

How to grow Leeks:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest: 120 -150 days
• Densely plant seeds and then thin and replant seedlings 6 – 8 inches deep and 4 – 6 inches apart; or plant from transplant. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow leeks. 

Lettuce / Endive

When to plant Lettuce in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Lettuce:

• Grows best from seed or transplant 
• Time to harvest: 50 – 100 days, depending on the variety
• For a continual harvest, harvest only the outer leaves of lettuce (known as the cut-and-come-again method). 
• Warm temperatures cause lettuce to bolt.

Read this article for more information about how to grow lettuce.

Luffa

When to plant Luffa in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – March
Plant seeds or transplants outside: February 15 – April

How to grow Luffa:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: At least 120 days when harvested as a sponge, usually much longer.
• Once gourd is longer than 6 inches, the insides become fibrous and it is too tough to eat. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow luffa. 

Malabar Spinach

When to plant Malabar Spinach in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – March
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – May

How to grow Malabar Spinach:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Although Malabar spinach tolerates hot Arizona summers, it is a tropical plant and needs consistent moisture throughout the growing season. For best flavor, keep soil evenly moist. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow Malabar spinach.

Mustard

When to plant Mustard in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – January
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – February

How to grow Mustard:

• Grows best in moist, fertile soil
• Leaves are edible raw or cooked—young leaves are tender, older ones have a spicy kick
• Fast-growing and frost-tolerant. Prefers full sun and regular watering. May bolt early in heat; harvest frequently to extend season. Also great as a cover crop.

Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Vegetables (continued)

Okra

When to plant Okra in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: February – May
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March 15 – June

How to grow Okra:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 70 – 100 days
• Good to know: Make it a point to harvest okra daily while it is producing; leaving pods on the plant slows or stops production.

Read this article for more information about how to grow okra. 

Onions (Bulb)

When to plant Onions in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – November
Plant seeds outside: October – November
Plant transplants outside:  November – January

How to grow Onions:

• Grows best from seed or onion transplants (not sets)
• Time to harvest: 7 – 8 months
• Densely plant seeds and then thin and replant seedlings.
• Onion sets commonly sold in stores have often dried out and will bolt (flower). 

Read this article for more information about how to grow onions. 

Onions (Green)

When to plant Green Onions in Arizona:

Plant from seeds outside: September 15 – April

How to grow Green Onions:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 90 – 100 days
• Good to know:  Harvest individual onions as needed. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow green onions. 

Onions (I’itoi)

When to plant I’itoi Onions in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: August – November

How to grow I’itoi Onions:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Harvest greens as needed and bulbs when they reach the desired size. 
• I’itoi onions thrive in the harsh growing conditions of the Sonoran Desert. One bulb becomes 8 or 10 bulbs, which in turn become more bulbs. You will be amazed at how quickly these bulbs multiply.

Read this article for more information about how to grow I’itoi onions.

Onions (Shallot)

When to plant Shallot Onions in Arizona:

Plant sets outside: August – November

How to grow Shallot Onions:

• Grows best from sets planted in the fall
• Bulbs are edible, mild, and sweet—used in cooking like garlic and onions
• Prefers cool-season growing with harvest in late spring. Needs full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Cure bulbs after harvest for storage. Divide and replant for continuous crops.

Parsnips

When to plant Parsnips in Arizona:

Plant outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Parsnips:

• Grows best from seed. DO NOT USE TRANSPLANTS
• Use fresh seeds each year.
• Time to harvest: 100 – 120 days

Read this article for more information about how to grow parsnips.

Peanuts

When to plant Peanuts in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March 15 – April

How to grow Peanuts:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 5 months
• The flowers of peanut plants are above ground, but the pods (shells) containing the seeds develop underground. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow peanuts. 

Peas

When to plant Peas in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Peas:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 60 – 150 days, depending on when planted and variety
• Peas are sweetest when eaten fresh; the sugar in the peas turns to starch within hours of harvesting.

Read this article for more information about how to grow peas.

Peppers

When to plant Peppers in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – February and May – July
Plant transplants outside: February 15 – April and July 15 – September

How to grow Peppers:

• Grows best from transplant
• Time to harvest: 90 – 120 days
• Start seeds indoors in late December or January for spring transplants.

Read this article for more information about how to grow peppers. 

Potatoes

When to plant Potatoes in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds outside: September – January

How to grow Potatoes:

• Grows best from seed potatoes
• Time to harvest: 90 – 120 days
• Potatoes grow well in grow bags or containers.
• If plants are killed by frost, harvest potatoes (regardless of size) within a week or two to prevent them from rotting.

Read this article for more information about how to grow potatoes. 

Pumpkins

When to plant Pumpkins in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: February and June – July
Plant seeds and transplants outside: March and July – August

How to grow Pumpkins:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 90 – 120 days
• Growing pumpkins requires a lot of room and water. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow pumpkins.

Radishes

When to plant Radishes in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – March

How to grow Radishes:

• Grows best from seed. DO NOT PLANT TRANSPLANTS
• Time to harvest: 40 – 60 days
• Radishes sprout easily, grow quickly, and are a perfect first seed to grow for new or young gardeners.

Read this article for more information about how to grow radishes.

Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Vegetables (continued)

Roselle Hibiscus

When to plant Roselle Hibiscus in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: February – April
Plant seeds and transplants outside: March 15 – May

How to grow Roselle Hibiscus:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest: 120 – 180 days
• Although the plants don’t bloom until fall, planting roselle earlier in the season ensures a large plant with plenty of blooms and calyces to harvest. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow roselle hibiscus. 

Rutabaga

When to plant Rutabaga in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Rutabaga:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden
• Roots are edible—mild, sweet, and excellent roasted, mashed, or in stews
• Prefers cool weather and takes about 90 days to mature. Harvest before spring heat sets in. Needs full sun and consistent moisture. Leaves are edible when young. Cold-hardy and great for winter gardens. 

Sorghum

When to plant Sorghum in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March – April and July – August

How to grow Sorghum:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in the garden
• Grain heads are edible, used for flour, syrup, or popped like popcorn
• Drought-tolerant and heat-loving, it thrives in full sun with minimal water. Can be used as a cover crop or forage. Harvest grain when seed heads dry and turn brown. Tall, striking plants—also great for ornamental use.

Spinach

When to plant Spinach in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December  
Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Spinach:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 40 – 90 days
• Larger leaves can become bitter; don’t wait too long to harvest.
• Harvest outer leaves (leaving inner leaves for continual harvest) or harvest the entire plant at once by cutting it off at the base.

Read this article for more information about how to grow spinach. 

Squash (Summer)

When to plant Summer Squash in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – February and July – August
Plant seeds or transplants outside: February 15 – March and August 15 – September

How to grow Summer Squash:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 60 – 90 days
• If you are finding that female fruits are withering, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from the male stamen to the female pistil.

Read this article for more information about how to grow summer squash. 

Squash (Winter)

When to plant Winter Squash:

Start seeds indoors: February and June – July
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March and July – August

How to grow Winter Squash:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 90 – 120 days
• Winter squash mature on the vine and can be stored indoors for several months. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow winter squash. 

Sweet Potatoes

When to plant Sweet Potatoes:

Start sweet potato slips indoors: January – April
Plant slips outside: March – June

How to grow Sweet Potatoes:

• Grows best from slips – small pieces of rooted sweet potato vines grown from a sweet potato.
• Time to harvest: 120 – 160 days
• Sweet potatoes need a long warm growing season, are heat tolerant and drought resistant, and have few pests or diseases.

Read this article for more information about how to grow sweet potatoes. 

Swiss Chard

When to plant Swiss Chard in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds outside: September 15 – January
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – February

How to grow Swiss Chard:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Time to harvest: 60 – 90 days
• To harvest Swiss chard, cut off the outer leaves with a sharp pair of garden scissors 1½ to 2 inches above the ground while they are young and tender (about 8 to 12 inches long).

Read this article for more information about how to grow Swiss chard. 

Tomatillos

How to grow tomatillos in the low desert of Arizona:

When to plant Tomatillos in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – January and May – July
Plant transplants outside: February 15 – March  and July 15 – September

How to grow Tomatillos:

• Grows best from transplant
• Time to harvest: 80 – 100 days
• Plants grow large and will need trellising.
• Plant 2 to ensure pollination

Read this article for more information about how to grow tomatillos. 

Tomatoes

When to plant Tomatoes in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – January and May – July
Plant transplants outside: February 15 – March  and July 15 – September

How to grow Tomatoes:

• Grows best from transplant
• Time to harvest: 50-120 days
• Look for plants with a short (60-90) days to maturity.

Read this article for more information about how to grow tomatoes. 

Turnips

When to plant Turnips in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Turnips:

• Grows best from seed. DO NOT USE TRANSPLANTS.
• Time to harvest: 90 – 120 days
• Thin when plants are 4 inches tall. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow turnips. 

Watermelon

When to plant Watermelon in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: February 15 – June

How to grow Watermelon:

• Grows best from seed
• Time to harvest: 90 – 120 days
• Watermelon leaves produce the sugars that sweeten the watermelon. Allow leaves to sprawl and grow; do not pinch off vines or leaves. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow watermelon.

Wheat

When to plant Wheat in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: November – January

How to grow Wheat:

• Grows best from seed
• Grain can be milled into flour, sprouted, or used whole in cooking
• Grows through the cool season and finishes before summer heat. Prefers a sunny location and well drained soil. Harvest when stalks turn golden and heads are dry to the touch. Easy to grow on a small scale and great for building soil health.

Looking for more help planning your Arizona garden? These visual guides are designed specifically for low desert gardeners:

• Arizona Bulb Planting Guide – Add colorful bulbs to your garden and landscape.
• Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide – Learn when and how to plant colorful blooms that thrive in our unique climate.
• Arizona Fruit Planting Guide – A visual guide to help you grow everything from citrus to berries.
• Arizona Herb Planting Guide – Discover how to grow flavor-packed herbs year-round.
• Arizona Vine Planting Guide – Add vertical interest and shade with flowering and edible vines.

Just like this Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide, each of these guide include detailed planting tips and seasonal advice tailored for growing in Arizona’s low desert.

If you are ready to dive deeper into gardening, explore my gardening classes. I offer both online and in-person classes that cover topics like seasonal planting, raised beds, soil health, and gardening in the low desert.

Want to learn more about vegetable gardening in Arizona?

Click on a question below to be taken to a blog post about the topic. 

• What do you need to know about growing a vegetable garden in Arizona?
• Is it too hot to garden in the summer in Arizona?
• Which type of soil is best for gardening in Arizona?
• What is the best way to water vegetable gardens in Arizona?
• What is the best way to prevent pests when gardening in Arizona?
• Wondering how to get started with Square Foot Gardening?
• What about plant spacing in Square Foot Gardening?
• How do you get your soil ready for planting in Arizona?
• What should you do before starting a fall garden in Arizona?
• Wondering how to prepare for a spring garden in Arizona?

The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Planting Calendar was a valuable resource as I learned to grow a vegetable garden in Arizona. I also used it as a reference in this Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide. 

If this Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide was helpful, please share it.

The post Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Vegetables appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Use this Arizona Bulb Planting Guide to learn when to plant, whether to chill bulbs beforehand, and how to give each type the best chance of thriving. While some bulbs can naturalize and return each year, others are best grown as annuals in this climate.

Flowering bulbs bring seasonal beauty, structure, and color to gardens and containers. Whether you’re planting spring-blooming daffodils and freesia or summer standouts like calla lilies and cannas, bulbs can offer dependable blooms year after year—or a stunning one-season show in the low desert’s unique climate.

For detailed tips on timing, soil preparation, and caring for bulbs in our climate, visit the Arizona Bulb Growing Guide: How to Grow Bulbs in the Low Desert. And if you want to enjoy flowering bulbs on your patio or in small spaces, check out this guide to growing bulbs in containers in hot climates.

The low desert includes elevations below 3,500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

Click on a bulb name to go directly to that bulb in the Arizona Bulb Planting Guide

A Note About “Bulbs”

Although this is called a bulb planting guide, it includes a variety of underground plant structures, not just true bulbs. These include:

• True bulbs (like tulips and daffodils)
• Corms (like ranunculus and freesia)
• Rhizomes (like iris and canna lilies)
• Tubers (like dahlias)

While technically different, they’re all planted and cared for in similar ways in the low desert, so they’re grouped together here for simplicity.

Ready to grow your skills? Sign up for one of my gardening classes taught online and in person.

Allium

When to plant Allium in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: October – November

How to grow Allium:

• Grows best from bulb
• Days from seed to bloom: 120 -150 days
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulb. Great for pollinators and striking in garden borders.

Amaryllis

When to plant Amaryllis in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: March and October – November

How to grow Amaryllis:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 40 – 70
• Months in bloom: November – March
• Good to know: Tender perennial. Often grown indoors in pots. Needs bright, indirect light. After blooming, allow leaves to grow and feed the bulb for next season. Can be stored dormant and rebloomed yearly.

Anemone

When to plant Anemone in Arizona:

Plant corms outside: October – November

How to grow Anemone:

• Grows best from corms – soak corms for 2-3 hours before planting
• Days from seed to bloom: 80 – 100
• Months in bloom: February – April
• Good to know: Cool-season bloomer. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Great for cut flowers. Plant successively every few weeks for extended blooms. Dies back in summer heat but corms can be dug up and stored or left to attempt to naturalize.

Read this article for more information about how to grow anemones. 

Calla Lily

When to plant Calla Lily in Arizona:

Plant rhizomes outside: October – November

How to grow Calla Lily:

• Grows best from rhizomes
• Days from seed to bloom: 60 – 90
• Months in bloom: May – July
• Good to know: Tender perennial. Prefers partial shade in hot climates and moist, well-drained soil. Can be grown in containers.

Canna

When to plant Canna:

Plant rhizomes outside: March

How to grow Canna:

• Grows best from rhizomes
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 100
• Months in bloom: May – October
• Good to know: Warm-season perennial. Thrives in full sun and rich, moist soil. Great for tropical-looking gardens. Can be grown in containers. Cut back after frost; rhizomes may overwinter in mild areas.

Dahlia

When to plant Dahlia:

Plant tubers outside: February – April

How to grow Dahlia:

• Grows best from tubers
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 100
• Months in bloom: July – October
• Good to know: Warm-season perennial grown as an annual in many areas. Thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Excellent for cut flowers and garden borders. Lift and store tubers after frost in colder climates.

Daffodil

When to plant Daffodil in Arizona:

Plant bulbs: October – November

How to grow Daffodil:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 120
• Months in bloom: February – April
• Good to know: Cool-season perennial. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed bulbs for next year. Deer and rodent-resistant. May naturalize.

Freesia

When to plant Freesia in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: October – November

How to grow Freesia:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 100 – 120
• Good to know: Fragrant. Prefers full morning sun and afternoon shade. Needs cool nights to thrive. Can be grown indoors. Toxic to pets if ingested. Excellent for cut flowers.

Gladiolus

When to plant Gladiolus in Arizona:

Plant corms outside: November – January

How to grow Gladiolus:

• Grows best from corms
• Days from seed to bloom: 70 – 100
• Good to know: Water deeply but infrequently. Can struggle in extreme summer heat—plant early to avoid peak temps.

Grape Hyacinth

When to plant Grape Hyacinth in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: October

How to grow Grape Hyacinth:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 120
• Months in bloom: February – March
• Good to know: Requires winter chill—chill bulbs in fridge for 6–8 weeks before planting if needed.

Hyacinth

When to plant Hyacinth in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: January – February

How to grow Hyacinth:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 110
• Months in bloom: February – March
• Good to know: Treat as annual in warm climates like the low desert. Prefers full sun to part shade. Very fragrant. Great in containers. May irritate skin—wear gloves when handling bulbs.

Iris

When to plant Iris in Arizona:

Plant rhizomes outside: October – November

How to grow Iris:

• Grows best from rhizomes
• Days from seed to bloom: 150 – 200
• Months in bloom: March – April
• Good to know: Water deeply but infrequently once established. Allow rhizomes to be partially exposed—don’t bury deeply. Divide clumps every 3–4 years for best flowering. Drought-tolerant.

Rain Lily

When to plant Rain Lilies in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: March – June

How to grow Rain Lilies:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 60 – 90
• Months in bloom: July – September
• Good to know: Blooms after rain. Prefers full sun to light shade. Tolerates heat and drought. Great in borders or containers. Dormant in dry spells. Toxic if ingested. Low-maintenance.

Ranunculus

When to plant Ranunculus in Arizona:

Plant corms outside: October – November and February – March

How to grow Ranunculus:

• Grows best from corms – (Presprout corms if planting in February – March)
• Days from planting to bloom: 90-120
• Months in bloom: February – May
• Good to know: Plant the corms 6” apart and 2” deep with the claw side down. Excellent cut flower.  Typically flowers for 4 to 6 weeks. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow ranunculus. 

Saffron Crocus

When to plant Saffron Crocus in Arizona:

Plant corms outside: September 15 – October

How to grow Saffron Crocus:

• Grows best from corms
• Days from seed to bloom: 40 – 60
• Months in bloom: October – November
• Good to know: Harvest saffron threads from flowers within 1–2 days of opening. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Very drought-tolerant. Goes dormant in summer. Plant 3–4 inches deep.

Read this article for more information on how to grow saffron crocus.

Tulip

When to plant Tulips in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: November – December

How to grow Tulips:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 110
• Months in bloom: February – March
• Good to know: Plant in full sun. Treat as annuals in warm climates. Great in containers or beds. Allow foliage to die back naturally. Toxic if ingested.

