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.

Gardening through an Arizona summer isn’t easy, but it is possible. You just have to grow the right things. Over the years, I’ve learned which vegetables can take the heat (and which ones can’t), and these are the ones I come back to year after year.

In this post, I’m sharing 10 hot summer vegetables and herbs that not only survive in high temperatures, but may also thrive. If you live in the low desert of Arizona or another hot climate, these are some of the best vegetables to plant in hot climates to keep your garden growing through the heat. I’ll also share my favorite varieties and tips to help each one succeed. Click on the seed links to be taken to trusted sources for seeds. 

Not sure when and what to plant? My Vegetable & Herb Planting Guide includes planting dates for nearly 100 crops, and it’s the same one I use in my garden. You can also explore the Ultimate Plant Index for inspiration and growing tips, all in one place.

Let’s get planting.

Vegetables that love hot summers: Armenian Cucumber

How to plant Armenian cucumbers:

• Armenian cucumber grows well from seed or transplant. Seeds are available from Seeds Now. 

When to plant Armenian cucumbers: 

• Plant seeds indoors: February – June
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – July
• Other areas plant when temperatures are consistently above 65°F, and 80°F is even better.

Tips for growing Armenian cucumbers during hot weather.

•  Although heat tolerant, they require even and consistent watering to prevent them from becoming bitter.
• Do not overcrowd plants – crowded plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases such as powdery mildew and squash bugs.
• Pick fruit early in the day and immerse it in cold water to lengthen storage time.

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

Vegetables that love hot weather: Asparagus Beans

How to plant asparagus beans:

• Asparagus beans do best when grown from seed. Seeds are available from Seeds Now. 

When to plant asparagus beans:

• Plant seeds outside: March 15 – July
• Other areas plant when the soil is at least 70℉, with daytime temperatures at or above 70℉ and nighttime temperatures above 50℉.  

Tips for growing asparagus beans during hot weather:

• Bean production may seem slow as vines grow, but it will increase with vine size. 
• Harvest beans often to encourage production.
• Harvest beans with about the width of a pencil and 12-18 inches long for the best taste. 

Other bean varieties that thrive in hot summers:

• Lima beans
• Edamame

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

Vegetables that love hot summers: Basil

How to plant basil:

• Basil grows best from seed or transplant. Seeds are available from Seeds Now. 

When to plant basil:

• Plant seeds indoors: January – July
• Plant seeds outside: February 15 – August
• Plant transplants: March – August
• In other areas, plant when when nighttime temperatures are above 70℉. 

Tips for growing basil during hot weather:

• Don’t rush planting; basil prefers warm air and soil.
• During hot weather and dry periods, water basil deeply and regularly. 
• Mulching plants helps to preserve moisture.
• Amend monthly with additional compost or organic fertilizer.
• To encourage new growth, cut back flowers as they appear.
• Leaves will be larger if grown in afternoon shade during the year’s hottest months. 

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

Vegetables that love hot weather: Eggplant

How to plant eggplant:

• Eggplant does best when planted outside from transplants. 

• Start eggplant seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting or purchase transplants. Seeds are available at Seeds Now. 

When to plant eggplant:

• Plant seeds indoors: December – February and May – July
• Plant transplants: March – April and July 15 – September
• Other areas plant when the soil is at least 70℉, with daytime temperatures at or above 70℉ and nighttime temperatures above 50℉. 

Tips for growing eggplant during hot weather:

• Eggplant does best with some afternoon shade in the year’s hottest months. 
• A thick layer of mulch around plants helps retain moisture and cools the soil.
• Do not let the soil get soggy. Plant where there is good drainage. 
• Fruits may be smaller during the hottest times of the year.

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

Vegetables that love hot summers: Luffa

How to plant luffa:

• Luffa grows best from seed or transplant. Seeds are available from Seeds Now. 

When to plant luffa:

• Plant seeds indoors: January – March
• Plant seeds and transplants outside: February 15 – April
• Other areas plant when all danger of frost has passed.

Tips for growing luffa during hot weather:

• Provide a trellis or arbor for the vigorous vines to climb.
• Be patient when waiting for female blossoms to appear. 
• Harvest young gourds to eat or leave on the vine to develop into a sponge. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow luffa.  Learn how to make scrubbers with loofah sponges in this guide.

Vegetables to plant in hot climates: Malabar Spinach

How to plant Malabar spinach:

• Plant from seeds, transplants, or cuttings. Seeds are available from Burpee Seeds.

