What to Plant in June in Arizona
June planting in Arizona’s low desert is all about adapting to the heat. While early summer harvests are still going strong, the soaring temperatures and dry conditions make this a more challenging time to plant. That doesn’t mean you have to stop gardening—it just means planting smarter.
In this post, I’ll share my top picks for vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers to plant in Arizona in June, along with indoor seed-starting options and helpful tips for staying successful in the heat. Whether you’re filling empty spots in the garden or starting seeds for the next wave of summer crops, good soil, deep watering, and afternoon shade will go a long way.
Get help navigating the challenges of summer gardening by reading the Summer Gardening in Arizona article.
Plant with confidence—every month!
Gardening in Arizona’s low desert can be tricky, but you’re not alone. My monthly planting guides are made for gardeners in Phoenix, Tucson, and anywhere below 3,500 feet. Know what to plant, when to plant it, and how to keep growing throughout the year.
Want even more detailed help?
For a full planting calendar and month-by-month guidance, check out my Arizona Planting Calendars and Guides.
Tip:
Looking for garden tasks to stay on track this month? Check out my Arizona Garden in June blog post and grab the free printable checklist!
What we’ll cover:
- June YouTube Videos
- Possible Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Harvests This Month
- Which Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit to Plant Arizona in June
- Vegetable, Herb & Fruit Seeds to Start Indoors in June
- Flowers That May Bloom in June
- Which Flowers to Plant in the Low Desert of Arizona in June
- Flower Seeds to Start Indoors in June
- Final Thoughts on June Planting in Arizona
June YouTube Videos
Possible Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Harvests This Month
June harvests can be some of the most rewarding of the year. Many spring and warm-season crops are ready to pick before the heat becomes extreme. Harvest regularly to keep plants productive and reduce pest problems, and pick early in the day for best flavor and freshness. Gain insights into successful vegetable gardening practices specific to Arizona’s climate in the Vegetable Gardening in Arizona post.
(Click on the link to read “How to Grow” articles about each crop.)
Vegetables:
Armenian Cucumbers, Butternut Squash, Pumpkins, Cucumbers, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Eggplant, I’itoi onions, Okra, Swiss Chard, Onions, Peppers, Potatoes, Carrots, Leeks, Garlic, Beans, Tomatillos
Herbs:
Oregano, Sage, Basil, Dill Seeds, Parsley, Parsley Seeds, Rosemary, Thyme, Mint
Fruit:
Chichiquelite, Strawberries, Grapefruit, Figs, Apples, Peaches, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Passionfruit, Grapes, Ground Cherries
Need more ideas for what to plant this month? Check out this full list of vegetables, herbs, and flowers to plant in June in Arizona.
Plan your fruit garden with confidence using the Arizona Fruit Planting Guide, featuring planting dates and care instructions.
Which Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit to Plant in the Low Desert in June
June marks the shift from a productive spring garden to one focused on heat-tolerant crops and survival. With temperatures rising and rainfall scarce, it’s not the easiest month to plant—but it’s still possible to have success. Focus on filling empty spaces in the garden with cover crops, heat-loving vegetables, herbs, and fruit that can handle the heat.
Use best practices: plant in rich soil, water deeply and infrequently, and provide afternoon shade where possible. Even small additions now can help you keep your garden going through the summer.
[Click the links below to learn how to grow each crop.]
- Armenian Cucumber (ST)
- Basil (ST)
- Bean (Yardlong) (S)
- Black-eyed-peas (S)
- Cantaloupe (ST)
- Okra (ST)
- Sunflower (S)
- Sweet Potato (slip)
- Watermelon (S)
SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed / T= Transplant
For detailed planting dates and methods for over 50 vegetables suited to the low desert, refer to the Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide.
Explore optimal planting times and care tips for a variety of herbs in the Arizona Herb Planting Guide.
Vegetable, Herb & Fruit Seeds to Start Indoors in June
Looking ahead to the monsoon season? June is a great time to start seeds indoors for a second wave of summer planting. Starting seeds now gives heat-tolerant crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkins, a head start before they are planted during the monsoon or early fall.
Use seed trays with good airflow and a fan, and harden off transplants before planting them out. Learn the best times to start seeds indoors for successful transplants with the Seed-Starting Guide for Low-Desert Vegetables.
[Click the links for trusted seed sources.]
Seed Box Labels with planting dates for vegetables and flowers
Purchase the Vegetable Labels here, and the Flower Labels here.
Flowers That May Bloom in June
Despite the heat, many flowers continue to bloom in June, especially those adapted to warm, dry conditions. These blooms not only add beauty but also support pollinators during a tough season. Deadhead regularly and keep plants well-watered and mulched to extend flowering.
(Click on the link to read “How to Grow” articles about each crop.)
Lisianthus, Scabiosa, Feverfew, Sunflowers, Passionflowers, Strawflowers, Dianthus, Statice, Hollyhocks, Vanity Verbena, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Roses, Everlasting Sweet Peas, Floss-Flower, Shasta Daisy, Echinacea, Yarrow, Gazania, Gomphrena, Gaillardia, Zinnia, Skyflower, Lobelia, Dahlia, Vinca, Coleus, Dara, Aster, Carnation, Angelonia, Cosmos, Black-Eyed Susan Vine, Alyssum, Larkspur, Campanula
Add vibrant color to your summer garden with these 10 heat-tolerant flowers.
Which Flowers to Plant in the Low Desert of Arizona in June
It’s true—June is a challenging month for flowers, but some heat-loving annuals and transplants can still bring beauty and color to your summer garden. Focus on flowers that thrive in full sun and heat. Don’t forget to water deeply and mulch well to help keep the roots cool.
Plant early in the month when possible, and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to help new plants get established.
[Click the links to learn how to grow each flower.]
- Angelonia (T)
- Celosia* thru the 15th (T)
- Coleus* thru the 15th (T)
- Cosmos (S)
- Cosmos (sulfur) (S)
- Four O’Clock (S)
- Gomphrena (T)
- Portulaca / Moss Rose (ST)
- Purslane (ST)
- Rain Lily (bulb)
- Sunflower (S)
- Vinca (T)
- Zinnia (ST)
SEED, TRANSPLANT, OR BOTH? S = Seed / T= Transplant
Discover which annual flowers thrive in the low desert and when to plant them with the Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide.
Flower Seeds to Start Indoors in June
Only one flower—verbena—makes the list this month, but this section will grow soon as some of our favorite cool-season hardy annuals begin to return.
[Click the link for seed source.]
Good airflow and light are key to healthy seedlings. Starting now means you’ll have strong transplants ready to go when planting conditions improve.
Final Thoughts on June Planting in Arizona
June gardening in Arizona is all about working with the heat, not against it. Whether you’re harvesting the last of your spring crops, planting heat-loving vegetables, or starting seeds indoors for the months ahead, a little planning goes a long way. Stick with crops that thrive in high temperatures, use mulch and shade wisely, and water deeply to keep your garden growing strong.
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