Read this article for more information on how to grow tulips.

Helpful resources for growing flowering bulbs in the low desert:

Want to give your bulbs the best chance to bloom in the desert? These resources offer helpful guidance for successful planting, care, and planning:

• Flower Gardening Basics
  Ideal for beginners. This article includes information on soil preparation, light requirements, and watering, all essential for bulb success.
• Low Desert Flower Planting Guide
  Use the Arizona Bulb Planting Guide in conjunction to time companion plantings and understand what other plants grow well seasonally.
• 10 Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters
  Many spring-blooming bulbs are planted in fall. This guide offers complementary cool-season ideas.
• Order Bulbs for Fall Planting
  A must-read before ordering! Includes recommended bulb types and instructions on when and how to order in the desert.
• Perpetual Flower Planting Calendar
  This resource can help with timing, especially for bulbs planted annually.
• Flower Planting Guide
  A great complement to the Arizona Bulb Planting Guide, especially for spacing and growing tips for mixed beds.

Need help selecting what to grow? Explore the Ultimate Plant Index for inspiration and growing tips, all in one place.

Explore More Planting Guides for the Low Desert

Looking for more help planning your Arizona garden? These visual guides are designed specifically for low desert gardeners:

• Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide – Learn when and how to plant colorful blooms that thrive in our unique climate.
• Arizona Fruit Planting Guide – A visual guide to help you grow everything from citrus to berries.
• Arizona Herb Planting Guide – Discover how to grow flavor-packed herbs year-round.
• Arizona Vine Planting Guide – Add vertical interest and shade with flowering and edible vines.
• Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide – Find the best planting times and tips for nearly 75 vegetables.

Each guide includes detailed planting tips, spacing information, and seasonal advice tailored for growing in Arizona’s low desert.

Gardening in the desert comes with unique challenges, but you do not have to figure it out alone. My Desert Gardening page is a landing page that links to all my desert gardening resources. From monthly planting schedules to strategies for summer survival and winter frost protection, it is designed to help your garden thrive year-round.

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The post Arizona Bulb Planting Guide: Low Desert Flowering Bulbs appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

With over 100 flowers in the “Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide,” I’m sure you’ll find one to try. Arizona’s seasons are short, and timing is critical when planting. Use this Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide to learn when to plant and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Helpful Resources for Growing Flowers in the Low Desert

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your flower garden, these resources will help you grow flowers successfully in Arizona’s unique climate:

• Flower Gardening Basics
  A great starting point for beginners—covers soil prep, light needs, watering, and more.
• Low Desert Flower Planting Guide
  Month-by-month planting guidance specifically for the low desert.
• 10 Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters
  Tried-and-true flowers that thrive during Arizona’s cooler months.
• Cool-Season Flowers to Plant from Seed
  Easy, direct-sow flowers for fall and winter planting.
• Cool-Season Hardy Annual Flowers
  Learn which hardy annuals to plant early for beautiful spring blooms.
• 10 Easiest Fall Flowers in Arizona
  Perfect for beginning gardeners—low-maintenance blooms that perform well in fall.
• 10 Flowers That Love Hot Summers and How to Grow Them
  Heat-tolerant blooms that thrive through Arizona summers.
• How to Grow Wildflowers in the Desert
  Planting wildflowers? This guide covers timing, prep, and tips for success.
• Growing and Using Edible Flowers
  Learn which blooms are edible and how to grow them organically.
• How to Pinch Flowers for More Blooms
  A simple technique that leads to bushier plants and more flowers.
• Plant Support Netting for Cut Flowers
  How and when to use support netting to keep your cut flowers tall and straight.
• Perpetual Flower Planting Calendar
  A perpetual calendar to help you know what flowers to plant and when.
• Flower Planting Guide
  Detailed spacing, sowing tips, and plant notes for nearly 100 types of flowers.
• How to Grow Bulbs in Containers in Hot Climates
  Tips for choosing, planting, and caring for bulbs in containers when gardening in warm regions.

Need help selecting which flower to grow? Explore the Ultimate Plant Index for inspiration and growing tips, all in one place.

Take your gardening skills to the next level with my gardening classes. Whether online or in person, these lessons dive into seasonal planting, raised bed design, soil health, and the unique challenges of gardening in the low desert—giving you the knowledge to grow with success.

Click on a flower name to go directly to that flower:

Would you like the low-desert planting dates for flowers in a convenient calendar?

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

African Daisy (Dimorphotheca sinuata)

When to plant African Daisies in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – November
*does best directly sown in garden

How to grow African Daisies: 

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: January – April
• Good to know: Reseeds readily; some consider it invasive. When plants die back, shake seeds onto the ground after pulling plants to encourage reseeding the following year. 

Ageratum (Floss Flower)

When to plant Ageratum in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – November
Plant transplants outside: October- January

How to grow Ageratum:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: February – May
• Good to know: Prefers rich soil. Needs regular water. Easy to grow. Comes in many colors. Attracts pollinators. 

Allium

When to plant Allium in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: October – November

How to grow Allium:

• Grows best from bulb
• Days from seed to bloom: 120 -150 days
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulb. Great for pollinators and striking in garden borders.

(Sweet) Alyssum

When to plant Alyssum in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – March

How to grow Alyssum:

• Grows best from seed or transplant 
• When to plant alyssum in Arizona: October – March 
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Months in bloom: Late October – May
• Good to know: If planted from seed, thin seedlings. Easy to grow. Grows well in sun or part shade. Reseeds easily. 

This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum.

Amaryllis

When to plant Amaryllis in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: March and October – November

How to grow Amaryllis:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 40 – 70
• Months in bloom: November – March
• Good to know: Tender perennial. Often grown indoors in pots. Needs bright, indirect light. After blooming, allow leaves to grow and feed the bulb for next season. Can be stored dormant and rebloomed yearly.

Ammi (Queen Anne’s Lace)

When to plant Ammi in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: September – October
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Ammi:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 65 – 90
• Months in bloom: March – early May
• Good to know: Can be invasive. Will reseed readily. Deadhead before seeds form on flower. Good cut flower and vase filler. 

Anemone

When to plant Anemone in Arizona:

Plant corms outside: October – November

How to grow Anemone:

• Grows best from corms – soak corms for 2-3 hours before planting
• Days from seed to bloom: 80 – 100
• Months in bloom: February – April
• Good to know: Cool-season bloomer. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Great for cut flowers. Plant successively every few weeks for extended blooms. Dies back in summer heat but corms can be dug up and stored or left to attempt to naturalize.

Angelonia

When to plant Angelonia in Arizona:

Plant transplants outside: March – July

How to grow Angelonia:

• Months in bloom: Nearly all year if frost free 
• Good to know: Angelonia is a tough plant that provides excellent color in the heat of low desert Arizona summers. Needs regular water; let established plants dry out a little between watering. Cover if there is a freeze. If plants do not freeze, they will provide year-round color. Divide established plants, and plant in other areas of the yard.

Read this article for more information about how to grow angelonia.

Arroyo Lupine

When to plant Arroyo Lupine in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – November

How to grow Arroyo Lupine:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 90-120
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Southwest native. Attracts pollinators. Fall sowing recommended. May self-seed. Drought-tolerant once established.

Read this article for more information about how to grow arroyo lupine.

Aster

When to plant Aster in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – September
Plant transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Aster:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: March – April
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Can be difficult to grow from seed. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Baby’s Breath

When to plant Baby’s Breath in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – October
Plant seeds or transplants outside: September – December

How to grow Baby’s Breath:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 160
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Dries well.

Bee Balm

When to plant Bee Balm in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – March

How to grow Bee Balm:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 75
• Months in bloom: Late April – early July
• Good to know: Can be difficult to grow. Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona.

Begonia

When to plant Begonias in Arizona:

Plant transplants outside: September – November

How to grow Begonia: 

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: January – December
• Good to know: Needs shade and regular water to grow well. 

Bells of Ireland

When to plant Bells of Ireland in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September – November
*does best directly sown in garden

How to grow Bells of Ireland:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Good cut flower. 18″-24″ high.

Bigelow’s Purple Aster

When to plant Bigelow’s Purple Aster in Arizona:

October – November

How to grow Bigelow’s Purple Aster: 

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: October – November and March – May
• Good to know: Attracts butterflies. Wildflower. Reseeds. Easy to grow. 

Calendula

When to plant Calendula in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – September
Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Calendula:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 100
• Months in bloom: December – May
• Good to know: Edible, medicinal uses. Reseeds easily. Early bloomer. Often grown as a trap crop for aphids. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow calendula.

Calla Lily

When to plant Calla Lily in Arizona:

Plant rhizomes outside: October – November

How to grow Calla Lily:

• Grows best from rhizomes
• Days from seed to bloom: 60 – 90
• Months in bloom: May – July
• Good to know: Tender perennial. Prefers partial shade in hot climates and moist, well-drained soil. Can be grown in containers.

Campanula (Bellflower)

When to plant Campanula in Arizona:

Plant seeds indoors: August – September
Plant transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Campanula:

• Days from seed to bloom: 70 – 90
• Months in bloom: March – June
• Good to know: Cool season hardy annual. Dies back when it gets hot. Grown as an annual. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Attracts pollinators.

Read this article for more information about how to grow campanula.

Canna

When to plant Canna:

Plant rhizomes outside: March

How to grow Canna:

• Grows best from rhizomes
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 100
• Months in bloom: May – October
• Good to know: Warm-season perennial. Thrives in full sun and rich, moist soil. Great for tropical-looking gardens. Can be grown in containers. Cut back after frost; rhizomes may overwinter in mild areas.

Carnation

When to plant Carnations in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – November
Plant transplants outside: October – January

How to grow Carnations:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: October – April
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Considered a perennial flower but is often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona. 

Celosia

When to plant Celosia in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: February – April
Plant transplants outside: April – June 15

How to grow Celosia:

• Grows best from seed (started indoors if possible) or transplant (do not let transplants become root-bound) 
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: July – November
• Good to know: Attracts pollinators and birds. Comes in several colors. It can be tricky to grow.

Chamomile

When to plant Chamomile in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant transplants outside: October – March

How to grow Chamomile:

• Grows best from transplant
• Keep flowers cut back to encourage more production.
• Chamomile grows well with most other herbs and vegetables. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow chamomile.

Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

Chrysanthemum

When to plant Chrysanthemums in Arizona:

Plant transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Chrysanthemums:

• Grows best from transplant
• Purchase transplants that have not bloomed yet.
• After blooming, remove spent blooms to encourage a second flush of color.
• Make sure container or garden bed has good drainage; mums can rot easily.

Clarkia

When to plant Clarkia in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – October
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Clarkia:

• Grows best from transplants 
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Coleus

When to plant Coleus in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – April
Plant transplants outside: March – June 15

How to grow Coleus:

• Grows best from transplant
• Months in bloom: July – November
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water and part sun or shady conditions to thrive.

Coreopsis

When to plant Coreopsis in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – March and August – September
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – May and October – November

How to grow Coreopsis:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
• Months in bloom:  April – September
• Good to know: Wildflower; reseeds easily. Thin seedlings. Good cut flower. 

Cornflower (Bachelor’s Button)

When to plant Cornflowers in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Cornflowers:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: February – June
• Good to know: Reseeds easily. Good cut flower. Many colors are available. Easy to grow. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow cornflowers.

Cosmos

When to plant Cosmos in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March – June

How to grow Cosmos:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: July – November
• Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Good cut flower. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Cosmos (Sulfur)

When to plant Sulfur Cosmos in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: May – July

How to grow Sulfur Cosmos:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: September – November
• Good to know: Reseeds easily. Taller plants may need support. Needs regular water. 

Creeping Zinnia

When to plant Creeping Zinnia in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – February
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – April

How to grow Creeping Zinnia:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Months in bloom: February – early May
• Good to know: Attracts butterflies. Reseeds.

Daffodil

When to plant Daffodil in Arizona:

Plant bulbs: October – November

How to grow Daffodil:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 120
• Months in bloom: February – April
• Good to know: Cool-season perennial. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed bulbs for next year. Deer- and rodent-resistant. May naturalize.

Dahlia

When to plant Dahlias in Arizona:

Plant tubers: February – April

How to grow Dahlias:

• Days from planting tuber to bloom: 45 – 60
• Months in bloom: April – June 
• Good to know: Needs regular water and part sun to do well. Excellent cut flower. Often treated as an annual in the low desert.

Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

Delphinium

When to plant Delphinium in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – September
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Delphinium:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – May

Desert Milkweed

When to plant Desert Milkweed in Arizona:

Plant transplants outside: February – March and October – November

How to grow Desert Milkweed:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 120
• Months in bloom: May – October
• Good to know: Native perennial. Extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun and poor soil. Attracts monarchs and other pollinators. Minimal maintenance once established. Milky sap can irritate skin—handle with care.

Dianthus (Sweet William)

When to plant Dianthus in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – November
Plant transplants outside: September – January

How to grow Dianthus:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: October – April
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors. 

Dusty Miller

When to plant Dusty Miller in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – March and August – September
Plant transplants outside: March – May and October – November

How to grow Dusty Miller:

• Grows best from transplant
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Tender perennial in Zones 8-10. Excellent filler foliage in flower arrangements.

Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)

When to plant Echinacea in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – September
Plant transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Echinacea:

• Grows best from transplant (Echinacea often blooms in the second year, and seeds need cold weather to germinate) 
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: April – June
• Good to know: Attracts wildlife. Needs regular water. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

English Daisy

When to plant English Daisies in Arizona:

Plant transplants outside: October – March

How to grow English Daisies:

• Grows best from transplant
• Months in bloom: January – May
• Good to know: The flower petals fold up at night and open again with the sun. Prefers shade. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Evening Primrose

When to plant Evening Primrose in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – September
Plant transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Evening Primrose:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: March – June
• Good to know: Attracts wildlife. Can be invasive.

Feverfew

When to plant Feverfew in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: October – February
Plant transplants outside: December – April

How to grow Feverfew:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 100
• Good to know: Excellent cut flower. Prefers light, well-drained, moist, and fertile soil. 6.0-7.2 pH preferred.

Flax

When to plant Flax in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: Sept. 15 – November 15

How to grow Flax:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: January – early May
• Good to know: Considered perennial flower. Scarlet and blue varieties. Wildflower; reseeds easily. 

Forget-me-not

When to plant Forget-me-nots in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September – December

How to grow Forget-me-nots:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Wildflower; reseeds easily. Does best in part sun. 

Four O’Clock

When to plant Four O’Clocks in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: March – June

How to grow Four O’Clock:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 90
• Months in bloom: July – November
• Good to know: Poisonous. Flowers open mid-afternoon. Reseeds. Needs afternoon shade. Attracts squash bugs.

Read this article for more information about how to grow four o’clocks.

Foxglove (Digitalis)

When to plant Foxgloves in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – August
Plant transplants outside: September – October

How to grow Foxglove:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know:  Difficult to grow. Poisonous. Needs regular water and part sun. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow foxglove.

Freesia

When to plant Freesia in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: October – November

How to grow Freesia:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 100 – 120
• Good to know: Fragrant. Prefers full morning sun and afternoon shade. Needs cool nights to thrive. Can be grown indoors. Toxic to pets if ingested. Excellent for cut flowers.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

When to plant Gaillardia in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – February
Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – November and January – April

How to grow Gaillardia:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – early November
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Wildflower. Reseeds easily. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Gazania

When to plant Gazanias in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – February
Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – November and February – April

How to grow Gazanias:

• Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
• Months in bloom: Late October – June
• Good to know: Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona. 

Geranium

When to plant Geraniums in Arizona:

Plant transplants outside: September – April

How to grow Geraniums:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: February – June
• Good to know: Remove flowers for the first few weeks to allow the plant to get established. Keep dead-headed for better blooms. Does best with regular water and 4-6 hours of sun. 
• Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona. 

Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

Gladiolus

When to plant Gladiolus in Arizona:

Plant corms outside: November – January

How to grow Gladiolus:

• Grows best from corms
• Days from seed to bloom: 70 – 100
• Good to know: Water deeply but infrequently. Can struggle in extreme summer heat—plant early to avoid peak temps.

Globe Mallow

When to plant Globe Mallow in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – November

How to grow Globe Mallow:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: February – early July
• Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Attracts birds and pollinators. Easy to grow.

Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)

When to plant Gomphrena in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – May
Plant transplants outside: March – July 15

How to grow Gomphrena:

• Grows best from transplant 
• Days from seed to bloom: 100
• Months in bloom: April – September
• Good to know: Different varieties: trailing and more compact types. Good cut flower. Excellent for drying. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Heat tolerant. Easy to grow. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow gomphrena.

Grape Hyacinth

When to plant Grape Hyacinth in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: October

How to grow Grape Hyacinth:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 120
• Months in bloom: February – March
• Good to know: Requires winter chill—chill bulbs in fridge for 6–8 weeks before planting if needed.

Hollyhock

When to plant Hollyhocks in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – March

How to grow Hollyhocks:

• Grows best from seed, can also be grown from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: Depends on variety
• Months in bloom: April – June
• Good to know: Many hollyhocks are biennials that grow strong root systems and foliage the first year. In the second year, they send up flowering shoots that produce seeds and then die.

This article shares more information about how to grow hollyhocks. 

Hyacinth

When to plant Hyacinth in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: January – February

How to grow Hyacinth:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 110
• Months in bloom: February – March
• Good to know: Treat as annual in warm climates like the low desert. Prefers full sun to part shade. Very fragrant. Great in containers. May irritate skin—wear gloves when handling bulbs.

