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What to Plant in February in Arizona

February marks the beginning of a new growing season in the low desert, which is also one of my favorite times in the garden. Our spring season is short, so timing is everything. In this article, I’ll share what you can plant in Arizona this month, from cool-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers that thrive now, to the warm-season crops you’ll plant after the last frost date. With days getting longer, the garden is starting to wake up, and there’s so much potential in this quick but productive season. Let’s make the most of it before the desert heat arrives.

What to Plant in February in Arizona

I have a blog post like this for each month of the year. You can do this, I’ll help! For those in the low desert areas (below 3,500 feet), such as Phoenix or Tucson, this guide will help you confidently garden during the cooler months.

Tip: If you’re looking for the garden tasks to do this month, see the Arizona Garden in February blog post and printable checklist.


Article Outline:


February YouTube Videos

YouTube video
YouTube video
YouTube video

Garden Harvests in February

While you prep for spring in your low desert Arizona garden, enjoy this month’s harvests of cool-season vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers.

Peas: Pick them frequently to encourage steady production. (Pea growing guide)

Broccoli: Harvest when heads are tight, and buds are closed—don’t wait until you see yellow flowers. Side shoots often appear after the main head is cut. Don’t pull it out by the roots when you’re finished with the plant. Instead, cut it off at the base to avoid disturbing the soil; the roots will break down and add organic matter. (Broccoli growing guide)

Radishes are quick-growing and ready to harvest before the weather gets too hot. (Radish growing guide)

Cool Season Harvests

What to do before you plant this February in Arizona

First Things First: Find Your Last Frost Date

Before you put any seeds in the ground, you must know your average last frost date. This date varies by location, so head over to this Frost Date Calculator and enter your zip code for a quick lookup. My last frost date is February 12, and I use that as a guideline for deciding when to plant warm-season crops. Once you know your date, you’ll be better equipped to time your plantings and protect tender seedlings if a late frost sneaks in.

First Things First_ Find Your Last Frost Date

Next, Prepare Your Beds and Check the Irrigation

To prepare your garden for new plants, start by pulling back any mulch and adding amendments to the soil around existing crops if needed. Add about 4 cups of worm castings to each 4×8 bed, then top off the beds with compost or raised bed mix to replace the organic matter used last season. Keep feeding worms in any in-bed vermicomposting bins to maintain healthy soil life.

After that, inspect your watering system. Fix leaks or clogged emitters and ensure every area of the bed is getting water. Time how long it takes to reach 12 inches deep—this will guide you on how long to water each session. I use the garden grids from Garden in Minutes in my raised beds. (Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or GITG5 to save 5 percent on any size order.)

Proper preparation now lays the foundation for a successful growing season.

Next, Prepare Your Beds and Check the Irrigation

Monitor Your Soil Temperature

Knowing both your soil temperature and your last frost date is key to deciding when to plant warm-season crops. If the soil stays too cold, seeds germinate slowly or never reach their full potential. Use a thermometer (this is the one I use) to check several spots at the depth where seeds or roots will be planted, leaving it in place for a few minutes each time. Do this in the mornings for about a week to see if temperatures are consistently within the ideal ranges for your chosen crops:

Monitor Your Soil Temperature
  • 55°F (13°C) – Corn, Tomatoes
  • 65°F (18°C) – Cucumbers, Peppers
  • 70°F (21°C) – Beans, Melons, Squash
  • 75°F (24°C) – Pumpkin, Okra, Eggplant

Get more details about how to check your soil temperature in this guide.

Want more information about gardening in Arizona? This blog post shares seven tips for how to grow a vegetable garden in Arizona


Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit to plant in the low desert in February

While you wait for the soil to reach the right temperature for warm-season crops, there are still plenty of options to plant throughout February. It’s a perfect window for adding perennial herbs that will thrive long-term, attract beneficial insects, and offer year-round flavor in the kitchen. Getting them in now gives them time to settle before the summer heat arrives, so don’t miss the chance to plant as many herbs as possible.

What to Plant in February in Arizona

(Click the link to read “How to Grow” articles on my website.)


What to Plant after February 15th (or after the last spring frost)

Once you’re past your last frost date and your soil has warmed up (keep an eye on those weather forecasts), it’s time to move fast. The low desert’s spring season can be short, so getting warm-season vegetables in the ground early helps you make the most of the window before the intense heat sets in. When conditions look right, go ahead and plant.

What to Plant in February in Arizona

SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed T= Transplant


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

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.


Vegetable, herb, and fruit seeds to start indoors during February

If you want an early jump on summer favorites, starting seeds indoors can give them a head start before the soil outside is warm enough. For more details, check out my guide on how to start seeds indoors. If you prefer direct sowing, many crops can go straight into the ground once outdoor temperatures and soil conditions are right.


Planting Calendar for the Low Desert of Arizona

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.


Flowers to plant in the low desert in February

Don’t forget the flowers (even if you think of yourself as just a vegetable gardener). Pick a couple from these lists. You’ll love the beauty and pollinators they add to your garden.

What to Plant in February in Arizona

(Click the link to read “How to Grow” articles on my website.)

SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed T= Transplant


Plant New Roses

February is a great month to plant container-grown 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.

Rose care in February

Flower seeds to start indoors in the low desert in February

Want to get a jump start on summer flowers? Start some of these flowers indoors now.


Perpetual Annual Flower 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.


How to Maximize Your Harvest

If you want the most out of our short spring season, give warm-season crops the best real estate in your yard, where they’ll get the most hours of sunlight. Space them correctly—crowded plants compete for nutrients and water, so thin seedlings early and often to prevent overcrowding. Practice deep, infrequent watering from the start to encourage strong root systems, and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. These simple steps go a long way toward boosting your harvest in a hurry.

What to Plant in February in Arizona

What About Overwintered Peppers, Eggplants, and Tomatoes?

If you’ve successfully overwintered these plants, they’re already ahead of the game. After your last frost date, check their health. If they have sturdy stems and new growth, prune back any damaged areas to just above where new growth is visible—this signals the plant to start growing. Fertilize to give them the nutrients they need to recover and thrive.

Once nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F, they’ll begin setting fruit, giving you an earlier harvest than starting from scratch. If the plant is too damaged or struggling, replacing it with a new transplant in a different spot may be better.

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

What About Overwintered Peppers, Eggplants, and Tomatoes

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