When to plant Malabar spinach:

• Plant seeds indoors: January – March
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – May
• In other areas, plant when soil temperatures reach 65℉ – 85℉.

Tips for growing Malabar spinach during hot weather:

• Malabar spinach does best with afternoon shade. 
• Although Malabar spinach tolerates hot Arizona summers, it is a tropical plant and needs consistent moisture throughout the growing season. 
• For best flavor, keep the soil evenly moist. 

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

Vegetables that love hot weather: Okra

How to plant okra:

• Okra does best when directly sown from seed in the ground. Seeds are available from Seeds Now. 

When to plant okra:

• Plant seeds indoors: February – May
• Plant seeds or transplants outside: March 15 – June
• Other areas plant when soil temperatures are warm (80-95 ℉).

Tips for growing okra during hot weather:

• Okra thrives in hot weather and needs full sun to produce well. 
• Water okra to a depth of 8″-12″.
• Mulch okra to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
• Harvest okra often (sometimes daily) to encourage production. 

This article shares more information about how to grow okra. 

Vegetables that love hot weather: Peppers

How to plant peppers:

• Peppers do best when planted outside from transplants. 
• Start pepper seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting or purchase transplants. Seeds are available from Seeds Now. 

When to plant peppers:

• Plant seeds indoors: December – February and May – July
• Plant transplants outside: February 15 – April and July 15 – September
• Other areas, plant outdoors about two weeks after your last frost date. 

Tips for growing peppers during hot weather:

• During the hottest times of the summer in Arizona, you may need to provide shade for pepper plants.
• Small, thinned-walled peppers perform best during the hottest months of the year. 
• A thick layer of mulch around plants helps retain moisture and cools the soil a bit for the growing peppers.

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

Vegetables to plant in hot climates: Roselle Hibiscus

How to plant roselle hibiscus:

• Plant from seed or transplant. Seeds are available from Renee’s Garden Seeds.

When to plant roselle hibiscus:

• Plant seeds indoors: February – April
• Plant seeds and transplants outside: March 15 – May
• In other areas, plant when soil temperatures reach 75℉ – 85℉.

Tips for growing roselle hibiscus during hot weather:

• Plant roselle early in the season to ensure a large plant when the plant flowers as days get shorter in the fall. 
• In the low desert of Arizona, the roselle plant begins to thrive when the more humid monsoon weather begins. 
• Keep the soil evenly moist as roselle grows. Take care not to overwater as roselle can be affected by root rot if the soil is not well-draining.

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

Vegetables to plant in hot climates: Sweet Potatoes

How to plant sweet potatoes:

• Sweet potatoes are grown from slips – small pieces of rooted sweet potato tubers grown from a sweet potato. Learn how to grow sweet potato slips in this article. 

When to plant sweet potatoes:

• Plant slips indoors: January – April
• Plant slips outside: March – June
• In other areas, plant 2-3 weeks after the last spring frost, when the soil temperature is at least 65℉.

Tips for growing sweet potatoes during hot weather:

• Sweet potatoes need a long warm growing season, are heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, and have few pests or diseases.
• Fertilize once during the growing season and do not prune vines. 
• Water deeply and regularly. Let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings.

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

Want more gardening tips for hot climates?

If you’re looking for more ideas for hot summer vegetables or simply want to learn how to keep your garden thriving when temperatures soar, here are a few more helpful blog posts to explore:

• 10 Flowers That Love Hot Summers (and How to Grow Them)
• 10 Ways to Prepare Your Hot-Climate Garden for Summer
• 10 Ways to Help Your Garden Survive the Summer Heat
• Summer Gardening in Arizona: What You Need to Know
• Take the Summer Off: Plant Heat-Tolerant Cover Crops Instead
• Surviving a Heatwave: Gardening in High Heat

Whether you’re choosing vegetables to plant in hot climates, refreshing your beds with flowers, or giving your garden a seasonal rest, these posts are full of practical advice that works in real-life gardens.

If this post about vegetables that love hot summers was helpful, please share it.

The post Vegetables That Love Hot Summers: Top Ten Picks 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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Article Index

1. Snapdragons
2. Blue Salvia
3. Geranium
4. Petunias
5. Gazania
6. Allysum
7. Dianthus
8. Marigold
9. Violas
10. Lobelia

The oppressive heat of an Arizona summer is (almost!) gone. Heat-tolerating flowers have mostly survived, but they are looking tired. It’s time to swap them out for new flowers that will grow and thrive during Arizona’s cooler months. The options seem overwhelming, and you may ask yourself: 

• What are the easiest flowers to grow in Arizona in the fall? 
• Which flowers can I plant from transplant in the fall that grow well through spring?
• Which flowers can I plant in the fall that will last through spring? 
• Which flowers are simple to care for? 
• Are there annual flowers that grow well in pots and containers? 
• Which flowers can I buy from a big box store that will grow well and not die in a few weeks? 