Impatiens

When to plant Impatiens in Arizona:

Plant seeds or transplants outside: April – May

How to grow Impatiens:

• Grows best from transplants
• Days from seed to bloom: 90
• Months in bloom: late July – November
• One of few blooming plants that grow in the shade.

Iris

When to plant Iris in Arizona:

Plant rhizomes outside: October – November

How to grow Iris:

• Grows best from rhizomes
• Days from seed to bloom: 150 – 200
• Months in bloom: March – April
• Good to know: Water deeply but infrequently once established. Allow rhizomes to be partially exposed—don’t bury deeply. Divide clumps every 3–4 years for best flowering. Drought-tolerant.

Larkspur

When to plant Larkspur in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – January

How to grow Larkspur:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Wildflower; reseeds heavily. Several colors. Easy to grow. Attracts hummingbirds.

Linaria (Toadflax)

When to plant Linaria in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – November 15

How to grow Linaria:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: March – April
• Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds. Easy to grow. Many colors. 

Lisianthus

When to plant Lisianthus in Arizona:

Plant transplants outside: February – May

How to grow Lisianthus:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from transplant to bloom: 60-90
• Months in bloom: April – November
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Heat tolerant. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow lisianthus. 

Lobelia

When to plant Lobelia in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – October
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – December

How to grow Lobelia:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – early June
• Good to know: Prefers part sun. Needs regular water. Wait until hot temperatures subside to plant transplants.

Read this article for more information about how to grow lobelia.

Lupine

When to plant Lupine in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – November

How to grow Lupine:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: Late February – April
• Good to know: Can be tricky to grow. Once they find a spot they like, will often reseed each year.

Mahogany Splendor Hibiscus

When to plant Mahogany Splendor Hibiscus in Arizona:

Plant seeds indoors: January – March
Plant transplants outside: March – May

How to grow Mahogany Splendor Hibiscus:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 75 – 90
• Months in bloom: August – October
• Good to know: Grown for striking burgundy foliage. Loves full sun and heat. Not frost-tolerant. Water regularly. Can be pinched for bushier growth.

Read this article for more information on how to grow mahogany splendor hibiscus.

Marigold

When to plant Marigolds in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – April and August – September
Plant seeds outside: February – May and September – October
Plant transplants outside: February 15 – May and September – October

How to grow Marigolds:

• Grows best from seed or transplants
• Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
• Months in bloom: Late September – December and March – June
• Good to know: Good companion plant in the garden. Reseeds easily. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

This article shares more information about how to grow marigolds.

Nasturtium

When to plant Nasturtium in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – January

How to grow Nasturtiums:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: February – May
• Good to know: Edible. Good companion and trap crop. Overly-rich soil results in fewer blooms. Reseeds readily. 

This article shares more information about how to grow nasturtiums.

Nigella (Love-in-a-mist)

When to plant Nigella in Arizona:

Plant seeds indoors: August – February
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – March

How to grow Nigella:

• Days from seed to bloom: 65 – 75
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Cool-season annual. Prefers full sun. Reseeds easily. Drought-tolerant once established. Unique seed pods great for dried arrangements. Non-toxic. Best performance in fall or very early spring plantings.

Ornamental Cabbage

When to plant Ornamental Cabbage in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – October
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – December

How to grow Ornamental Cabbage:

• Grows best from transplant
• Months “in bloom“: Late September – March
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Tolerates part shade.

Ornamental Kale

When to plant Ornamental Kale in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – October
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – December

How to grow Ornamental Kale:

• Grows best from transplant
• Months “in bloom“: Late September – March
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Tolerates part shade.

Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

Painted Daisy

When to plant Painted Daisies in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – November 15

How to grow Painted Daisies:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: Late March – May
• Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Medium difficulty to grow. Needs regular water. Good cut flower. 

Penstemon

When to plant Penstemon in Arizona:

Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Penstemon:

• Grows best from
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 120
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Native-friendly perennial. Loves full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts hummingbirds. Avoid overwatering. Cut back after bloom to encourage rebloom or maintain shape.

Petunia

When to plant Petunias in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – January
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – March

How to grow Petunias:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Months in bloom: October – early May
• Good to know: Pinch off flowers when first planted to encourage root development. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Easy to grow. Needs regular watering. 

Phlox

When to plant Phlox in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: September 15 – November 15

How to grow Phlox:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Needs regular water. Easy to grow. Cut back stems after flowering. Different varieties have varying heights and colors. 

Poppy

When to plant Poppies in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: October – December

How to grow Poppies:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 120-150 
• Months in bloom: March – early May
• Good to know: Many different varieties (California, Shirley, Iceland). Reseeds easily. Seed pods are beautiful. Needs regular water. Easy to grow. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow poppies. 

Portulaca (Moss Rose)

When to plant Portulaca in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – April
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – June

How to grow Portulaca:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Months in bloom: Late February – October
• Good to know: Edible. Water the plant only when the top of the soil is dry. Needs well-drained soil. Good for containers or rock gardens. Pinch back to encourage new growth.

Purslane

When to plant Purslane in Arizona:

Plant seeds or transplants outside: February – August

How to grow Purslane:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden, can also be grown from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Good to know: Although purslane is often considered a weed, it is edible and highly nutritious.

Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

Rain Lily

When to plant Rain Lilies in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: March – June

How to grow Rain Lilies:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 60 – 90
• Months in bloom: July – September
• Good to know: Blooms after rain. Prefers full sun to light shade. Tolerates heat and drought. Great in borders or containers. Dormant in dry spells. Toxic if ingested. Low-maintenance.

Ranunculus

When to plant Ranunculus in Arizona:

Plant corms outside: October – November and February – March

How to grow Ranunculus:

• Grows best from corms – (Presprout corms if planting in February – March)
• Days from planting to bloom: 90-120
• Months in bloom: February – May
• Good to know: Plant the corms 6” apart and 2” deep with the claw side down. Excellent cut flower.  Typically flowers for 4 to 6 weeks. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow ranunculus. 

Ratibida (Mexican Hat)

When to plant Ratibida (Mexican Hat in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – September
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Mexican Hat:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: April – Early September
• Good to know: Wildflower; often reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)

When to plant Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – March

How to grow Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan):

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: July – September
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Wildflower; often reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow rudbeckia. 

Safflower

When to plant Safflower in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: February – March

How to grow Safflower:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 90
• Months in bloom: Late April – June
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Attracts wildlife.

Saffron Crocus

When to plant Saffron Crocus in Arizona:

Plant corms outside: September 15 – October

How to grow Saffron Crocus:

• Grows best from corms
• Days from seed to bloom: 40 – 60
• Months in bloom: October – November
• Good to know: Harvest saffron threads from flowers within 1–2 days of opening. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Very drought-tolerant. Goes dormant in summer. Plant 3–4 inches deep.

Read this article for more information on how to grow saffron crocus.

Salpiglossis

When to plant Salpiglossis (Painted Tongue) in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – September
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Salpiglossis (Painted Tongue):

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – early June
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Difficult to grow.

Salvia

When to plant Salvia in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – March and July – August
Plant transplants outside: March – May and September 15 – October

How to grow Salvia:

• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Months in bloom: April – early December
• Good to know: Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Several colors and varieties. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.

Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)

When to plant Scabiosa in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – September
Plant transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Scabiosa:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: April – August
• Good to know: Can be tricky to grow from seed, start transplants if available. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information on how to grow scabiosa.

Shasta Daisy

When to plant Shasta Daisies in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – September
Plant transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Shasta Daisies:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• Months in bloom: April – July
• Good to know: Needs regular water. Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.

Read this article for more information about how to grow shasta daisies.

Snapdragon

When to plant Snapdragons in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: July – December
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – February 15

How to grow Snapdragon:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
• Months in bloom: November – early June
• Good to know: Attracts bees and butterflies. One of the easiest cool-season flowers to grow. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information on how to grow snapdragons.

Statice

When to plant Statice in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – September
Plant transplants outside: October – November

How to grow Statice:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – August
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Dries well. Several colors are available.

Read this article for more information about how to grow statice. 

Stock

When to plant Stock in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – November
Plant transplants outside: October – January

How to grow Stock:

• Grows best from transplants or seeds 
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Cutting central stem early (on most varieties) produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Needs regular water. Easy to grow. Fragrant. 

Strawflower

When to plant Strawflowers in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – December
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – February

How to grow Strawflowers:

• Grows best from transplants or seeds 
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• Months in bloom: March – September
• Good to know: Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.  Good cut flower. Excellent for drying.

This article shares more information about how to grow strawflowers. 

Sunflower

When to plant Sunflowers in Arizona:

Plant seeds outside: February – August

How to grow Sunflowers:

• Grows best from seed directly sown in garden
• Days from seed to bloom: 90
• Months in bloom: May – November
• Good to know: Start seeds in trays if birds are a problem. Easy to grow. Try single-stem and branching varieties. Good cut flower. Attracts birds and pollinators. 

This article shares more information about how to grow sunflowers. 

Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

Sweet Peas

When to plant Sweet Peas in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: September – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – February

How to grow Sweet Peas:

• Days from seed to bloom: 120 
• Months in bloom: February to early May
• Good to know: Doesn’t like being pot bound; if starting indoors, transplant as soon as possible. Prefers rich soil. Needs regular water. Provide support or trellis for growing plants. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow sweet peas.

Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)

When to plant Tithonia in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – March
Plant seeds or transplants outside: February – May

How to grow Tithonia:

• Grows best from seed 
• Days from seed to bloom: 120 
• Months in bloom: July to early December
• Good to know: Easy to grow heat-loving and drought tolerant flower. Does well in full sun. Plants grow large – provide plenty of room. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow tithonia (Mexican sunflower)

Toothache Plant (Acmelia Oleracea)

When to plant Toothache Plant in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – February
Plant seeds or transplants outside: February – April

How to grow Toothache Plant:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 60-90
• Good to know: Spilanthes is a heat-loving flower commonly called “toothache plant” due to the numbing sensation experienced after eating the leaves or more especially, the flowers.

Read this article for more information about how to grow toothache plant.

Tulip

When to plant Tulips in Arizona:

Plant bulbs outside: November – December

How to grow Tulips:

• Grows best from bulbs
• Days from seed to bloom: 90 – 110
• Months in bloom: February – March
• Good to know: Plant in full sun. Treat as annuals in warm climates. Great in containers or beds. Allow foliage to die back naturally. Toxic if ingested.

Read this article for more information on how to grow tulips.

Verbena

When to plant Verbena in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: June – August
Plant transplants outside: September 15 – November

How to grow Verbena:

• Grows best from transplants
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: March – September 
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Wildflower types will often reseed. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow verbena.

Vinca

When to plant Vinca in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: January – May
Plant transplants outside: March – July

How to grow Vinca:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Months in bloom: April – October
• Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Tolerates hot conditions. Needs regular watering. Often reseeds. Look for trailing varieties for containers. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Easy to grow. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow vinca.

Violet (Viola, Pansy)

When to plant Violets in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – November
Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – January

How to grow Violets:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Edible. Reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow violets.

Wild Hyssop

When to plant Wild Hyssop in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: December – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside: February – March

How to grow Wild Hyssop:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 90-210
• Months in bloom: June – September
• Good to know: Needs regular water. Attracts wildlife. Afternoon shade preferred.

Yarrow

When to plant Yarrow in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: August – January
Plant transplants outside: October – March

How to grow Yarrow:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Months in bloom: May – August
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Wildflower.

Zinnia

When to plant Zinnias in Arizona:

Start seeds indoors: February – May
Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – July

How to grow Zinnias in Arizona:

• Grows best from seed or transplant 
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
• Months in bloom: April – November
• Good to know: Attracts butterflies. Good cut flower. Do not get leaves wet. Easy to grow. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Grows well in full sun. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.

Read this article for more information about how to grow zinnias. 

Looking for more planting date information? The Fruit Planting Guide, Bulb Growing Guide, Vegetable Planting Guide, Vine Planting Guide, and Herb Planting Guide are full of helpful details about when to plant here in the low desert of Arizona.

Want to learn more about how to grow annual flowers?

Flower Planting Guide for the Low Desert – This guide, published by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension office, was a valuable resource as I’ve learned to grow flowers in the low desert. I also used it as a reference in the Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide. 

If you found this Arizona annual flower planting guide helpful, please share it.

The post Arizona Annual Flowers: A Visual Guide for Low-Desert Flowers appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Many types of fruit and fruit trees thrive in the low desert of Arizona and are surprisingly easy to grow with the right variety and care. This Arizona Fruit Planting Guide provides planting dates and essential growing tips for 25 types of fruit that do well in our climate. With the right mix of trees, it’s possible to enjoy fresh fruit from your garden nearly year-round.

The low desert includes areas below 3,500 feet in elevation, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro regions and other parts of the Southwestern U.S. with similar growing conditions. Explore the Desert Gardening page for everything you need to grow in hot, dry climates.

When choosing deciduous fruit trees, pay attention to their chill hour requirements—the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F needed to set fruit. In the low desert, select varieties that require 400 chill hours or fewer. All varieties listed in this guide meet that requirement. Keep in mind that warmer winters may reduce chill hours, which can lead to variable fruit production from year to year.

Helpful Resources for Growing Fruit in Arizona’s Low Desert:

If you’re looking to grow fruit successfully in the low desert, these posts will guide you every step of the way:

How to Label Fruit Trees – Never forget what you planted—use these labeling tips to stay organized season after season.

What to Plant for Year-Round Fruit Tree Harvests – Get inspired by a seasonal planting plan so you always have something to harvest.

How and Why to Thin Fruit Trees – Thinning helps ensure healthy fruit and prevents branch breakage—learn when and how to do it.

When and How to Prune Fruit Trees – Timing and technique matter. This post explains the best way to prune for productivity and shape.

How to Create a Permaculture Food Forest – Design a layered, sustainable fruit-growing system that thrives in a desert climate.

Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizing in 4 Simple Steps – Learn the yearly fertilizing schedule and what your fruit trees need to stay healthy.

Planting Bare Root and Container Fruit Trees: A Step-by-Step Guide – Whether you’re planting in winter or spring, follow this guide for a strong start.

Thriving Edible Perennials for the Low Desert – Discover which low-maintenance perennials add beauty and productivity to your garden.

Still not sure what to plant or how to grow it? The Ultimate Plant Index has you covered, with guides from apples to strawberries organized A–Z for easy browsing. Use it as your go-to resource for planning and care tips, and if you’re ready to learn even more, join me for a gardening class to gain step-by-step confidence in your garden.

Click on the fruit name to go directly to that fruit:

Apple

How to Grow Apples in Arizona:

Apples can thrive in the low desert if you choose low-chill varieties. With proper pruning and care, they produce crisp, delicious fruit in late spring or early summer.

Varieties of apple trees that grow well in Arizona:

• Anna – Self-fruitful (200 hours)
• Beverly Hills – Self-fruitful (300 hours)
• Ein Shemer – Self-fruitful (100 hours)
• Gordon – Self-fruitful (400 hours)
• Golden Dorsett – Self-fruitful (100 hours)

The best time to plant apple trees in Arizona: Fall or spring when planted from container plants. Bare root trees should be planted in January or early February.

Months to harvest: June through September, depending on variety.

Tips for growing apple trees in Arizona:

• Fertilize and prune before bud break.
• Prune lightly, removing only ⅓ of limbs. 
• Thin fruit to 1-2 per bunch after fruit set. 

Apricot

How to Grow Apricots in Arizona:

Apricots are well-adapted to Arizona’s climate and ripen early—often before summer heat hits. Choose low-chill types and protect blossoms from late frosts.

Varieties of apricot trees that grow well in Arizona:

• Gold Kist – self-fruitful (300 hours)
• Katy – self-fruitful (400 hours) 
• Modesto – self-fruitful (300-400 hours)
• Blenheim (Royal) – self-fruitful (400 hours) 

The best time to plant apricot trees in Arizona: Fall or spring when planted from container plants. Bare-root trees should be planted in January or early February.

Months to harvest: May – June

Tips for growing apricot trees in Arizona:

• Fertilize and prune before bud break.
• Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
• Thin apricots to at least 2 inches apart as soon as possible after fruit set.

Asian Pear

How to Grow Asian Pears in Arizona:

Asian pears combine the crisp texture of apples with the sweetness of pears. They grow well in full sun with minimal disease issues and need thinning for best fruit size.

Varieties of Asian pear trees that grow well in Arizona:

• Shinseiki – self-fruitful (350-400 hours)
• Yakumo – pollinator required (450 hours)

Best time to plant Asian pear trees in Arizona: Fall or spring when planted from container plants. Bare root trees should be planted in January or early February.

Months to harvest: May through June, depending on variety.

Tips for growing Asian pears in Arizona:

• Fertilize and prune before bud break.
• Fertilize monthly during the growing season. 
• Thin pears to at least 4 inches apart as soon as possible after fruit set.

Banana

How to Grow Bananas in Arizona:

Bananas can grow in sheltered microclimates in the low desert. They need rich soil, frequent watering, and protection from frost and extreme summer sun.

Varieties that grow well in Arizona:

• Rajapuri, Dwarf Cavendish, Dwarf Orinoco

Best time to plant:
Late spring or early summer, after soil warms

Months to harvest:
12–18 months after planting, depending on conditions

Tips:

• Remove suckers to direct energy to fruiting stalk.
• Best grown in protected courtyards or near block walls for warmth.
• Mulch heavily and water consistently.

Arizona Fruit Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Fruit

Blackberry

How to Grow Blackberries in Arizona:

Blackberries grow as thornless or thorny canes and produce juicy, sweet fruit in early summer. Plant in rich soil with afternoon shade for best results in Arizona.

