Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Vegetables
Your go-to Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide for what to plant and when in the low desert, based on real experience and updated for today’s climate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great list! Might try some of it. Thank you for sharing us some information about each of the vegetables. I love that you made it is easy to navigate and easy to understand. Thanks again.
The Arizona zoning part was not clear in the picture. The information was helpful but would like more hands on input for the Arizona east central area such as Heber-Show Low-Eagar-Springerville-Nutroisis-Alpine area’s…. Probably talk to the local yokels to learn their gardening success I would think ???
Hi – These planting dates are more specific to the low desert of Arizona. Your dates would be a bit different. Check with your local county extension office, they may be able to help.
Can I grow tangerines and green vegetables in Arizona?
Yes!
Hi, I was wondering if you have a book for purchase with all of this information. I love your webside, blog. Thank you for all the information you provide.
Hi Barbara, not at this time. I do have planting calendars with much of the information listed for each month available in my shop: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/products
I am getting a little confused on the time to harvest or time to maturity. For example on the tomatoes… it lists a time frame for starting seeds and putting out transplants it then gives a time to harvest. In general when it lists a time to maturity or harvest is it the time from when you started the seeds or when you put the transplants out? I am using the tomatoes as an example but more wondering just in general when it says the time to harvest or maturity on your blog and on seed packets… when does the clock for that start?
Generally, the days to harvest are understood to mean the time from planting outside in the garden. For seeds directly sown in the garden, it begins when you plant the seeds. For seeds started indoors and then transplanted outside, it means from the time of transplanting outside. It can be confusing, and isn’t an exact time to be sure.