Want to grow something new or need help with a favorite crop? My Ultimate Plant Index is a comprehensive, A–Z directory covering everything from snapdragons to poppies, so you can plant confidently.

Here are my ten choices for easy-to-grow fall flowers

1. Snapdragons

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15

Months in bloom: November – early June

Good to know: Attracts bees and butterflies. It is one of the easiest cool-season flowers to grow. Cutting the central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Excellent cut flower. Learn more about how to grow snapdragons in this guide.

2. Blue Salvia

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – October
March-May 15

Months in bloom: April – early December

Good to know: Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies—several colors and varieties. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. It pairs well with lobelia.

3. Geranium

When to plant geraniums in Arizona: September – April

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. It pairs well with Alyssum.

4. Petunias

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – March

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. 

5. Gazania

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – November
February – April

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.

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.

10 Easy-to-grow Fall Flowers (continued)

6. Alyssum

Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – March

Months in bloom: Late October – May

This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum.

Good to know: Easy to grow. Grows well in the sun or part shade. Reseeds easily. Excellent companion plant. Attracts many beneficial insects and pollinators. It pairs well with geraniums.

7. Dianthus

Plant transplants outside:
September – January

Months in bloom: October – April

Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors.

8. Marigold

Plant seeds or transplants outside:
February – May
September – October

Months in bloom: Late September – December and March – June

This article shares more information about how to grow marigolds.

Good to know: Good companion plant in the garden. Reseeds easily. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Cutting the central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Get planting dates for your favorite crops with these visual planting guides for bulbs, vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers & vines.

9. Pansies and Violets

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15

Months in bloom: Late November – early May

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

Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Edible. Easy to grow. Needs part shade.

10. Lobelia

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – December

Months in bloom: March-early June

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

Good to know: Prefers part sun. Needs regular water. Wait until hot temperatures subside to plant transplants. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Pairs well with blue saliva.

See my How to Grow Poppies Guide for detailed instructions on planting and caring for poppies in the fall. This resource offers step-by-step advice on sowing, watering, and troubleshooting so you can enjoy these vibrant blooms in your cool-season garden.

If this post about ten easy-to-grow fall flowers was helpful, please share it.

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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.

1. Calendula

• 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. Click here for seeds.

2. Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons)

• 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 bachelor buttons. Click here for seeds.

3. Violas

Tips for Growing: Violets are charming little flowers that thrive in cool weather. Sow seeds directly into the garden about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. Violets prefer partial shade and are great for attracting pollinators while adding color to your garden.

This article shares more information about how to grow violas. Click here for seeds.

4. Hollyhock

• Cottage garden favorite.
• 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. Click here for seeds.

5. Nasturtium

• Edible.
• Good companion and trap crop.
• Overly-rich soil results in fewer blooms.
• Reseeds readily. 

Gardening with kids? Nasturtiums are a good choice. The seeds are easy to plant, and the leaves and flowers are edible. Get more tips for gardening with kids in this article.

This article shares more information about how to grow nasturtiums. Click here for seeds.

6. Poppy

• 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. Click here for seeds.

7. Strawflower

• 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. Click here for seeds.

8. Sweet Peas

• Prefer rich soil.
• Need regular water.
• Provide support or trellis for growing plants. 

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

9. Alyssum

• If planted from seed, thin seedlings.
• Easy to grow.
• Grows well in the sun or part shade.
• Reseeds easily. 

This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum. Click here for seeds.

10. Larkspur

• Wildflower; reseeds heavily.
• Several colors.
• Easy to grow.
• Attracts hummingbirds.
• Click here for seeds.

Looking for more ideas?

Other cool-season flowers to plant from seed include African daisy, flax, and forget-me-not. Check out this post about my favorite cool-season flowers that love mild winters. If you’re looking for a tall, elegant flower to add to your cool-season garden, don’t miss How to Grow Campanula (Canterbury Bells).

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

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Article Outline:

• Why should you check your soil temperature before you plant?
• How to Check Your Soil Temperature Before Planting
• Soil Temperature Guidelines for Seed Germination Chart

Why should you check your soil temperature before you plant?