Varieties of blackberries that grow well in Arizona:

• Brazos – thorny; large berries; heavy yield
• Rosborogh – large, sweet fruit

Best time to plant blackberry transplants in Arizona: February – March and October

Months to harvest: Begins in early May

Tips for growing blackberries in Arizona:

• Water frequently when young. Once established, water deeply. Water more frequently during dry/hot weather, when flowering, and when fruit is ripening.
• Fertilize in early March and in late July.
• Blackberry canes are biennial. The canes are fruitless the first year, and then bear fruit the second year, and die after fruiting. Remove all fruiting canes in June after harvest.

Cherry (Including Barbados Cherry)

How to Grow Cherries in Arizona:

Traditional cherry trees can be challenging to grow in the low desert due to chill hour requirements and sensitivity to heat, but low-chill varieties like ‘Minnie Royal’ and ‘Royal Lee’ may succeed with care. Barbados cherry, on the other hand, is a tropical, heat-loving shrub that grows well in Arizona and produces small, vitamin C-rich fruit with minimal fuss.

Varieties of cherries that grow well in Arizona:

• Minnie Royal and Royal Lee (require cross-pollination)
• Barbados Cherry – Also called acerola cherry; not a true cherry but a great alternative for desert gardeners

Best time to plant cherries in Arizona:
Late fall through early spring, when temperatures are mild and roots can establish before summer heat.

Months to harvest:

• Traditional cherries: May to early June
• Barbados cherry: Multiple harvests from late spring through fall

Tips for growing cherries in Arizona:

• Traditional cherries require low-chill hours (300–400) and need protection from intense sun and drying winds.
• Plant Minnie Royal and Royal Lee together for cross-pollination.
• Provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture during blooming and fruiting.
• Barbados cherry thrives in full sun, tolerates high heat, and benefits from some frost protection when young.
• Prune Barbados cherry lightly to shape and encourage branching; protect both types from birds when fruiting.

Citrus

How to Grow Citrus in Arizona:

Citrus is a staple in Arizona gardens thanks to its heat tolerance and year-round greenery. Choose varieties based on harvest time to enjoy fruit from fall through spring.

Varieties of citrus that grow well in Arizona: Nearly all varieties do well in the low desert of Arizona. Calamondins and kumquats are the most cold hardy; lemons and limes are the least.

Best time to plant citrus in Arizona: (usually mid to late February). Citrus can be planted from this time through May. Do not plant citrus from June through September. A second planting window for citrus occurs in the fall, from October to December. 

Months to harvest: Late fall through early spring depending on variety.

Tips for growing citrus in Arizona: 

• Newly-planted citrus is more susceptible to frost and needs frost protection. 
• Fertilize mature citrus on Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. 
• Heavy pruning should be done after danger of frost is passed. 
• Paint exposed bark to protect from sun.

Read this article for more information about how to grow citrus in Arizona.

Date

How to Grow Dates in Arizona:

Date palms are perfectly suited for the desert—they love heat and low humidity. You’ll need both a male and female tree for fruit production and plenty of space.

Varieties of dates that grow well in Arizona: Date Palm

Best time to plant date trees in Arizona: Spring and fall

Months to harvest: Summer

Tips for growing dates in Arizona:

• Trees are large, growing to 100 feet tall and wide.
• Get damaged at temperatures below 18°F.

Arizona Fruit Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Fruit

Fig

How to Grow Figs in Arizona:

Figs thrive in Arizona’s hot, dry climate and are nearly foolproof once established. They produce sweet fruit in summer and often again in fall.

Varieties of figs that grow well in Arizona:

• Black Mission – large, long-lived tree
• Brown Turkey – better in higher elevations (2000-3000 feet)
• Conadria – tolerates heat well
• White Kadota – hot weather helps ripen

Best time to plant fig trees in Arizona: Early spring and fall

Months to harvest: May and late fall

Tips for growing fig trees in Arizona: 

• Hardy to 10°F.
• Fertilize container trees with aged manure in January.
• Trees grow very large but can be pruned for size or grown in containers.

Read this article for more information about how to grow figs.

Goji Berry

How to Grow Goji Berries in Arizona:

Goji berries are hardy shrubs that tolerate heat and alkaline soil, producing small, nutritious berries. They grow best with full sun and moderate water.

Best time to plant goji berries in Arizona: Spring and fall

Months to harvest: Spring and late fall

Tips for growing goji berries in Arizona: 

• Berries form on the current year’s wood. 
• Pruning encourages new growth and keeps the plant open for light and air circulation. 
• Plants begin producing at 2 years old and reach maximum production after 3-5 years. 

Grapes

How to Grow Grapes in Arizona:

Grapes love Arizona sunshine and can be trained on arbors or trellises. Choose varieties that ripen before the monsoon season for best results.

Varieties of grapes that grow well in Arizona:

• Thompson Seedless – classic green grape, thrives in full sun, great for drying into raisins
• Ruby Seedless – red, sweet, and crisp; needs heat to fully develop flavor
• Beauty Seedless – early ripening; good for fresh eating, prefers warm but not extreme heat
• Flame Seedless – vigorous and productive; excellent in hot, dry climates like the low desert

Best time to plant grape transplants in Arizona: February 15 – March and October

Months to harvest: July – August

Tips for growing grapes in Arizona: 

• Roots go 2 feet deep; plant in rich soil.
• Water slowly, deeply, and infrequently. During the summer, water every 7 to 10 days.
• Fertilize mature grapes in February and May.
• Learn how to train and prune.
• Look out for Western grape leaf skeletonizer; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt.) to control.

Read this article for more information about how to grow grapes.

Ground Cherry

How to Grow Ground Cherries in Arizona:

Ground cherries are small, husk-covered fruits with a tropical flavor. These heat-loving annuals grow easily from seed and make a great addition to summer gardens.

Varieties of ground cherries that grow well in Arizona:

• Aunt Molly’s – sweet, citrus flavor; great for jams and snacking
• New Hanover – tropical taste; larger fruit; loves heat and sun

Plant seeds indoors: December – January and May – June
Plant transplants outdoors: February 15 – March and July 15 – September

Months to harvest: May – July and October – November

Tips for growing ground cherries in Arizona: 

• Seeds are slow to germinate. Start seeds indoors 6 – 8 weeks before planting.
• Plants grow large; provide support.
• Ground cherries are ready to harvest when they fall to the ground. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow ground cherries. 

Arizona Fruit Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Fruits (continued)

Jujube (Chinese Date)

How to Grow Jujubes (Chinese Dates) in Arizona:

Jujubes are incredibly drought- and heat-tolerant trees that produce crisp, apple-like fruit. Once established, they require very little care and thrive in poor soil.

Varieties of jujube (Chinese date) that grow well in Arizona:

• Li – large, round fruit; sweet and crisp fresh
• Lang – best dried; firmer and more tart than Li
• Sherwood – late ripening; flavorful and less prone to cracking

Best time to plant jujube in Arizona: Fall or spring

Months to harvest: Late summer to fall

Tips for growing jujube in Arizona: 

• Hardy to -20°F.
• Space trees 15-30 feet apart, depending on variety.
• Deciduous; has thorns.
• Allow fruit to drop for harvest.
• Drought tolerant.
• Does not need additional fertilizer.
• Prune in winter while dormant.

Loquat

How to Grow Loquats in Arizona:

Loquats are attractive evergreen trees that produce sweet, tangy fruit in early spring. They can grow in Arizona with afternoon shade and frost protection.

Varieties that grow well in Arizona:

• Big Jim, Gold Nugget, Champagne

Best time to plant:
Fall or early spring

Months to harvest:
March to May

Tips:

• May not produce reliably every year in colder microclimates.
• Provide afternoon shade and protect from hard frosts when young.
• Water deeply during fruit development.

Moringa

How to Grow Moringa in Arizona:

Also called the drumstick or miracle tree, moringa thrives in heat and poor soil. It’s grown for its edible leaves, pods, and flowers and makes a great addition to edible landscapes.

Varieties that grow well in Arizona:

• Moringa oleifera is most common and widely adapted

Best Time to plant:
Spring, once soil is warm

Months to harvest:
Leaves and pods can be harvested throughout the warm season

Tips:

• Requires frequent harvesting to keep manageable.
• Fast-growing; can be grown as a tree or pruned into a shrub.
• Very frost-sensitive—regrows from roots after mild freezes.

Mulberry

How to Grow Mulberries in Arizona:

Mulberries are fast-growing, low-maintenance trees that thrive in the heat and alkaline soils of the low desert. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and produce abundantly with minimal care.

Varieties of mulberries that grow well in Arizona:

• Pakistan Mulberry – Large, sweet, seedless fruit with a long harvest season.
• Black Mulberry – Smaller tree with rich, flavorful fruit.
• White Mulberry (Morus alba) – Less popular for fruit, but very heat-hardy.
• Persian and Shangri-La are also good options.

Best time to plant mulberries in Arizona:
Fall or spring, once the risk of frost has passed or before summer heat sets in.

Months to harvest:
April to June, depending on the variety and weather conditions.

Tips for growing mulberries in Arizona:

• Hardy in USDA Zones 7–10; well suited for the low desert.
• Full sun is best for maximum fruit production.
• Mulberries rarely need fertilizing once established—too much nitrogen can reduce fruiting.
• Prune in late winter to shape and control size; they can grow large quickly.
• Birds love the fruit—consider netting or only planting where fallen fruit won’t be an issue.
• Most varieties are self-fruitful (no second tree needed for pollination).

Olive

How to Grow Olives in Arizona:

Olives thrive in the low desert’s dry heat and alkaline soil. These evergreen trees are ornamental and drought-tolerant, producing fruit that must be cured before eating.

Varieties that grow well in Arizona:

• Arbequina, Arbosana, Koroneiki, and Mission are popular choices
• Choose self-fruitful or pair compatible varieties for best yields

Best time to plant:
Fall or early spring

Months to harvest:
September to November, depending on variety

Tips:

• Fruit drop can stain pavement—plant carefully.
• Full sun, excellent drainage, and minimal water once established.
• Prune to maintain size and improve airflow.

Passionfruit

How to Grow Passionfruit in Arizona:

This tropical vine produces fragrant flowers and sweet-tart fruit. It grows vigorously in warm weather and benefits from afternoon shade and consistent moisture.

Edible fruit varieties that grow well in Arizona:

• Frederick and other purple passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) are best suited

Best time to plant:
Spring, after the danger of frost

Months to harvest:
Late summer into fall, often beginning the second year

Tips:

• Pollination may improve with multiple vines.
• Needs a strong trellis or fence to climb.
• Protect from frost and scorching sun while young.

Read this article for more information about how to grow passion flower vine.

Peach

How to Grow Peach Trees in Arizona:

Peaches grow very well in Arizona when low-chill varieties are selected. Prune annually and thin fruit to prevent branch breakage and improve size and flavor.

Varieties of peach trees that grow well in Arizona:

• Bonanza Miniature – freestone, self-fruitful (250 hours or less)
• August Pride – freestone, self-fruitful (300 hours or less)
• Babcock – freestone, self-fruitful (250-300 hours)
• Desert Gold – clingstone, self-fruitful (250 hours)
• Desert Red – clingstone, self-fruitful (275 hours)
• Earligrande – semi-freestone, self-fruitful (275 hours)
• Eva’s Pride – freestone, self-fruitful (100-200 hours)
• Florida Prince – semi-freestone, self-fruitful (150 hours)
• Floridagrande – semi-freestone (less than 100 hours)
• May Pride – freestone, self-fruitful (175-200 hours)
• Mid-Pride – freestone, self-fruitful (250 hours)
• Tropic Beauty – freestone, self-fruitful (100-200 hours)
• Tropic Snow – freestone, self-fruitful (175-200 hours)
• Vallegrande – semi-freestone, self-fruitful (250 hours)
• Tropic Sweet – freestone, self-fruitful (100-200 hours)

The best time to plant peach trees in Arizona: Fall or spring when planted from container plants. Bare-root trees should be planted in January or early February.

Harvest months: April through August, depending on the variety.

Tips for growing peach trees in Arizona:

• Prune before bud break in January. 
• Fertilize after the blossoms finish.
• Thin peaches to 4-6 inches apart as soon as possible after fruit set.

Read this article for more information about how to grow peaches.

Pear

How to Grow Pears in Arizona:

Certain varieties of pear do well in the low desert with proper chill hours. Like apples, they benefit from regular pruning and thinning to improve fruit quality.

Varieties of pears that grow well in Arizona:

• Floridahome – partly self-fruitful (400 hours)
• Keiffer – self-fruitful; best for cooking (350 hours)

Best time to plant pear trees in Arizona: Fall or spring; when planted from container plants. Bare root trees should be planted in January or early February.

Months to harvest: April – August

Tips for growing pear trees in Arizona: 

• Fertilize and prune before bud break.
• Thin pears to at least 4 inches apart as soon as possible after fruit set.
• Fertilize monthly during growing season.

Persimmon

How to Grow Persimmons in Arizona:

Persimmons are beautiful, low-maintenance trees that ripen in the fall. Look for non-astringent varieties like ‘Fuyu’ for sweet, crisp fruit right off the tree.

Varieties of persimmon that grow well in Arizona:

• Fuyu – self-fruitful (200 hours)
• Giant Fuyu – self-fruitful (200 hours)
• Izu – smaller tree; self-fruitful (100 hours)

Best time to plant in Arizona: Fall or spring; when planted from container plants. Bare root trees should be planted in January or early February. Persimmon can be more difficult to grow from bare root. 

Months to harvest: Late fall 

Tips for growing in Arizona: 

• Trees may take 7 years to bear fruit.
• Harvest fruit while firm; will soften indoors.
• Prune little, if at all.
• Does not need fertilizer.
• Thin heavy crops.
• Tolerates temperatures to 10°F.

Arizona Fruit Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Fruit

Pineapple Guava

How to Grow Pineapple Guavas in Arizona:

Pineapple guava is a frost-tolerant evergreen shrub that produces fragrant flowers and sweet, tropical-flavored fruit. It benefits from afternoon shade in hotter areas.

Varieties of pineapple guava that grow well in Arizona:

• Apollo – large fruit; self-fruitful (200–300 hours)
• Coolidge – reliable producer; self-fruitful (100–200 hours)
• Nazemetz – compact; self-fruitful (200–300 hours)
• Pineapple Gem – small tree; self-fruitful (200 hours)

Best time to plant in Arizona: Spring and fall

Months to harvest: Between September and January, depending on variety.

Tips for growing in Arizona: 

• Large shrub or small tree, up to 15 feet tall.
• Grows well in containers.
• Drought tolerant.
• Evergreen shrub.
• Prune only lightly as needed after fruiting.

Plum

How to Grow Plums in Arizona:

Plums need careful variety selection and pruning to perform well in the low desert. Many Japanese types do best, and some need a pollinator for good fruit set.

Varieties of plums that grow well in Arizona:

• Beauty – self-fruitful (250 hours)
• Gulf Gold – self-fruitful (250 hours)
• Gulf Ruby – self-fruitful (250 hours)
• Methley – self-fruitful (250 hours)
• Santa Rosa – self-fruitful (300 hours)

Best time to plant plum trees in Arizona: Fall or spring; when planted from container plants. Bare root trees should be planted in January or early February.

Months to harvest: May – June

Tips for growing plum trees in Arizona: 

• Fertilize and prune before bud break in January.
• Fertilize monthly during growing season.
• Thin plums to at least 2 inches apart as soon as possible after fruit set.
• Water trees well until established.

Pomegranate

How to Grow Pomegranates in Arizona:

Pomegranates are desert superstars—beautiful, drought-tolerant, and productive. Their tart-sweet fruit ripens in late summer to early fall.

Varieties of pomegranates that grow well in Arizona: 

• Balegal – large fruits with pale pink skin; sweet flavored flesh; hardy to zone 7.
• Crab – medium to large fruit with bronze skin; tart but rich flavor; productive.
• Early Wonderful – large fruits with thin red skin; tart flavor; very productive.
• Granada – medium fruit with crimson skin; semi-sweet; matures early; hardy to zone 7.
• Sweet – medium fruit with pink skin; green skin with red flush; very sweet; productive; bears at a young age.
• Utah Sweet – medium-sized fruit with pink skin; sweet flavor and soft seeds; pink flowers.
• Wonderful – large fruits with red skin; tangy, flavorful, soft seeds; large red flowers; productive. This variety grows well in the low desert of Arizona. 

Best time to plant pomegranate trees in Arizona: Spring and fall

Months to harvest: October – December

Tips for growing pomegranates in Arizona: 

• Give pomegranates plenty of sun.
• Feed pomegranates with a layer of compost in the spring.
• Prune lightly throughout the year as needed.

Read this article for more information about how to grow pomegranates. 

Strawberry

How to Grow Strawberries in Arizona:

Strawberries are best grown as a cool-season crop in Arizona. Plant in fall for spring harvests and provide afternoon shade as temperatures rise.

Varieties of strawberries that grow well in Arizona:

• Camarosa – firm, flavorful; early producer; heat-tolerant
• Chandler – juicy, sweet; high yields; best in mild winters
• Sequoia – rich flavor; good for home gardens; everbearing in warm climates
• Tioga – large fruit; productive; good for fresh eating and freezing

Best time to plant strawberry transplants in Arizona: September 15 – January

Months to harvest: April – June 

Tips for growing strawberries in Arizona: 

• You may need to plant new plants each year. Arizona summers are very hard on strawberry plants.
• Strawberries in Arizona need afternoon shade.

Read this article for more information about how to grow strawberries. 

Additional Planting Guides for the Low Desert of Arizona

Explore these specialized planting guides, each created to help you grow successfully in Arizona’s unique climate:

• Vegetable Planting Guide – Visual planting advice for growing vegetables in the low desert.
• Herb Planting Guide – Learn the best times to plant, grow, and harvest a wide variety of culinary and medicinal herbs.
• Flower Planting Guide – Planting windows and tips for cut flowers, pollinators, and wildflowers that thrive in desert gardens.
• Vine Planting Guide – Guidance on when and how to plant climbing vegetables, flowering vines, and heat-tolerant climbers.

Was this guide helpful? Share it with a friend or fellow Arizona gardener! Helping more people grow delicious fruit in the low desert makes all the effort worth it.

The post Arizona Fruit Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Fruit appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Many herbs are easy to grow and thrive year-round in the low desert of Arizona. This Arizona Herb Planting Guide provides planting dates and other information for growing over 30 different herbs in the low desert, which includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

Growing seasons in Arizona are short, and timing is critical when planting. Use this Arizona Herb Planting Guide to learn when and how to plant each herb. When you plant at the correct time, seeds will sprout, and transplants will become established in the optimal conditions for each plant. With pictures and planting dates for over 30 herbs that grow well in the low desert of Arizona, you are sure to find one to try. 

Gardening comes with its own language, and it can get confusing. That’s why I created the Practical Gardening Glossary—a handy A–Z guide that explains terms like “bolting,” “annual,” and “perennial” in plain English. It’s a great tool whether you’re just getting started or brushing up on your garden vocabulary.

Be sure to check out the end of this Arizona Herb Planting Guide for links to articles about common questions about growing a garden in Arizona. 

Ready to dig deeper? My gardening classes make it easy to grow with confidence, no matter your experience level.

Click on the herb name to go directly to that herb:

Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Planting Guide for the Low Desert of Arizona

The ultimate resource for gardeners in arid regions with hot summers and mild winters—designed specifically for the low desert of Arizona.
It features information on how and when to start seeds indoors and when to transplant them outside for nearly 100 different fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

See it in my shop

Amaranth

How to grow Amaranth:

• Grows best from seed
• When to plant amaranth in Arizona: March – April and July – August
• Harvest leaves as needed and cut the seed-heads with stems for drying to collect seeds. 
• Good to Know: Warm-season annual. Leaves are high in protein. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow amaranth.

Basil

How to grow Basil:

• Grows best from seed or transplant; propagates by cutting
• Start seeds indoors: January – July
• Plant seeds outside: February 15 – August
• Plant transplants outside: March – August
• Harvest leaves often to keep plant from flowering for best flavor. 
• Good to Know: Warm-season annual. Frost tender. Don’t rush planting; basil prefers warm air and soil. Plant near tomatoes to improve flavor and growth.

Read this article for more information about how to grow basil. 

Bay

How to grow Bay:

• Grows best from cutting or transplant
• When to plant bay in Arizona: Late February – April 
• Harvest dark leaves anytime. Use within 3-4 months for best flavor.
• Good to Know: Perennial. New plantings are frost-tender. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow bay. 

Bee Balm

How to grow Bee Balm:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Start seeds indoors: August – January
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – March
• Harvest leaves anytime. 
• Good to know: Needs frequent water and afternoon shade. Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona. Plant near tomatoes to improve flavor and growth.

Borage

How to grow Borage:

• Grows best from seed
• When to plant borage in Arizona: October – January
• Harvest young stems for best flavor. Pick flowers and use fresh, frozen, or dried.
• Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Self-seeds readily. Attracts pollinators. Plant with squash, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Read this article for more information about how to grow borage.

Calendula (Pot Marigold)

How to grow Calendula:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Start seeds indoors: August – September
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – November
• Harvest flowers regularly when young and fresh. 
• Good to know: Cool-season annual. Edible, and medicinal uses. Reseeds easily. Early bloomer. Often grown as a trap crop for aphids. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow calendula. 

Catnip

How to grow Catnip:

• Grows best from seed or division; reseeds readily
• When to plant catnip in Arizona: October – April 
• Harvest leaves as needed.
• Good to know: Perennial. Deters flea beetles.

Chamomile

How to grow Chamomile:

• Grows best from seed or transplant; reseeds readily
• Start seeds indoors: August – January
• Plant transplants outside: October – March
• Harvest chamomile when the petals are flat or beginning to fall back from bud. Air-dry or dry in a dehydrator.   
• Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Grows best in cooler weather. Improves the flavor of cabbage and onions.

Read this article for more information about how to grow chamomile. 

Chives

How to grow Chives:

• Grows best from seed or division
• Start seeds indoors: August – February
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – April
• Harvest by cutting leaves at the base.
• Good to Know: Low-growing perennial; beautiful when flowering. Divide plants in the fall or early spring. Improves the growth and flavor of carrots.

Cilantro

How to grow Cilantro:

• Grows best from seed or transplant; reseeds readily
• When to plant cilantro in Arizona: October – January 
• Harvest regularly for best flavor and to keep from flowering.
• Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Sets seed as temperatures climb in the spring. Cilantro seeds are called coriander. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow cilantro. 

Arizona Herb Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Herbs (continued)

Dill

How to grow Dill:

• Grows best from seed; handle transplants carefully; reseeds readily
• Start seeds indoors: August – November
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – January
• Use leaves fresh or dried. Let seed ripen on plant before harvesting. Bouquet dill has large seed heads. Fern-leaf dill has large plants for using fresh leaves. 
• Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Attracts swallowtail caterpillars. Trap crop for aphids; can attract ladybugs. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow dill.  

Fennel

How to grow Fennel:

• Grows best from seed; handle transplants carefully; reseeds readily
• Start seeds indoors: August – November
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – January
• Harvest stalks and leaves before they turn woody. Seed heads are ready to harvest when they turn yellow-green.
• Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Attracts swallowtail caterpillars. Trap crop for aphids; can attract ladybugs. Cut bulbs at base and they will regrow.

Read this article for more information about how to grow fennel.

French Tarragon

How to grow French Tarragon:

• Grows from transplant; can’t be grown from seed
• Plant transplants outside: March – April or October – November 15
• Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Attracts swallowtail caterpillars. Acts as a trap crop for aphids and attracts ladybugs. Reseeds readily. Cut stalks before woody; seed heads are ready when yellow-green. Cut bulbs at the base and they will regrow.

Read this article for more information about how to grow French tarragon.

Garlic

How to grow Garlic:

• Grows best from cloves
• When to plant garlic in Arizona: October – November
• Harvest bulbs by digging up in late May.
• Good to Know: Soft-neck varieties perform better than hard-neck types in warmer climates like Arizona. Pre-chill whole cloves in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator for at least 6 weeks before planting. Plant near roses to deter aphids.

Read this article for more information about how to grow garlic. 

Garlic Chives

How to grow Garlic Chives:

• Grows best from transplant or division
• When to plant garlic chives in Arizona: October – April
• Harvest stems by cutting down to base of plant as needed.
• Good to Know: Garlic chives are a reliable perennial herb in Arizona. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow garlic chives. 

Ginger

How to grow Ginger:

• Grows best from rhizomes
• Start seeds indoors: January – February
• Plant outside: March
• Harvest ginger about 10 months after planting by carefully digging out rhizomes. 
• Good to Know: Ginger needs a long warm growing season to grow well. Provide shade to protect leaves from sunburn. Harvest when leaves turn yellow and die back. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow ginger. 

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

How to grow Hyssop:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Start seeds indoors: January- February
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: February – April
• Harvest leaves just before flowering for best flavor. 
• Good to Know: Perennial, but often grown as an annual. Attracts pollinators to herb gardens. Good for bordering gardens.

Read this article for more information about how to grow hyssop.

Lavender

How to grow Lavender:

• Grows best from transplant
• When to plant lavender in Arizona: October – April
• Harvest stalks just as blooms begin to open.  
• Good to Know: Perennial. Grows best in sunny locations. Keep leaves dry and let plant dry out a bit between waterings. Needs well-draining soil. Spanish lavender varieties do well in the low desert of Arizona. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow lavender.

Lemon Balm

How to grow Lemon Balm:

• Grows best from transplant
• When to plant lemon balm in Arizona: February – April and October – November
• Harvest young leaves throughout the season and use fresh. 
• Good to Know: Perennial. When leaves look spent, cut back to ground to reinvigorate. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow lemon balm.

Lemon Grass

How to grow Lemon Grass:

• Grows best from division or transplant
• When to plant lemon grass in Arizona: February – April and October – November
• Harvest the fresh leaves and stems of single stalks as needed. 
• Good to Know: Perennial. Grows well year-round in the low desert of Arizona. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow lemon grass. 

Lemon Verbena

How to grow Lemon Verbena:

• Grows best from cutting or transplant
• When to plant lemon verbena in Arizona: February – April and October – November
• Harvest lemon-scented leaves as needed.
• Good to Know: Frost-tender perennial. Needs well-draining soil. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow lemon verbena.

Marjoram

How to grow Marjoram:

• Grows best from cutting, division, or transplant
• When to plant marjoram in Arizona: February – April and October – November  
• Harvest leaves just before flowering for best flavor.  
• Good to Know: Perennial. Seeds are slow to germinate; divide existing plants. Grows best in moist soil with full sun. Flowers in the spring. Similar to oregano, but taste is sweeter with more delicate flavor. 

Mint

How to grow Mint:

• Grows best from cutting, division, layering, or transplant
• When to plant mint in Arizona: February – April and October – November 
• Harvest leaves and stems when young for best flavor.
• Good to Know: Perennial. Can be invasive; grow in containers. Does best with afternoon shade. Cut back to reinvigorate in January. Deters white cabbage moths and improves the health of cabbage and tomatoes. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow mint. 

Arizona Herb Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Herbs (continued)

Oregano

How to grow Oregano:

• Grows best from cutting, division, or transplant
• When to plant oregano in Arizona: February – April and October – November  
• Harvest leaves just before flowering for best flavor. 
• Good to Know: Perennial. Seeds are slow to germinate; divide existing plants. Keep trimmed to prevent flowering.

Read this article for more information about how to grow oregano.

Papalo

How to grow Papalo:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Start seeds indoors: January – February
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – April
• Begin harvesting leaves once the plant is well established; younger leaves have milder flavor.
• Good to know: Warm-season annual. Thrives in hot, dry conditions. Strong flavor similar to cilantro. Grows tall; consider staking or pruning for bushier growth.

Read this article for more information about how to grow papalo.

Parsley (Italian – Flat)

How to grow Flat Parsley:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Start seeds indoors: July – March
• Plant seeds outside: October – March
• Plant transplants outside: October – April
• Harvest leaves any time as needed.  
• Good to Know: Biennial, but often grown as a cool-season annual. Seeds are slow to germinate. Flat parsley has a stronger taste than curly parsley.

Read this article for more information about how to grow parsley.

Parsley (Curly)

How to grow Curly Parsley:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Start seeds indoors: July – March
• Plant seeds outside: October – March
• Plant transplants outside: October – April
• Harvest leaves any time as needed.
• Good to Know: Biennial, but often grown as a cool-season annual. Seeds are slow to germinate. Flavor is more mild than flat parsley. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow parsley.

Rosemary

How to grow Rosemary:

• Grows best from cutting or transplant
• When to plant rosemary in Arizona: February – April and October – November
• Harvest stems as needed anytime. Best flavor is just before flowers appear. 
• Good to Know: Drought-tolerant perennial. Takes full sun but needs well-drained soil. Cutting back by more than 1/3 can shock plant. Grows up to 6 feet tall. Good companion plant to cabbage, beans, carrots, and sage. Deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.

Read this article for more information about how to grow rosemary. 

Saffron Crocus

How to grow Saffron Crocus:

• Grows from bulbs
• Plant bulbs outside: September 15 – October
• Harvest the red stigmas (saffron threads) by hand when flowers bloom in late fall.
• Good to know: Fall-blooming perennial. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Goes dormant in summer. Water lightly during active growth and allow to dry during dormancy.

Read this article for more information about how to grow saffron crocus.

Sage

How to grow Sage:

• Grows best from transplant
• When to plant sage in Arizona: February – April and October – November
• Harvest individual leaves as needed. 
• Good to know: Perennial. Needs good drainage. Can rot in the summer during hot weather if too wet. Companion plant with rosemary, cabbage, and carrots to deter cabbage moths. Do not plant near cucumbers. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow sage.

Savory (Summer)

How to grow Summer Savory:

• Grows best from seed, cutting, or transplant
• When to plant summer savory in Arizona: February – April
• Harvest summer savory just before flowering for best flavor. 
• Good to Know: Warm-season annual. Does best with afternoon shade. Plant with beans and onions to improve growth and flavor. 

Savory (Winter)

How to grow Winter Savory:

• Grows best from seed, cutting, or transplant
• When to plant winter savory in Arizona: February – April and October – November
• Harvest leaves anytime. 
• Good to Know: Perennial with stronger flavor than summer savory. 

Stevia

How to grow Stevia:

• Grows best from transplant
• Plant transplants outside: February – April and October – November
• Harvest leaves before flowering for best sweetness; can do multiple cuttings per season.
• Good to know: Tender perennial often grown as an annual in colder areas. Prefers well-drained soil and needs afternoon shade. Leaves can be dried and used as a natural sweetener.

Read this article for more information about how to grow stevia.

Thyme

How to grow Thyme:

• Grows best from transplant
• When to plant thyme in Arizona: February – April and October – November
• Harvest thyme by clipping stems as needed. Harvest just before flowering for best flavor.
• Good to Know: Perennial. Prefers well-drained soil. Drought tolerant; prefers afternoon shade. Plant loses some flavor after 2 years; replant from cuttings. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow thyme.

Turmeric

How to grow Turmeric:

• Grows from rhizomes
• Start seeds indoors: January – February
• Plant outside: March
• Harvest turmeric about 10 months after planting by carefully digging out rhizomes. 
• Good to Know:  Prefers shade when grown in Arizona. Keep an eye on moisture levels. Can rot if too wet, but needs regular water and feeding to grow well. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow turmeric.

Violas

How to grow Violas:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Start seeds indoors: August – November
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – January
• Months in bloom: March-May
• Harvest violet by picking flowers as they appear. Harvest new leaves. 
• Good to know: Cool-season annual. Reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow violas.

Looking for more planting date information? The Fruit Planting Guide, Flower Planting Guide, and Vegetable Planting Guide are full of helpful details about when to plant here in the low desert of Arizona.

Want to learn more about herb and vegetable gardening in Arizona?

Click on a question below to be taken to a blog post about the topic. 

• What do you need to know about growing a vegetable garden in Arizona?
• Is it too hot to garden in the summer in Arizona?
• Which type of soil is best for gardening in Arizona?
• What is the best way to water vegetable gardens in Arizona?
• What is the best way to prevent pests when gardening in Arizona?
• Wondering how to get started with Square Foot Gardening?
• What about plant spacing in Square Foot Gardening?
• How do you get your soil ready for planting in Arizona?
• What should you do before starting a fall garden in Arizona?
• Wondering how to prepare for a spring garden in Arizona?

Not sure what to plant or how to grow it? The Ultimate Plant Index covers everything from ginger and cabbage to ranunculus—organized A–Z for easy browsing. It’s your go-to resource when you’re planning your garden or seeking care tips.

Sources:

Desert Gardening for Beginners

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In this post, I share some of my favorite perennial plants that thrive in the Sonoran Desert and are perfect for supporting pollinators. These long-lasting plants not only add beauty and texture to your garden, but they also play a vital role in creating a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. Whether you’re looking to add color, fragrance, or biodiversity, these perennials will help you build a thriving, pollinator-friendly space that will flourish year after year.

Using Perennials to Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for a Balanced Ecosystem

Perennials are an excellent way to create a sustainable, balanced ecosystem in your garden. They return year after year, providing consistent food and habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Unlike annual plants that need to be replanted every season, perennials save you time and effort as they establish themselves and continue to grow stronger over the years.

While perennials may have a higher initial cost compared to annuals, their long lifespan makes them a cost-effective option in the long run. These plants require less maintenance, as many are naturally adapted to local climates and soil conditions. Once established, they also need fewer resources like water and fertilizer, making them an eco-friendly choice for gardeners who want to minimize their environmental impact.

By selecting perennials that attract pollinators, you can create a garden that not only flourishes but also supports local wildlife. These plants provide essential nectar, pollen, and shelter, helping to pollinate your crops, control pests, and promote a healthier garden ecosystem overall. Whether you’re growing flowers, herbs, or shrubs, incorporating perennials into your garden is an excellent way to contribute to biodiversity while enjoying a low-maintenance, long-lasting landscape.

Supporting pollinators in the desert takes the right plants and placement. Find out what works in Planting for Pollinators: Create a Simple Insectary Border in Your Garden.

Why plant native plants?

When selecting perennial plants for your garden, it’s often best to choose native species. Native plants are naturally adapted to your area’s climate, soil, and rainfall, meaning they thrive with less water, fewer chemicals, and minimal maintenance. These plants are also more resistant to local pests and diseases, making them easier to care for in the long run.

In addition to being resilient, native plants play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as birds and beneficial insects. By planting native species, you’re helping to protect and preserve your local ecosystem, while promoting biodiversity in your garden.

If you’re interested in learning more about the principles of successful desert gardening, my guide “Desert Gardening: How to Garden in a Hot, Dry Climate“ may be a helpful resource.