Soil temperature affects biological and chemical processes. Seeds require a specific range of temperatures to trigger the enzymatic activities necessary for germination.

Simply put, if the soil is too cold, seeds stay dormant or rot instead of sprouting. On the other hand, if the soil is too warm, seeds might not germinate or dry out too quickly. Additionally, when soil temperatures are too high, plants can have difficulty taking up water and nutrients.

A soil temperature reading helps increase the chances of successful germination and healthy plant growth. 

How to Check Your Soil Temperature

To measure soil temperature:

1. Use a reliable soil thermometer. This is the one I use. Looking for more reliable tools and products? Check out my favorite garden supplies.
2. Take readings first thing in the morning. It’s essential to check the soil temperature when it’s most stable, typically in the early morning. This timing avoids the peak heat of the day, providing a more accurate measure of the soil temperatures your plants will face most consistently.
3. Insert a soil thermometer into the soil at the depth where the seeds will be planted.
4. Wait for the gauge to settle on a number.
5. Note the temperature while the probe is still in the soil.
6. Measure over several days to get an average temperature if possible.

Once you have your soil temperature, compare it to the guidelines below to determine the best planting time.

Soil Temperature Guidelines for Seed Germination Chart

For the best results, invest in a reliable soil thermometer, monitor soil temperatures regularly, and refer to your local planting guide and this soil temperature guide as you plan your planting season.

References:

California Master Gardener Handbook, 2nd edition, Regents of the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Publication 3382 (Table 5.2, page 114).

Colorado State University Extension. “Plant Growth Factors: Temperature“.

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Article Outline:

1. What are cool-season hardy annuals?
2. Why start seeds for cool-season hardy annuals?  
3. How to grow cool-season hardy annual flowers
4. Choose the correct varieties for your climate
5. Plan ahead and start seeds indoors
6. Plant cool-season annual flowers at the right time
7. Plant in a good location
8. Additional cool-season hardy annual growing resources

What are cool-season hardy annuals? 

Cool-season hardy annuals are a group of flowers that produce beautiful blooms and include some of my favorite cut flowers. You need to plan ahead and start seeds in the summer. The seedlings are planted outside in the fall and grow strong roots through winter. They begin blooming the following spring, and often, the blooms last into summer.

Looking for clarity on gardening terms like “annual,” “germinate,” or “seedling”? Check out my complete Gardening Glossary: Practical Terms and Definitions.

Why start seeds for cool-season hardy annuals?  

Planting hardy annuals during cooler weather fosters strong root systems before they bloom, resulting in more blossoms and longer stems. These robust plants can better withstand heat, pests, and challenging conditions.

Starting from seeds also provides a wider variety of blooms that are often unavailable in nurseries, which typically sell them in spring, allowing insufficient time for establishment.

Early spring blooming offers earlier nectar and pollen sources, supporting beneficial insects and enhancing your garden throughout the season.

How to grow cool-season hardy annual flowers

1. Choose the correct varieties for your climate

Variety selection is crucial if you want them to bloom the first year. Some of these plants are annuals, but others are biennials or perennials that grow easily in cooler climates. Choose first-year blooming types when possible.

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

2. Plan ahead and start seeds indoors

Many of these plants do best started indoors, so you’ll need to start them inside. Pay attention to the germination temperatures listed on the seed packet.

When starting seeds indoors, you’ll need supplies like a grow light (a bright window isn’t enough). For specifics about how to start seeds indoors, check this blog post. Here’s a list of my favorite seed-starting supplies.

Many of these crops need light to germinate. Check the seed packet to be sure. If that’s the case, gently press the seed onto the top of the soil and cover lightly with vermiculite. Then spray the vermiculite with water, use a humidity dome, and put it under grow lights. Once the seedlings sprout, remove the humidity dome. When seedlings are 3-5 inches (7-12cm) tall, they are ready to plant outside.   

3. Plant cool-season annual flowers at the right time

Use the temperature guidelines for each flower to ensure they survive your winter’s average coldest temperature. If they survive your lowest winter temperature, then go ahead and plant them in the fall. If not, plant them in the spring.

The fall planting date to plant the seedlings outside is 6-8 weeks before your first fall frost. Look up your first fall frost date here. For example, my first fall frost date is December 2nd, so my planting window for most of these flowers is from mid-September through October. 

If it gets too cold where you live and you need to plant in the spring, plant 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. In any climate, If you miss the fall planting date or want to add more plants, you can also plant during this spring window.

Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before you plant outside. Count back another 8 weeks from your first frost date for your indoor seed starting date. I start seeds for most of these crops in July or August. Check my planting resources or find a planting calendar for your area for exact dates. 

Some crops have a larger planting window and can be planted through early spring. But remember, you’ll have more robust roots, stronger plants, and longer stems if you plant them earlier in the planting window. 

4. Plant in a good location

Choose an area with good soil that is well-draining. Once you plant, keep the seedlings watered until they get established. As temperatures cool, their water needs will be reduced, and growth will slow. Mulch the area to keep it weed-free and protect the soil. As temperatures begin to warm in the spring, they will take off. Get ready to enjoy all of the beautiful blooms.

Many of these flowers benefit from support as they grow. Get details about how to use and install trellis netting for cut flowers in this guide.

Even if it’s too hot to garden outside this summer, you can still enjoy starting these seeds and dream of all the beautiful flowers! 

Additional cool-season hardy annual growing resources:

• The Cut Flower Handbook: Select, Plant, Grow, and Harvest Gorgeous Blooms by Lisa Mason Ziegler
• Cool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long-Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather Techniques by Lisa Mason Ziegler
• 10 Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters
• 10 Easist Cool Season Flowers to Grow

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Article Outline:

1. Order garlic before it sells out
2. Grow the world’s most expensive spice
3. Plant ranunculus and anemone for a beautiful spring
4. You can grow tulips in hot climates!

Order garlic before it sells out

Let’s start with garlic, a staple in many kitchens. Many suppliers are sold out if you wait until planting time to order. Choose softneck varieties if you live in hot summer climates. The best time to plant garlic in the low desert of Arizona is during October. This blog post has more information on garlic growing. Look for local suppliers if possible. I order my bulbs from Forever Yong Farms. 

Grow the world’s most expensive spice

Saffron is another bulb to consider planting this fall. Saffron is known for its vibrant red stigmas used in cooking and has a hefty price tag due to its labor-intensive harvesting process. Plant the sizeable saffron crocus corms covered in silky fibers in most areas in early fall (August – September). I order saffron from Renee’s Garden Seeds. Learn more about how to grow saffron in this blog post. 

Plant ranunculus and anemone for a beautiful spring

Ranunculus and anemone are some of my favorite choices for spring blooms. In the low desert of Arizona, plant ranunculus corms from October to November for early spring blooms. I have the best luck with “Easy to Grow” ranunculus corms and anemones; they are good-sized and true to color. Get information on ranunculus growing in this blog post.

You can grow tulips in hot climates!

Tulips are a classic choice for spring gardens. These bulbs come in various colors and sizes, making them versatile for any garden style. Buying pre-chilled bulbs or pre-chilling them yourself is essential if you live in a hot summer climate. Ordering them now ensures the bulbs arrive ready to plant. The best time to plant in the low desert is at Thanksgiving. Choose from the Darwin Hybrid or Triumph tulip families for the low desert. I get my tulips from Roozengaarde. Learn how to grow tulips in this blog post.

By ordering and planting these bulbs this fall, you’ll set yourself up for a colorful and successful garden come springtime. Ordering early ensures you get the best selection of bulbs and allows you to plan your garden layout. Don’t wait—order your bulbs now and get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor next spring.

For a complete overview of planting and growing bulbs in the low desert, visit the Arizona Bulb Planting Guide. Once your bulbs arrive, the next step is planting and care. Learn how to give them the best start in the Arizona Bulb Growing Guide.

Want to enjoy flowering bulbs on your patio or in small spaces? Learn how to grow bulbs successfully in pots in this guide to growing bulbs in containers in hot climates.

Additional Fall Gardening Resources:

• Starting a Fall Garden
• 10 Easy-to-Grow Fall Flowers

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With this spring garden checklist and five tips for spring planting, you are ready to give your garden the tune-up it needs to flourish. What you do at the beginning of the season will help ensure a happy, healthy, and productive garden all year long.

Article Index:

1. Clean up and prepare the garden for planting
2. Make a plan for your spring and summer garden
3. Get your garden ready
4. Let seedlings acclimate before planting
5. Plant at the correct time

Spring Garden Checklist – Tip for Spring Planting #1:

Clean up and prepare the garden for planting

Cleaning the garden is a two-step process: First, clear your garden area of anything that is not purposeful or beautiful.

“All you need to do is take the time to sit down and examine each item you own, decide whether you want to keep or discard it, and then choose where to put what you keep.”

— Marie Kondō, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.