Perennial Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators in the Sonoran Desert

Here are a few of my favorite perennial plants that are well-suited for the Sonoran Desert and will help attract pollinators to your garden:

• Angelita Daisy
• Baja Fairyduster
• Blackfoot Daisy
• Blanketflower
• Chocolate Flower
• Coral Vine – Learn how to grow this drought-tolerant beauty in my Growing Guide for Coral VIne.
• Creosote
• Damianita Bush
• Desert Lavender
• Desert Marigold
• Desert Milkweed
• Fairy Duster
• Firecracker Penstemon
• Mt. Lemmon Marigold
• Globe Mallow
• Lantana
• Mealy Cup Sage
• Mexican Bush Sage
• Morning Glory
• Parry’s Penstemon
• Passion Vine
• Rock Penstemon
• Rock Verbena
• Rosemary – Get growing tips for this desert perennial in my Rosemary Growing Guide.
• Salvia
• Sandpaper Verbena
• Shrubby Germander
• Spanish Lavender – Get tips on growing this desert perennial in my Lavender Growing Guide.
• Skyflower
• Tangerine Crossvine
• Turpentine Bush
• Woolly Butterfly Bush
• Yellow Bells

These perennials are great choices for gardeners in the low desert of Arizona or other Sonoran desert areas. They provide year-round color and texture while supporting pollinators and enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.

Download printable “Sonoran Desert Perennials for Pollinators” at the top of the post.

Not sure what to plant or how to grow it? The Ultimate Plant Index covers everything from rosemary and lavender to ranunculus—organized A–Z for easy browsing. It’s your go-to resource when you’re planning your garden or seeking care tips.

References and Further Reading

1. “Native Plants for Pollinators & Beneficial Insects: Southwest – Sonoran Desert“
2. Desert Museum Plant List
3. Plant Partners, Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden, Jessica Walliser.

If this post about the perennials for pollinators in your desert garden was helpful, please share it.

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If you’ve ever wanted to try the famous “Three Sisters” planting method but were short on space, a Three Sisters Grow Bag Garden may be just the solution. Traditionally grown in a shared plot, the Three Sisters— corn, beans, and squash — can also thrive together in 20-gallon (about 75 liters) grow bags. By adding an olla for efficient watering, you can keep your container garden healthy even in hot, dry climates. Below, I’ll cover the basics of the Three Sisters: how to adapt them to a grow bag, when to plant each crop, and alternatives to corn if you prefer a different “sister.”

Article Index:

• What Is the Three Sisters Planting Method?
• Grouping at Least Three Grow Bags for Corn
• Alternatives to Corn in a Three Sisters Container Garden
• Advantages of Each Option
• Three Sisters Planting Times by Climate
• Three Sisters Step-by-Step Guide: Planting in Each 20-Gallon Grow Bag
• Care & Maintenance for Three Sisters Container Gardens
• FAQ: Your Common Questions Answered
• Final Thoughts: Enjoying Your Homegrown “Sisters” Container Garden
• References

What Is the Three Sisters Planting Method?

Indigenous peoples across North America have used the Three Sisters planting method for centuries.¹ Here’s how it works:

• Corn grows tall, providing a natural trellis for climbing beans.
• Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the other plants.
• Squash sprawls around the base, shading the soil to retain moisture and discourage weeds.

Get seeds for the Three Sisters here.

The synergy among these plants means each “sister” contributes something valuable to the others. This is the original companion planting method. Learn more about the benefits of companion planting in this guide.

Grouping at Least Three Grow Bags for Corn

If you plan to grow corn, it is best to use​​ at least three grow bags clustered together. Corn relies on wind pollination; a single bag or even two bags often won’t provide enough pollen transfer for full ears. If you only have space for one or two bags, consider a corn alternative like amaranth, okra, or sunflowers.

An additional benefit of growing multiple bags is the insulating effect grouping them close together can have. By placing them side by side, the bags help shield one another from extreme temperature fluctuations and reduce moisture loss, which is particularly beneficial in hot, dry regions. This cooperative microclimate helps keep roots cooler and soil more consistently hydrated, promoting healthier plant growth overall. Learn more about how to garden in grow bags in this guide.

If you’re short on space, a grow bag version works well. See how I scaled up this method in a larger Three Sisters raised bed garden using square-foot gardening.

Alternatives to Corn in a Three Sisters Container Garden

While corn is a traditional “sister,” growing a small amount can make it challenging to achieve proper pollination. Amaranth, okra, and sunflowers make excellent tall “sister” stand-ins. Corn growing guide.

Amaranth is a showstopper with its bright flower heads, and you can harvest both the leaves and seeds. It also handles the heat like a pro, so it’s a great pick if you’re gardening in a warm region like the low desert of Arizona. Amaranth growing guide.

Get amaranth seeds here.

Okra is another heat-loving plant that grows tall and sturdy, giving beans plenty to climb on. It’s known for producing pods all season, provided you harvest them regularly. If you’re sensitive to the tiny spines on the pods, wearing gloves during picking can make your life much easier. Okra growing guide.

Get okra seeds here.

Sunflowers, meanwhile, bring a gorgeous pop of color and produce seed heads you can snack on or share with birds. The catch is their tendency toward allelopathy, meaning they release substances that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. A study in the journal Plants confirms this effect can impact neighboring crops if they share soil or grow too close.² To minimize issues, look for branching sunflower varieties bred for cut flowers and refresh or amend your soil each season. Sunflower growing guide.

Get branching sunflower seeds here.

Advantages of Each Option

• Corn: Traditional approach, strong trellis, tasty harvest of fresh ears.
• Amaranth: Heat-hardy, attractive, and yields nutritious greens and seeds.
• Okra: Ideal for hot climates, it produces a steady harvest of pods.
• Sunflowers: Beautiful blooms, seeds for snacks or wildlife, but keep an eye on allelopathic effects.

Three Sisters Planting Times by Climate

• Cool Climates (Zones 3–5): Sow corn (or alternative) in late spring (May) after the last frost. Plant beans two weeks later and squash around the same time as beans.
• Moderate Climates (Zones 6–8): Start corn (or an alternative) from late April to early May. Once the soil warms, add beans and squash by mid-to-late May.
• Warm Climates (Zones 9–10, including Low Desert of Arizona): 
  • First round: Plant corn in late February to early March. Beans and squash by mid-March.
  • Second planting: Late summer (August) if conditions allow.

Three Sisters Step-by-Step Guide: Planting in Each 20-Gallon Grow Bag

1. Preparing the Container

A 20-gallon grow bag provides enough depth and width for corn, beans, and squash roots to coexist. One 20-gallon bag can hold one “set” of Three Sisters. These are the grow bags I use.

• Soil Mix: Fill each 20-gallon bag with high-quality potting mix combined with compost or well-aged manure. Leave about 2 inches (5 cm) of space from the top. I use the raised bed mix from Arizona Worm Farm in my raised beds and containers.
• Olla (Optional): If you live in a hot, dry region, place an olla (a porous clay pot) in the center before adding soil. Keep the neck exposed so you can fill it with water. Purchase ollas here. (You can use any size. I usually use the medium or large olla in the 20-gallon grow bags).

Why Use an Olla?

• Saves water by delivering it directly to the root zone.
• Reduces evaporation, which is a real plus in hot, dry climates such as the low desert of Arizona.

2. Plant Corn (or Alternative)

• Number of Seeds per Bag: 4–5 seeds.
• Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• Spacing: Evenly around the center, 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart.
• Timing: Sow after your last frost date, when nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).

Alternatives to Corn:

• Amaranth: Plant 1-3 per bag.
• Okra: Plant 1-2 per bag.
• Sunflowers: Plant 2-3 single-stemmed varieties or one branching variety per bag. Branching varieties reduce allelopathic issues (2).

3. Add Pole Beans

Learn more about how to grow beans in this guide.

• Number of Seeds per Bag: 4–6 seeds total.
• Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• Spacing: Plant each bean seed a few inches from the base of each tall plant so it can climb.
• When to Plant: About two weeks after corn (or alternative) germinates, when corn stalks are ~6 inches (15 cm) tall.

4. Plant Squash

Learn more about how to grow squash in this guide.

• Number of Seeds per Bag: 2–3 seeds. Thin to strongest seedling. 
• Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• Spacing: Near the perimeter of the grow bag, leaving room for vines to sprawl.
• When to Plant: Same time as beans or within a week afterward.

Care & Maintenance for Three Sisters Container Gardens

• Watering
  • Fill the olla and water the soil each time. In hot weather, check daily.
  • Top the soil with mulch to reduce evaporation. Learn what to use for mulch in this guide.
• Fertilizing
  • While beans do fix some nitrogen, corn and squash are heavy feeders.
  • Use a balanced organic fertilizer or add compost every few weeks.
• Pollination Help
  • If growing corn, gently shake the stalks when tassels appear to help disperse pollen.
  • Group at least three bags for better wind pollination.
• Pest & Disease Watch
  • Common issues: aphids, squash bugs, powdery mildew.
  • Practice good air circulation and remove diseased leaves promptly.
• Harvest
  • Corn: Kernels should release a milky fluid if pierced, and silks turn brown.
  • Beans: Harvest when the size of a pencil. Pick often to encourage new pods. 
  • Squash: Harvest summer squash young (tender skin); let winter squash mature until skins are hard.
  • Okra: Pods at 3–4 inches (8–10 cm).
  • Sunflowers: Cut blooms for bouquets or let seeds mature for roasting/bird feed.

FAQ: Your Common Questions Answered

• Can I plant multiple Three Sisters grow bag garden sets side by side?
  Yes. Placing bags close together helps if you’re growing multiple corn plants for better wind pollination.
• Can I grow bush beans instead of pole beans?
  Absolutely. Bush beans don’t need a tall trellis, but you’ll lose the vertical climbing aspect. Still, they can complement corn or other tall alternatives.
• Can I use black-eyed peas, asparagus beans, or tepary beans instead of pole beans?
  Yes! Black-eyed peas, asparagus beans (yardlong beans), and tepary beans are all excellent heat-tolerant alternatives to traditional pole beans. Black-eyed peas and tepary beans are well adapted to arid conditions, making them a great choice for hot, dry climates. Asparagus beans thrive in warm weather and grow long, slender pods that can easily climb corn, amaranth, okra, or sunflowers. Just like pole beans, all of these options will help fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the other plants in your grow bag.

If you’re growing black-eyed peas, asparagus beans, or tepary beans, check out my guides on how to grow black-eyed peas, asparagus beans, and tepary beans for specific planting and care tips.

More FAQ about Three Sisters grow bag gardens

• Is one 20-gallon bag enough if I plant corn?
  Aim for three or more grow bags of corn for best pollination and bigger yields. If you have limited space, consider using a corn substitute like okra, amaranth, or sunflowers in a single bag.
• Do I need to thin my seedlings?
  Yes, if more than 4–5 corn or tall alternative seedlings come up in one bag, thin them to avoid overcrowding. The same goes for beans and squash; keep the healthiest seedlings.
• How often do I refill the olla?
  It depends on your climate. In very hot weather, check it daily. In moderate conditions, once or twice a week is often sufficient.
• What if I only have a 15-gallon bag?
  You can still try a mini Three Sisters but plant fewer seeds (perhaps 3 corn/alternatives, 2 beans, and 1–2 squash). Keep an eye on root space and water needs.
• Aren’t sunflowers toxic to other plants?
  Sunflowers can be allelopathic, meaning they release chemicals that may inhibit neighboring plants’ growth. Choose less allelopathic varieties and refresh your potting mix each season to reduce these issues.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Your Homegrown “Sisters” Container Garden

Whether you stick to the traditional corn, beans, and squash or experiment with amaranth, okra, or sunflowers, a 3 Sisters Grow Bag Garden offers a space-saving, eco-friendly way to produce fresh food. You’ll also carry on a time-honored gardening tradition adapted for modern container gardening. With some planning, regular watering via an olla, and some basic care, you can harvest delicious produce from your porch, patio, or backyard.

References

1. Native Seeds/SEARCH. (n.d.). How to Grow a Three Sisters Garden. Retrieved from https://www.nativeseeds.org/blogs/blog-news/how-to-grow-a-three-sisters-garden.
2. Plants journal, MDPI. (2020). Study on sunflower allelopathy.

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Peppers come in all sizes, shapes, and colors, ranging from sweet to fiery hot. Learn about the different types of peppers, and then plant a few varieties to spice up your garden. Can’t decide which ones to add? This article shares over 15 of the best pepper varieties to grow at home.

Article Index

• How hot are these pepper varieties?
• Which pepper variety should you choose?

1. Mini Bell Pepper
2. Bell Pepper
3. Banana Pepper
4. Carmen
5. Pepperoncini
6. Anaheim
7. Poblano
8. Hatch
9. Jalepeño
10. Fresno
11. Jaloro
12. Serrano
13. Thai
14. Habanero
15. Bhut Jolokia
16. Chiltepin

• Which peppers are considered the hottest in the world?
• How do I know when peppers are ripe and ready to harvest?

How hot are these pepper varieties?

This post about pepper varieties begins with the sweetest at #1 – no heat at all – and ends at #15 with the hottest pepper I’ve grown in my own garden, a former world record holder for the hottest pepper. 

A pepper’s heat is often compared with the heat of a jalapeño – “it’s hotter than a jalapeño” or “it’s not as hot as a jalapeño”. Jalapeños come in on this list at #9.  The Scoville scale is used to measure how hot peppers are.

Scoville heat units (SHU) measure the concentration of capsaicinoids, a chemical compound responsible for the spicy flavor in peppers and other foods. The jalapeño ranks between 2,500 and 8,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. This means a pepper must be at least eight times hotter than the jalapeño to be considered much spicier.

The hottest peppers on the Scoville scale are the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion and Carolina Reaper, reaching over two million SHU. That means these peppers are more than 250 times hotter than the jalapeño! However, some peppers have been tested that have reached over 2.2 million SHU, making them potentially even hotter than the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion and Carolina Reaper! For reference, police-grade pepper spray is about 500,000 to 5.3 million SHU.

Of course, it’s not just the Scoville scale that measures spiciness in peppers. Different peppers contain different types of capsaicinoids, which is the chemical compound responsible for the heat. The levels of capsaicinoids in a pepper will determine how hot it is, regardless of its Scoville rating.

Which pepper variety should you choose?

Want to grow peppers in your garden? My advice is to pick a sweet pepper, a hot pepper, and maybe one or two in between. Adding peppers to your garden is a great way to give variety and flavor to the other vegetables you harvest from your garden. 

Peppers are easy to grow and maintain, making them the perfect choice for a beginner gardener.

If you are looking for seeds for the varieties of peppers listed, click on the link attached to each pepper’s name and it will take you to trusted seed sources. Want some tips for growing peppers? This article explains how to grow peppers in your garden. 

#1: Mini Bell Pepper​

What does a mini bell pepper look like? ​

The colors of mini bell peppers cover the rainbow, ranging from green, red, yellow, orange and even purple, depending on the variety. Mini bell peppers are about 2 or 3 inches long. 

What does a mini bell pepper taste like?​

Besides looking different, the different colors of bell peppers actually have differences in flavor. Green bell peppers are the least ripe or sweet. As the bell pepper ripens from green, to red, then yellow, and finally orange, the sweetness and flavor increases. The flavor of a purple pepper can be compared to a green pepper. If left on the plant longer, the purple pepper will normally ripen to yellow and then orange. 

How hot is a mini bell pepper?

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 0

#2: Bell Pepper ​

What does a bell pepper look like? ​

Bell peppers are large bell-shaped peppers. They range from 4 inches up to 8 inches for the largest peppers. The colors of bell peppers cover the rainbow, ranging from green, red, yellow, orange and even purple, depending on the variety.  

What does a bell pepper taste like? ​

Similarly to the mini bell pepper, bell peppers of different colors have different flavors. Green bell peppers are the least ripe or sweet. As the bell pepper ripens from green to red, then yellow, and finally orange, the sweetness and flavor increase. The flavor of a purple pepper can be compared to a green pepper. If left on the plant longer, the purple pepper will normally ripen to yellow and then orange. 

How hot is a bell pepper?​

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 0

#3: Banana Pepper

What does a banana pepper look like?

Banana peppers are medium-sized peppers, 4 to 6 inches long. They are usually yellow or green but can ripen to orange or red. 

What does a banana pepper taste like? ​

Mild, almost no heat. A little bit sweet and tangy taste. 

How hot is a banana pepper?​

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 0 – 500

#4: Carmen Pepper

Carmen peppers are a bull-horn-shaped pepper about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. For the best flavor, pick when peppers are a deep red color. Thick-walled and meaty.

What does a Carmen pepper taste like? ​

Carmen peppers are a sweet-tasting type of Italian pepper that tastes sweet and has little to no heat. They are delicious roasted. 

How hot is a Carmen pepper?​

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 0 – 500

#5: Pepperoncini

What does a pepperoncini pepper look like?

Pepperoncini peppers are thin-walled 2 to 3-inch tapered peppers, most often harvested when green, although they ripen to red on the plant.

What does a pepperoncini pepper taste like? ​

Pepperoncini peppers are most often pickled and have a tangy, sweet heat. Raw pepperoncini peppers have a mild, sweet heat. 

How hot is a pepperoncini pepper?​

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 100 – 500

If you like this heat range, you may want to try Cherry peppers. Cherry peppers, also known as pimento peppers, are small, round, and vibrant peppers that resemble cherries in size and shape. They range from mild to moderately hot, with a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating between 100 and 500 for sweet varieties and up to 5,000 SHU for spicier types. Their thick, crisp walls make them perfect for pickling, stuffing, or adding to salads and charcuterie boards.

Cherry peppers are commonly found in red, though green and yellow varieties also exist. Sweet cherry peppers are particularly popular for their mildly tangy flavor, while the spicier ones bring a gentle kick to dishes. They’re easy to grow and thrive in warm climates.

#6: Anaheim Pepper​

What does an Anaheim pepper look like?

Anaheim peppers are medium-sized peppers about 6-10 inches long. They ripen from green to red. 

What does an Anaheim pepper taste like?

Milder than a jalapeño. One of the most common peppers – mild flavor and heat. Favorite for roasting and chile rellenos. 

How hot is an Anaheim pepper?

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 500 – 2500

#7: Poblano Pepper​

What does a poblano pepper look like?

Poblano peppers are thick-walled and heart-shaped. The peppers are  3 to 6 inches long and very dark green in color.  Learn more about how to grow poblano peppers in this guide.

What does a poblano pepper taste like?

Poblano peppers are mild with just a bit of heat and earthy tasting. They are often roasted and peeled. Dried poblano peppers are called ancho chilis.

How hot is a poblano pepper?

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 1,000 – 2,000 

#8: Hatch Pepper

What does a Hatch chili pepper look like?

Hatch chili peppers are very similar to the Anaheim pepper. They have an elongated shape and range from 6 to 10 inches long. Hatch chilis most often refers to the type of chili grown in Hatch, New Mexico. 

What does a Hatch chili pepper taste like?

Similar taste to Anaheim pepper; earthy flavor with varying levels of heat depending on ripeness. 

How hot is a Hatch chili pepper?

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 1,000 – 8,000

#9: Jalapeño Pepper​

What does a jalapeño pepper look like?

Jalapeño peppers are thick-walled, medium-sized peppers. Most are 2-3 inches long, but some jalapeños are as long as 6 inches. They are usually harvested when green but ripen to red. 

What does a jalapeño pepper taste like? ​

When jalapeños are left to ripen to red on the vine, the flavor is less hot and sweeter than the green ones. Jalapeño peppers are thought by many to be just the right amount of heat. The peppers are hot, but not uncomfortably so. Try them in these irresistible bacon-wrapped jalepeño poppers.

How hot is a jalapeño pepper?​

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 2,500 – 6,000

Looking for a great way to use your fresh jalapeños? This Pomegranate Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is a family favorite.

#10: Fresno Pepper​

What does a Fresno pepper look like?

A Fresno pepper is about 2 to 3 inches long, slightly curved, with smooth skin. As it matures, it changes from green to a deep red. It has thinner walls than a jalapeño.

What does a Fresno pepper taste like? ​

Medium hot and slightly sweet. When green, a Fresno pepper looks and tastes similar to a jalapeño. As the pepper matures, it turns red and develops a smokier and fruitier taste that is slightly hotter than a jalapeño.

How hot is a Fresno pepper?​

Scoville heat units (SHU): 2,500 – 10,000

#11: Jaloro Pepper​

What does a Jaloro pepper look like?

Jaloro (sometimes called caloro) peppers are a thick-walled hybrid of the jalapeño and look like a yellow jalapeño. Most are 2-3 inches long, but some are as long as 6 inches. The Jaloro pepper turns red if left on the vine longer. 

What does a Jaloro pepper taste like?

The Jaloro pepper tastes like a fruitier version of a jalapeño.

How hot is a Jaloro pepper?​

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 5,000

#12: Serrano Pepper​

What does a Serrano pepper look like?

Serrano peppers are smaller than jalapeños. They start green and ripen to orange and finally red. These peppers are 2-4 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide. Serrano pepper plants are easy to grow and productive. I’ve had plants last for several years in the garden, producing hundreds of peppers each year. 

What does a Serrano pepper taste like? ​

Fresh flavor but hotter than a jalapeño. Adds a spicy kick to salsa. Delicious roasted or fresh. 

How hot is a Serrano pepper?​

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 10,000 – 23,000 

Looking for slightly more heat? Cayenne peppers are a little hotter than Serranos. Cayenne peppers are slender, elongated chili peppers known for their fiery heat and versatility in cooking. They typically measure between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), placing them in the medium-hot range of chili peppers. These peppers are usually 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, with a bright red color when fully mature.

Cayenne peppers are commonly dried and ground into a fine powder, which is widely used as a spice to add heat to dishes. They’re also used fresh, dried, or as a key ingredient in hot sauces. Native to Central and South America, cayenne peppers thrive in warm climates and are easy to grow in home gardens. Their bold heat and flavor make them a popular choice for spicing up soups, stews, marinades, and even beverages like detox teas.

#13: Thai Chili Pepper​

What does a Thai chili pepper look like?

There are many varieties of Thai chilis, but they are often small-sized, thin-walled, tapered peppers that are 1-2 inches long. They are typically harvested when ripened to red, but they can be used at any time. 

What does a Thai chili pepper taste like? ​

There are many different types of Thai chili peppers, and they range from hot to very hot. 

How hot is a Thai chili pepper?​

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 50,000 – 100,000

#14: Habanero Pepper​

What does a habanero pepper​ look like?

Habanero peppers are thin-walled, waxy peppers about 2 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. Their color ranges from yellow to orange to red depending on when they are harvested. 

What does a habanero pepper taste like?

Good mix of heat and flavor. Very hot but also a little citrus flavor. 

How hot is a habanero pepper?

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 200,000 – 300,000

If you like this heat range, you may want to try its relative, the Scotch Bonnet pepper. The Scotch Bonnet pepper is known for its intense heat and fruity, tropical flavor. It typically measures between 100,000 and 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Its distinct sweetness and heat make it a staple in Caribbean cuisine, often used in jerk seasoning, hot sauces, and curries. While fiery, the Scotch Bonnet’s flavor adds a unique depth to dishes, balancing the spice with a hint of fruitiness.

#15: Bhut Jolokia​

What does a Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper) look like?

Bhut Jolokia peppers are 2 to 3 inches long, and range from red and orange to purple and brown. They have thin, dented skin that tears easily.

What does a Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper) taste like?

The flavor comes in stages – first a very sweet chili flavor, followed by intense heat that intensifies for about 15 minutes. Use caution when handling and using. 

How hot is a Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper)?

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 850,000 – 1,463,700 

#16 Chiltepin

Chiltepin peppers are chili peppers native to Mexico and Central America. They have an intense heat and are often used in Mexican cuisine, such as sauces, salsas, or stews. If you’re brave, try one raw. It’s HOT!!! How to Grow Chiltepin shares everything you need to know about growing this perennial wild pepper.

What does a Chiltepin look like?

Chiltepin is a small, round chile pepper with bright red skin and a unique smoky flavor. When fully ripe, it ranges from light green to bright red.

What does a Chiltepin taste like?

Chiltepins have a distinct flavor ranging from fruity and smoky notes to intense heat. 

How hot is a Chiltepin?

SHU (Scoville Heat Units): 50,000 to 100,000 

Which peppers are considered the hottest in the world?

If you’re up for a fiery challenge, these peppers are the hottest in the world, as measured by their Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Cultivating these peppers requires patience, warm temperatures, and a lot of care, but the reward is a crop that can pack an unbelievable punch.

As a mom to teenage boys who purchased Carolina Reaper peppers online, I can attest to their heat. I don’t recommend trying them unless you don’t mind the side effects (vomiting and pain while they are in your system until they work all the way through!). Always handle the fruit carefully—wear gloves and avoid touching your face to prevent irritation!

1. Carolina Reaper (2.2 Million SHU)
   Officially recognized as the hottest pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper boasts an average of 1.6 million SHU, with some reaching up to 2.2 million SHU. Developed in South Carolina, this pepper has a wrinkled, tail-like tip and delivers a slow-building but intense heat. Despite its ferocity, it also has a sweet and fruity flavor, making it popular in hot sauces and spice blends.
2. Dragon’s Breath (2.48 Million SHU)
   Named for its searing heat, the Dragon’s Breath pepper is another contender for the title of hottest pepper. It was developed in the UK for medicinal purposes, as its oil has numbing properties. While not officially recognized as the hottest, it reportedly reaches up to 2.48 million SHU.
3. Pepper X (3.18 Million SHU)
   Created by the same grower behind the Carolina Reaper, Pepper X is an unofficial record holder with a staggering 3.18 million SHU. This pepper is still being verified for its heat but has already gained fame among pepper enthusiasts for its excruciating spiciness and complex flavor profile.

Tips for Growing Extreme Hot Peppers:

• Warm Growing Conditions: Hot peppers thrive in consistent warmth, with temperatures above 70°F (21°C).
• Long Growing Season: Start seeds indoors early, as these peppers require a long season to mature.
• Rich Soil: Amend soil with compost and a balanced fertilizer to support growth.
• Patience Required: Extreme heat levels often require the peppers to reach full maturity.

How do I know when peppers are ripe and ready to harvest?

The best time to harvest peppers depends on the variety you’re growing and your taste preference. Most peppers change color as they ripen—commonly turning from green to red, yellow, orange, or another mature shade. For example, bell peppers can be picked green for a milder flavor or left to turn red for a sweeter taste. Hot peppers like jalapeños develop corking (small white lines on their skin) as a sign of ripeness, while others, like habaneros, are best harvested when they reach their full, vibrant color.

To check for ripeness, gently squeeze the pepper—it should feel firm and solid. If you’re unsure, taste testing can help determine if you like the flavor. Peppers will continue producing if conditions remain favorable, so harvesting regularly encourages new growth.

Knowing how and when to prune peppers in mild winter climates is essential to keeping them healthy and productive for many years. Learn how in this blog post.

Read the complete guide to pruning peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants after winter here.

Discover more vegetables that thrive in warm climates in my Low Desert Visual Vegetable Guide.

If you enjoyed this post about different types of peppers, please share it.

The post 16 Types of Peppers – Pepper Varieties appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

In fact, one of the original Washington navel orange trees planted in 1873 still produces fruit in Riverside, California—proving just how long-lived and rewarding citrus trees can be. We drove by and visited it on a recent family trip.

I currently grow 18 citrus varieties in my yard and garden, some in the ground and others in containers. Sampling different types throughout the year is one of my favorite things about growing a large variety of citrus trees. Browse through this list and pick a few varieties that appeal to you.

If you need guidance on how to grow, protect, and care for your citrus trees, take advantage of the following resources on my website:

• How to Grow Citrus
• Growing Citrus in Containers
• Protecting Citrus from Freezes
• Preventing Citrus Sucker and Rootstock Takeover
• Top Tips for Juicing Citrus
• How to Protect Citrus Bark and Prevent Sunburned Citrus Bark

Trying to decide which citrus to plant? This article gives ideas on narrowing your search for the right type.

If you plant the right trees, having something from your fruit trees to harvest year-round is very possible. This post will help you find ideas about what to plant for year-round fruit tree harvests.

For a refreshing way to put your citrus to use please see my Homemade Lemonade Recipe. Turn fresh lemons into a cool, tangy treat perfect for hot days

Use these resources to ensure your citrus trees thrive for years to come—and don’t forget to share your favorite citrus varieties in the comments.

30 Different Types of Citrus

(Click on the type name to go directly to that variety of citrus)

Washington Navel

One of the most popular varieties. 

Ripens mid-season.

Best eaten fresh. Large, good-quality fruit is seedless and easy to peel. Sensitive to heat.

Cara Cara Navel

Seedless crimson flesh (similar to red grapefruit).

Ripens early winter. 

Rich sweet flavor is similar to other navel varieties.

Lane late navel

Newer Australian variety. 

Ripens beginning in January and can be harvested later than other navels. 

Sometimes called a summer navel. 

DILLER SWEET ORANGE

 Originated in Arizona. 

Small to medium fruit with few seeds.  Trees produce lots of fruit. 

Excellent for juicing. 

MACETERA SWEET ORANGE​

Average size thin-skinned fruit with seeds. Excellent for juicing.

Ripens early in the season. 

Large tree with thorns. 

TROVITA SWEET ORANGE​

Most popular sweet orange. Produces well in Arizona’s low desert. 

Excellent for juicing.

Medium to large fruit with 6-10 seeds per fruit. 

Midknight Valencia

Summer ripening, sweeter than average Valencia. 

Excellent eating and juicing orange. 

Seedless type of citrus tree.

Moro Blood orange

Spring ripening, with tart berry-like flavor.

Distinct purple color even in warmer areas.

sanguinelli blood orange

Spring ripening with tart spicy flavor. 

Blood red juice and red-tinted rind develop best in hot dry summers followed by a cold winter.  

Stores well on tree. 

OWARI SATSUMA MANDARIN

Early ripening (November-December) mandarin.

Less seeds than most mandarins. 

Slow-growing, but hardiest of all mandarins. 

clementine (Algerian) Mandarin

Early ripening (November) tart fruit. 

Small to medium fruit. 

Cross-pollination of multiple trees increases yield and seeds.

daisy mandarin

Early season very sweet-flavored mandarin.

Medium to large fruit, 0-5 seeds. 

Small type of citrus tree.

Rio Red Grapefruit

Most cold-hardy of all grapefruit. 

Large fruit with few seeds. Dark pink flesh. Skin can take on pink tint as well. 

Pick fruit beginning in December and harvest until heat of summer. 

oro blanco (grapefruit-pummelo Hybrid)

Harvest in winter. 

Sweet fruit even in mild climates. Thick peel.  

Fragrant blooms and large glossy green leaves.

marsh seedless grapefruit

Most common white grapefruit in low desert. 

Begin harvesting in December. Fruit tastes best from March – May.

Large with few seeds and white flesh.

sarawak tahitIan pummelo

Small tree. Thinner skin than most pummelos.

Seedy, slightly tart and juicy.

chandler Pummelo

Firm, pink flesh with good flavor. 

Large tree with glossy leaves and large, fragrant  blossoms. 

Early ripening. 

ponderosa lemon

Probably a cross between a lemon and a citron. 

Often grown as an ornamental tree. 

Very large acidic fruit has thick peel.

eureka lemon

Large, vigorous, thornless tree. 

Lemon is rough-rinded with less pronounced nipple. 

Classic lemon, good quality fruit. 

meyer lemon

Improved varieties are virus-free and safe for home garden. 

Fragrant blossoms and thin-skinned, lemons. Juicy fruit has less acid than other lemons. 

Large shrub or small tree. 

lisbon lemon

Medium-sized fruit with traditional tart lemon flavor. 

More prominent nipple and smoother skin than Eureka lemon. 

Like all lemons, more frost-sensitive than other citrus. 

pink eureka lemon

Variegated leaves, with pink blossoms and new foliage.

Pale pink flesh with clear juice. 

One of the few variegated types of citrus trees.

kiEffEr lime – citrus hystrix

Distinctively shaped double leaves.

Aromatic leaves used in Thai cooking, soups and curry. 

Bumpy, rough green fruit ripens to yellow. 

bearSs (tahitiAN) lime

Fruit ripens in June. 

Larger fruit than Mexican lime. 

Juicy and seedless lime.

All limes are extremely frost sensitive.

mexican key lime

Ripens in September. 

Smaller fruit than Bearss lime. 

Flavorful and juicy, with some seeds. 

All limes are extremely frost sensitive. 

buddhA’s hand

Finger-like sections of fruit resemble a human hand. 

Distinct fruit in the citron family. 

Consists only of rind; no juice, pulp or seeds.

ETROG CITRON

Looks like a large, knobby, ribbed lemon.

Very thick rind and aromatic skin.

The rind and oil are the most commonly used parts of the fruit.

​calamondin

Cross between mandarin and kumquat. 

Excellent in containers. 

Cold-hardy to about 20°F.

Prolific tart fruit can be eaten whole. 

nagami kumquat

Oblong, acidic, bright orange fruit.

Cold-hardy to about 18°F.

Often grown as a decorative or ornamental type of citrus tree. 

Fukushu Kumquat

Small, sweet, brightly-colored orange fruit can be eaten whole. 

Small tree with dark foliage. 

Excellent container or ornamental plant. 

More Citrus Growing Resources:

Once your citrus tree is planted, knowing how to fertilize citrus trees is key to helping it grow strong and start producing fruit.

Questions about growing citrus? This article shares 10 common citrus growing mistakes and includes guidelines for selecting, planting, watering, and fertilizing citrus.

Have questions about planting, watering or fertilizing citrus? Listen to this Encyclopedia Botanica podcast I was a guest expert on with Hilary from Seattle Urban Farm Co.

If this post about different citrus varieties was helpful, please share it.

The post Types of Citrus Trees – Varieties of Citrus appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Ready to fill your garden with blooms? Get your copy of the Low Desert Flower Planting Guide here.

Article Index:

• Why Add Flowers to Your Garden?
• Overcoming the Challenges of Desert Gardening
• How to Use the Flower Guide
• Why The Low Desert Flower Planting Guide is Helpful

Why Add Flowers to Your Garden?

I love having flowers in my garden—they add beauty and attract pollinators. Gathering fresh blooms from the garden is my favorite way to begin the day. You can enjoy this simple pleasure, too, by adding flowers to your garden—plant your favorites and try something new. 

Overcoming the Challenges of Desert Gardening

Gardening in the low desert of Arizona presents unique challenges. However, with correct timing and information, you’ll be amazed at the abundance that thrives during the cooler months—and even more so by the resilient flowers that bloom in the heat. 

This guide is here to help. Let’s work together to fill your garden and home with flowers.

Starting a garden can feel overwhelming. Read this guide to help you avoid new gardeners’ most common mistakes.

How to Use the Flower Guide

1. Explore Nearly 100 Flower Varieties

Begin by browsing through the extensive list of flowers included in the guide. Whether you’re interested in perennials, annuals, wildflowers, or companion plants, there’s something for every gardener.