The second step is once you have only what you need and love in your garden, take the time to “tidy up” the area.

• Harvest cool season crops to make room for spring planting.
• Remove leaves and debris, and pull weeds.
• Add fallen leaves and spent plants to compost. Learn how to compost in this blog post.

• Clean and sanitize growing containers and tools. Keeping things clean helps prevent pests and diseases that can undo your hard work.
• Repair garden beds and trellises.
• Clean and sharpen pruners & garden tools.
• Replenish mulch in pathways.
• Thin wildflower seedlings if they are growing in clumps. Allow each plant several inches of growing room (depending on the plant size). Overcrowded wildflowers will still grow, but plants with better airflow and adequate spacing grow and bloom better.

Spring Garden Checklist – Tip for Spring Planting #2:

Make a plan for your spring and summer garden

Now that your area is clean and you only have what you use in the garden, make a plan for what you want from your garden. This tip for spring planting is to begin with the end in mind. If this is your first garden, this blog post, “How to Start a Garden in 8 Simple Steps,” will help you get started. 

Think about the goals for your garden.

• Do you want to grow a large amount of food? Or grow unusual varieties of vegetables not easily found at the store?
• Would you like a cutting garden for bouquets of flowers for your home and friends?
• Or a pollinator garden to attract bees and other beneficial insects and pollinators?

The first step to accomplishing your goals for your garden is to make a plan.

• Take a minute to recall what went well and what didn’t in the garden last season. If you have a garden journal to look back in, great!  If not, now is the time to begin. Remember, “mistakes are proof you are trying!” Learn from those successes and mistakes as you make your new plan.
• Use a planting guide for your area to see what grows well now. This is the Vegetable Planting Guide I use for the low desert of Arizona.  
• Sketch into a garden journal or type out how you will use the space you have to accomplish the goals you have set for your garden.

• Organize your existing seeds and saved seeds so you know what you have.
• Order seeds (I like ordering from Renee’s Garden Seeds, Baker Creek Seeds, and Botanical Interests) and locate sources for plants you would like to include. 
• Begin starting seeds indoors for the upcoming season.
• Get a head start, sweet potato slips indoors, and pre-sprout ginger and turmeric if you are planting them this season. If you’re growing potatoes, begin chitting them. Learn how to grow potatoes in containers in this guide.
• Learn more about garden planning in this blog post.

Perpetual Vegetable, Fruit & Herb Calendar shows you when to plant vegetables in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants. See it in my shop.

Spring Garden Checklist Tip #3:

Get Your Garden Ready

• Add fresh compost to your garden beds. The organic matter in soil decomposes over time and needs to be replenished.
• It’s important to have your soil tested. This is the soil test kit I use. It’s simple. I get the results back within a few days and know (not guess) what my soil needs. 
• Check your watering system and make adjustments, replace timer batteries (I use this one from Amazon), and fix broken or leaky fittings.
• Are you planting peas, luffa, or other vining vegetables in a different location? Add a trellis to that area.
• If your plan includes an additional raised bed or containers, purchase or construct them and prepare them for use.

• Prune existing roses. Give them a hard prune – clean up all dead wood crossing branches, touching canes, and non-producing canes.
• Plant roses. Early planting gives them time to establish before the summer heat arrives. I get mine from Heirloom Roses—take a look at my favorites and use this discount code GARDENAZ20 through 2025 for a 20% discount.
• Prune grapes. The best time to prune grapes is when they are dormant. Learn how to grow grapes in this guide.

• Cut back garlic chives and chives. Cut back to soil level, divide (if desired), and top with a fresh layer of compost or manure.

• Plant bare-root fruit trees. They will get established quickly as temperatures warm.
• Prune deciduous fruit trees. Prune dead, dying, damaged, and dysfunctional branches.

Taking the time at the beginning of each season to prepare your soil for planting will improve your soil and harvests! Read more here.

Tip for Spring Planting #4:

Let seedlings acclimate before planting

Whether you grow your own or get them from a nursery, it’s best to let seedlings gradually adjust to the environment in your garden. Leave them outside under a covered patio for the first day or two if cold nights are still an issue, plant in the morning to give the transplant a day in the sun to settle in before it cools off.

Consider covering new plantings for the first few nights if temperatures are below what they like and protect new seedlings from birds and other animals.

Handle transplants by roots and leaves when planting, not stems. They can’t grow a new stem; treat it with care.

Once you are ready to plant, enjoy the process of planting your seeds and seedlings. This is the fun part!

Tip for Spring Planting #5:

Plant at the correct time

Use the date on the calendar as a guide for planting, but the temperature is the best indicator of when to plant. Most vegetables germinate and grow best above a certain temperature; use a soil thermometer (I like this one from Amazon) and take the guesswork out of seeds germinating. Remember that soil in raised beds will heat up more quickly than in-ground beds.

For example, tomatoes and corn both prefer a soil temperature of approximately 60°F (16°C). Peppers do best in a slightly warmer environment, thriving at around 65°F (18°C). Meanwhile, squash requires a warmer soil temperature still, favoring conditions at around 70°F (21°C).

After your last frost date:

• Begin planting warm-season crops.
• Evaluate your existing tomato, pepper, and eggplant plants.
• Prune back frost-damaged plants. Don’t be in a hurry to prune off the damage; wait until spring has arrived – you’ll see new growth, and then you can tell what’s really dead. Make cuts just behind the dead parts – this will encourage side shoots where you want them to fill in. Read the complete guide to pruning peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants after winter here.

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Although summers are hot in the low desert, our winters are mild. Several beautiful flowers grow well during the mild winter and bloom through early spring. In this post, I share my ten favorite cool-season flowers that love mild winters. Keep reading to the end for my honorable mention choices for flowers that grow well during mild winters. 

Low desert includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

Remember, timing is critical when gardening in hot climates like the low desert of Arizona. Learning the best times to plant will help you be successful. This guide for cool-season flowers that love mild winters will help you know when to plant and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• When you plant at the correct time, seeds will sprout, and transplants will become established in the optimal conditions for each plant. 
• The planting dates listed are for the low desert of Arizona (zone 9b). You may need to adjust your dates if you live in a different area.
• And finally, don’t be afraid to start flowers from seed. Transplants aren’t always available at the best time to plant. However, use good judgment when starting from seed. If it is at the end of the planting window for that particular plant, it might be best to plant a transplant rather than start from seed.

Many spring-blooming bulbs also thrive in our mild winters—learn more in the Arizona Bulb Planting Guide.

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

10 Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters #1: Ranunculus

In zones 7 and warmer, there are two planting windows — late fall and again in late winter or early spring. For zones cooler than zone 7, plant in the spring after the danger of frost is passed. 

When to plant ranunculus in Arizona: October – November & February – March

• Look for large corms; they will have larger blooms.
• Soak corms before planting.
• Corms may be dug up at the end of the season.
• Looking for more information? Read this blog post or watch this video. 

10 Flowers that Love Mild Winters #2: Lobelia

Start seeds indoors: July – October

Plant transplants outside: September 15 – December. Do not plant if temperatures remain hot. 

Blooms from March through early June

• Plant at the edge of containers.
• Beautiful when paired with blue salvia.
• Abundant blooms.
• Tolerates neglect.
• Are you looking for more information about how to grow lobelia? Read this blog post.

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.

Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters #3: Sweet Peas

In mild winter areas (zone 8-10) like the low desert of Arizona, plant in the fall from October through February.

Blooms from February through early May.

• Sweet peas grow best from seeds. Click here for sweet pea seeds. 
• Plant in areas with full sun to shade.
• Put trellises in place before you plant so as not to disturb the roots. 
• Looking for more information about how to grow sweet peas? Read this blog post.

Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters #4: Delphinium (Larkspur)

Larkspur grows best from seeds started directly in the garden. Click here for larkspur seeds.

• In mild winter areas (zone 8-10) like the low desert of Arizona, plant in the fall from late September through November.
• Blooms from March through May.
• Seeds may be difficult to germinate. Freeze seeds for a week or so before planting to encourage germination.

Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters #5: Foxglove

Start seeds indoors: July – August

Plant transplants outside: September – October

Blooms from: March through May.

• Can be difficult to start from seed; plant transplants for best results. Prefers part sun; needs regular water.
• Good cut flower; harvest when just a few bottom blossoms are open.
• Attracts hummingbirds.
• Read this article for more information about how to grow foxglove.

10 Flowers that Love Mild Winters #6: Poppies

Plant seeds from October through December.

Blooms from March through early May.

• Poppies grow best from seed. Click here for poppy seeds. 
• Direct sow poppy seeds in the garden. Push poppy seeds firmly into the soil.
• Poppies grow well in containers.
• Looking for more information about how to grow poppies? Read this blog post. 

Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters #7: Nasturtium

Plant nasturtium seeds from October through January.

Nasturtium blooms from February through May.