Many flower gardeners also grow bulbs—learn how to plant and care for them in the Arizona Bulb Growing Guide. Bulbs can be a great addition to your flower display—especially in containers. Learn more in this guide to growing bulbs in pots in hot climates.

Looking for bulb-specific planting information? Check out the new Arizona Bulb Planting Guide for tips on when and how to grow flowering bulbs in our climate.

2. Take a Look at the Icons

Familiarize yourself with the icons used throughout the guide. These symbols provide quick insights into each plant’s characteristics. Once you understand the icons, you’ll be able to quickly identify the flowers that will work best in your garden. 

3. Utilize Planting Dates

Each flower entry includes information about when to plant in the low desert climate. These dates indicate the optimal times to:

• Start Seeds Indoors
• Plant Transplants
• Sow Seeds Outdoors

Following these planting recommendations can help increase your chances of gardening success.

4. Reference Square-Foot Garden Spacing

The guide provides square-foot spacing recommendations for garden beds. Use these as general guidelines, but always refer to seed packets or plant labels for specific spacing, especially when planting directly in the ground.

5. Read Comprehensive Notes

Each flower comes with detailed notes covering the following:

• Growth habits
• Care tips
• Special considerations (e.g., frost sensitivity, invasiveness)
• Companion planting benefits

These insights are drawn from my personal experience and are aimed at helping you make informed decisions.

6. Consult the General Guidelines

You’ll find the “General Guidelines for Growing Flowers” section at the end of the guide. Read through this section often. The more experience you gain, the more you will understand the different principles and guidelines. 

If you would like to learn more about the principles of successful desert gardening, my guide, “Desert Gardening: How to Grow Vegetables in a Hot, Dry Climate,” may be helpful.

Why The Low Desert Flower Planting Guide is Helpful

• The advice and recommendations are specifically designed for the low desert of Arizona, addressing its unique gardening challenges.
• Using the planting dates and spacing guidelines helps you plan your garden in less time.
• When you successfully grow flowers through blooming, you’ll add beauty and promote a healthy ecosystem that benefits all your plants.
• This guide helps vegetable gardeners looking to incorporate flowers and flower enthusiasts expanding their collections.

Ready to fill your garden with blooms? Get your copy of the Low Desert Flower Planting Guide here.

The post How to Use the Low Desert Flower Planting Guide appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Article Index:

1. Key Succession Planting Terms and Concepts
2. Succession Planting Plan for the Low Desert
3. Start with Cool-Season Crops in Late Fall and Winter
4. Transition to Warm-Season Crops in Early Spring
5. Plant Heat-Tolerant Varieties for Summer
6. Take Advantage of Extra Humidity During Monsoon Season
7. Return to Cool-Season Crops in Fall
8. General Tips for Succession Planting in the Low Desert

Succession Planting Terms and Concepts:

• Succession planting: Utilizing various planting methods to maximize available space and growing season.
• Interplanting: Growing two or more crops in the same area or near each other.
• Intercropping: Interplanting to increase yields.
• Companion Planting: Interplanting to benefit one another in some way.
• Varietal Succession Planting: Planting different varieties of the same crop with varying maturity dates to stagger harvest times.

If you would like to learn more about the principles of successful desert gardening, my guide, “Desert Gardening: How to Grow Vegetables in a Hot, Dry Climate,” may be helpful.

Succession Planting Plan for the Low Desert

(Click on highlighted crop names for how-to-grow guides for each crop.)

1. Start with Cool-Season Crops in Late Fall and Winter

The cool months from late fall through winter provide ideal growing conditions for cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, and broccoli. These crops thrive in the milder temperatures and shorter days of the low desert’s winter.

How to Implement: Plant root vegetables and brassicas in late fall, followed by greens. As the season progresses and temperatures rise in spring, these crops will be ready for harvest, freeing up space for the next round of plantings. If you are growing kale, my favorite way to use it is in this salad–the best kale salad you’ll ever make.

Example Succession:

• Late Fall: Plant carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and beets as soon as nighttime temperatures begin to cool.
• Mid-Winter: Fill empty spots left from warm-season crops with lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, and radishes.
• Intercropping Ideas: Plant peas next to a trellis filled with warm-season cucumbers. When the cucumbers finish, the peas will be ready to take their place and climb the trellis.
• Companion Planting Ideas: Add bachelor buttons, dill, cilantro, and calendula to empty spots in your beds.

Bonus tip: Experiment with different varieties of broccoli that have varied harvest times, such as broccoli raab, Chinese broccoli, and traditional head-type broccoli. (Click the links for seeds.)

2. Transition to Warm-Season Crops in Early Spring

As winter turns to spring, the increasing temperatures signal the perfect time to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, beans, and cucumbers. These crops can be planted in the spaces vacated by the cool-season crops, ensuring no garden bed stays empty for long.

How to Implement: Once your winter crops have been harvested, prepare the soil by adding compost and worm castings to replenish nutrients. Then, plant warm-season tomato and pepper transplants or cucumber seeds in early spring.

Example Succession:

• Early Spring: Replace harvested spinach and lettuce with tomato and pepper transplants.
• Mid-Spring: Plant cucumber and bean seeds as broccoli and carrots are harvested.
• Intercropping Ideas: Plant cucumber seeds at the base of broccoli plants. They will sprout and grow and be ready to take over when the broccoli finishes.
• Companion Planting Ideas: Plant marigolds and basil around your tomatoes.

Bonus tip: Experiment with pole and bush beans for staggered harvest times. The bush beans give you a larger initial harvest, and although the pole beans take longer to get going, they continue producing for weeks.

3. Plant Heat-Tolerant Varieties for Summer

The intense summer heat of the low desert can be challenging, but certain heat-tolerant crops like okra, eggplant, roselle, Armenian cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and melons survive these tough conditions. Choosing the right crops can keep your garden productive even during the hottest months.

How to Implement: After harvesting spring crops like beans and cucumbers, plant heat-tolerant crops that can withstand the summer sun.

Example Succession:

• Late Spring: As beans and early cucumbers are harvested, plant okra and eggplant.
• Summer: Plant Armenian cucumbers, melons, and sweet potatoes in open spaces, allowing them to spread and benefit from the summer heat.
• Intercropping Ideas: Plant okra and roselle seeds at the base of warm-season crops. When the warm season crops finish, the okra and roselle will take over the space.
• Companion Planting Ideas: Add different varieties of basil and zinnias throughout your garden.

Bonus tip: Plant sweet potatoes, cowpeas, and tepary beans at the base of okra and roselle plants. They will spread out below the tall plants and cover the soil during the hot summer months.

Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Planting Guide for the Low Desert of Arizona

The ultimate resource for gardeners in arid regions with hot summers and mild winters—designed specifically for the low desert of Arizona.
It features information on how and when to start seeds indoors and when to transplant them outside for nearly 100 different fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

See it in my shop

4. Take Advantage of Extra Humidity During Monsoon Season

Why It Works: Although it is still hot, the goal is to get warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, Armenian cucumbers, and winter squash established so they can produce during the slightly cooler days of early fall. Monsoon humidity and moisture make conditions slightly more bearable and help crops adjust to summer’s long, hot days.

How to Implement: Choose sunny locations and then provide shade and mulch for a second round of tomatoes and peppers.

Example Succession:

• Late July and August: Clear out a couple of cover crops and plant tomatoes and peppers.
• Interplanting Ideas: Plant Armenian cucumber and winter squash seeds around other crops and see where they end up growing. Once they take off put ladder mesh trellises in the beds to give them something to climb.
• Companion Planting Ideas: Tuck a few fresh basil and zinnia seeds around the garden.

Bonus tip: Try different varieties of Armenian cucumbers – there are so many types! Check out the cucumbershop for seeds.

5. Return to Cool-Season Crops in Fall

Why It Works: As summer transitions into fall, the cooler temperatures once again become suitable for cool-season crops. By planning ahead, you can have seedlings or transplants ready to go into the garden as soon as space opens up.

How to Implement: Start seeds for fall crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage indoors during late summer and transplant them into the garden as summer crops finish.

Example Succession:

• Early Fall: Harvest summer crops like melons and okra. Replace them with broccoli and cabbage seedlings.
• Late Fall: Continue planting cool-season crops as space becomes available, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh vegetables through the winter.
• Interplanting Ideas: Plant crops like spinach and kale under the large roselle branches to benefit from the shade while it’s still hot.
• Companion Planting Ideas: Begin planting cool-season herbs like dill, parsley, and cilantro in each garden bed.

Bonus tip: Cut back cover crop tepary beans and use them as mulch instead of straw for growing potatoes.

General Tips for Succession Planting in the Low Desert:

• Soil Preparation: After each crop, replenish soil nutrients with compost and worm castings to ensure the next planting has a healthy start.
• Mulching: Use mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially during summer. Learn what to use for mulch here.
• Irrigation: Adjust your watering schedule based on each season’s needs, watering deeply and only as often as needed. Learn more about how to water your garden in this guide.
• Crop Rotation: Rotate your crops each season to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from becoming established.

Conclusion:

Succession planting is a powerful tool for maximizing the productivity of your low desert garden. You can enjoy a continuous harvest year-round by strategically planning your planting schedule and choosing the right crops for each season. Incorporate these succession planting ideas into your garden plan, and watch your garden thrive, even in the challenging conditions of the low desert.

Sources:

1. Cornell Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Succession Planting: Healthy Plants and a Healthy Planet
2. High-Yield Vegetable Gardening, Colin McCrate, and Brad Halm

More Garden Planning Resources:

• Winter Garden Planning in Mild Climates
• Garden Planning in 5 Simple Steps
• Cool-Season Companion Plant Combinations
• Tips for Spring Planting – Spring Garden Checklist
• Square-Foot Gardening Plans

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The post Mastering Succession Planting in the Low Desert appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Ideally, a food forest provides an abundance of fresh produce, with the possibility of picking fruit every day of the year. Here’s how to achieve a year-round fruit tree harvest in climates with milder winters, such as the low desert of Arizona.

Food Forest Benefits

A food forest is more than just a garden; it’s a thriving ecosystem that offers a sustainable approach to agriculture. Unlike traditional orchards, food forests layer plants in a way that maximizes space and encourages symbiotic relationships. From the canopy to the herbaceous layer, every square inch is designed for productivity and health.

The benefits of growing a food forest are immense – increased biodiversity, improved soil fertility, and a daily supply of fresh produce from your backyard. This blog post explains how to start a food forest.

Choosing the Right Perennial Fruit Trees to Plant for Year-Round Harvests

Understanding Chill Hours:

To begin, select fruit trees suitable for your climate. An important consideration is ‘chill hours.’ Chill hours are the cumulative number of hours that temperatures remain between 32-45°F (0-7°C) during a tree’s dormant winter period. This chilling period is critical for many fruit trees, as it influences blossom and fruit development.

In the low desert areas of Arizona, where winters are mild, making the right choice based on chill hours can make or break your harvest. Aim for trees requiring no more than 400 chill hours, but to play it safe, I often go for those in the 250 to 300 range.  If you live in the low desert of Arizona, this fruit planting guide lists several options that grow well.

You can find chill hours information through your local agricultural extension office or online chill hours calculators specific to your region.

Once you’ve got those numbers, pick fruit tree varieties that match your chill hours. Buy trees from local, reputable growers. The growers often have years of experience and can point you toward the trees that will do best in your backyard.

Understanding USDA Hardiness Zones

When deciding what to plant for year-round fruit tree harvests, knowing your USDA Hardiness Zone is key—it is a guide to knowing which trees will survive winter temperatures in your area. For instance, if you’re in a zone with mild winters like Zone 9 or 10, you’re in luck for growing a citrus grove. Learn more about how to grow citrus in this blog post.

Food Forest Design for Year-Round Harvests

Similar to designing a raised bed garden, strategic planning is essential for designing your food forest for year-round productivity. Aim to plant trees that fruit at different times, ensuring a continuous yield. Knowing when each plant produces fruit helps you plan and enjoy your garden. Learn how to plant fruit trees in this blog post.

Harvest Times for Various Perennial Fruit Trees in the Low Desert of Arizona

Winter Fruits for an Arizona Food Forest (January – March Harvests)

• Navel Orange
• Cara Cara Red Navel
• Minneola Tangelo
• Blood Oranges
• Variegated Pink Eureka Lemon
• Most varieties of Grapefruits
• Valencia Oranges (through May)

Arizona Food Forest Spring Fruits (April – June Harvests)

• Katy Apricot
• Gold Kist Apricot
• Bonanza Miniature Peach
• Earligrande Peach
• Desert Gold Peach
• Tropical Beauty Peach
• Eva’s Pride Peach
• Methley Plum
• Dwarf Mulberry
• White Pakistan Mulberry
• Everbearing Mulberry
• Guava Kilo
• Thai White Guava
• Dwarf Black Mulberry (also fruits in fall)
• Wolfberry (also fruits in fall)
• Anna Apple

Summer Fruits for an Arizona Food Forest (July – September Harvests)

• Early Amber Peach
• Mid-Pride Peach
• Donut Peach
• Janice Seedless Kadota Fig – see fig growing guide
• Desert King Fig
• Red Flame Seedless Grape
• Mexican Lime (can fruit all year)
• Biew Kiew Longan
• Banana (also fruits in fall)
• Dorsett Golden Apple
• Flordahome Pear
• Jojoba

Arizona Food Forest Fall Fruits (October – December Harvests)

• Kieffer Pear
• Contorted Jujube
• Li Jujube
• Parfianka Pomegranate
• Wonderful Pomegranate
• Koroneiki Olive
• Manzanillo Olive
• Sugar Cane (also harvested in early winter)
• Passion Fruit (also fruits at the end of summer)
• Possum Purple Passion Fruit (also fruits at the end of summer)
• Fwang Tung Carambola (also fruits at the end of summer)
• Kumquats (through March)
• Mandarins & Tangerines (November – January)
• Eureka Lemon
• Lisbon Lemon
• Bearss Lime
• Most Sweet Oranges (December – February)

These are general timeframes, and microclimate conditions may influence actual harvest times.

Maintenance and Care of Perennial Fruit Trees

Caring for your food forest requires knowledge of pruning, soil management, and natural pest control.

• Prune and thin trees for health and productivity. Learn more about how and when to prune fruit trees in this guide.
• Maintain soil fertility using organic compost and mulches. Learn how to organically feed fruit trees in this post.
• Use organic approaches to pest and disease management to keep your ecosystem balanced.

Enjoy the Process of Creating Your Food Forest

When you create a food forest and plan for a never-ending harvest, remember that the journey can be as fulfilling as the fruits of your labor. Whether you love gardening or are interested in permaculture, a food forest represents nature’s resilience and abundance.

Note:

This article was specifically crafted for those living in mild winter climates like the low desert of Arizona, focusing on plants that thrive there. For tailored advice for different climates, adjusting your plant choices accordingly would be essential.

Looking for growing advice tailored to specific plants? The Ultimate Plant Index offers detailed, alphabetically organized articles on fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, and more. Perfect for both inspiration and practical planting guidance.

Reliable Sources for Your Food Forest Journey

When venturing into the creation of a food forest, it’s crucial to arm yourself with knowledge from trustworthy sources. Here are a few to consider:

• Local Agricultural Extension Office: These folks are a goldmine of knowledge on regional-specific planting.
• Native Plant Societies: Join your local chapter to learn which indigenous plants can be incorporated into your food forest while supporting local ecology.
• Local Nurseries and Growers: Local growers know plants in your area better than anyone. Their insight is indispensable for choosing the right trees.
• “Gaia’s Garden“ by Toby Hemenway – This book changed how I think about gardening harmoniously with nature.
• “Practical Permaculture for Home Landscapes, Your Community and the Whole Earth” – Jessi Bloom & Dave Boehnlein. A comprehensive guide to creating your own home ecosystem.

Remember, don’t just rely on one source; tap into several to get a well-rounded view.

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As I look through the crops in this blog post, I feel I’m introducing you to some of my friends. I hope you like them as much as I do. Check this list each season; I’ll add to it as I include more crops on my must-grow list. 

How to decide which varieties to grow

Crops are divided by category (vegetable, flower, and herb). The reasons I love to grow it are listed, along with a source (if available) for seeds.

Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions or some of your own must-grow crops that I should add to the list. 

Vegetable varieties I love growing in my garden

Borlotti Beans

• Good flavor and beautiful
• Handles tough conditions
• Read more about how to grow borlotti beans

Painted Serpent Armenian Cucumber

• Prolific, heat-loving, and easy to grow
• Excellent flavor
• Read more about how to grow Armenian cucumbers

Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean

• Easy to grow, prolific
• Good flavor
• Read more about how to grow beans

Texas Early Grano Onion

• Large-sized, flavorful
• Favorite short-day onion variety
• Read more about how to grow onions

Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpeas

• Prolific, drought and heat-tolerant
• More compact than other cowpeas
• Read more about how to grow black-eyed peas

Astia Container Zucchini

• Somewhat compact, prolific
• Good flavor
• Read more about how to grow summer squash

Utah Celery

• Consistent producer
• Good flavor
• Read more about how to grow celery

Costata Romanesco Summer Squash

• Firm textured squash with good flavor
• Consistent producer
• Read about how to grow summer squash

Japanese Cucumbers

• Prolific producer
• Excellent flavor, thin skin, few seeds
• Read about how to grow cucumbers

Super Sugar Snap Peas

• AAS Winner, easy to grow
• Great flavor at any stage, edible pod
• Read about how to grow peas