• Nasturtium grows best from seed. Click here for nasturtium seeds. 
• Plant seeds ½ to 1 inch deep and 5-6 inches apart.
• If you want an abundance of flowers, do not fertilize nasturtiums. Nutrient-rich soil grows plenty of green leaves but not as many blooms.
• Looking for more information about how to grow nasturtiums? Read this blog post.

Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters #8: Calendula

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

Calendula blooms in Arizona from December through May.  

• Succession plant calendula seeds every 2 or 3 weeks for a continual harvest. Learn more about succession planting in this guide.
• Calendula needs regular water; do not let the plant dry out. 
• Keep flowers cut back to encourage more blooms. 
• Looking for more information about how to grow calendula? Read this blog post.

10 Flowers that Love Mild Winters #9: Snapdragons

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

Blooms from November through early May.

• Snapdragons are readily available as transplants. 
• You can also start seeds indoors.  Do not cover the seed with soil. It needs light to sprout. Click here for snapdragon seeds.
• Support large varieties with netting for straight stems. Get more details about how to use and install trellis netting for cut flowers in this guide.
• Cut the central stem back to ground level to encourage branching. 
• Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.

Cool-Season Flowers That Love Mild Winters #10: Bachelor Buttons (Cornflower)

Plant seeds in your garden from late September through November.

Blooms from February through June.

• Bachelor buttons grow best from seed. Click here for bachelor button seeds.
• Plant bachelor button seeds directly in the garden. Cover lightly with soil. 
• Cornflowers are edible. Learn more about other edible flowers in this post.
• Looking for more information about how to grow bachelor buttons? Read this blog post.

Looking for more ideas? Other cool-season flowers that love mild winters include:

Did I forget any of your favorite cool-season flowers that love mild winters? Let me know in the comments what your favorites are. If you’re looking for a tall, elegant flower to add to your cool-season garden, don’t miss How to Grow Campanula (Canterbury Bells).

Learn more about ten cool-season flowers that grow easily from seed in this blog post.

Arizona Annual Flowers Planting guide helps you learn when to plant flowers in Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

10 Flowers that Love Hot Summers shares my favorite heat-loving plants that grow well in hot Arizona summers. 

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Use a vegetable planting calendar designed for the low desert of Arizona’s unique growing conditions

Planting crops at the right time is crucial to gardening. However, the best time to plant varies significantly by region. A big part of gardening success is learning the unique growing conditions of your area.

Each month lists the vegetables, fruits, herbs & flowers to plant in the low desert

Each month, there is a planting guide for the vegetables, herbs, and flowers to be planted outside in the low desert of Arizona. (Note: not all months have all categories, only those that are best for planting.)

Low desert harvests are pictured for each month

The harvest guides are the harvest photos of what it is possible to harvest each month. Images are of actual harvests from my Arizona garden for each month.

Details about the fruit, herb, flower, and vegetable planting calendar for the low desert of Arizona

• 11×14 wall or easel calendar
• Full-color illustrations for each month of the year
• Perpetual – does not expire, can be used year after year
• 30-pound heavyweight paper
• Archival, acid-free, elemental chlorine-free, and made of 30% recycled content

I don’t live in the low desert. Will the Arizona Vegetable Planting Calendar work for me?

Low desert includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Our last average spring frost date is around February 15th, and the first fall frost for our area is around December 2nd. Find your frost dates here.

We have several months of very high heat in the summer and mild winters. We average 320 days of sunshine per year, with temperatures at or above 100°F (38°C) for 100 of those days.

Our average rainfall per year is around 8 inches. We get about 36 days of rain a year.

If this seems similar to your climate, this planting calendar may work for you.

Low Desert Planting Guides for Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, Flowers & More

• Looking for the best time to plant flowering bulbs in the low desert? Don’t miss this Arizona Bulb Planting Guide for seasonal tips and recommendations.
• Want to add colorful blooms to your garden year-round? This Arizona Annual Flowers Visual Guide shares the best annuals to grow in every season.
• Wondering when and how to grow fruit in the desert? The Arizona Fruit Planting Guide covers the best choices and planting times for low desert conditions.
• Herbs love the desert too—learn which ones thrive and when to plant them in this Arizona Herb Planting Guide.
• Vines can provide beauty, shade, and structure in the garden. Find out which ones do best in the desert with this Arizona Vine Planting Guide.
• For a season-by-season breakdown of what to plant and when, explore this Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide.

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.

Seed Box Labels with planting dates for vegetables and flowers

Purchase the Vegetable Labels here, and the Flower Labels here.

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