What to Plant in Phoenix in February

Tomatoes: Last Call (Plant by February 15)

If you didn't get tomatoes in the ground in January, you have until February 15 — and not a day longer. Plants set after mid-February won't have sufficient time to reach full production before heat exceeds 95°F and shuts down fruit set in late May. You'll get some harvest, but it will be thin.

Buy transplants from a local Phoenix nursery. Berridge Nurseries, Moon Valley, and Whitfill Nurseries typically have good transplant selection through mid-February.

What's New to Plant in February

Cucumbers — Direct Sow Late February

Cucumbers are one of the best Phoenix spring crops — fast-growing, highly productive, and perfect for the warm weather ahead. Direct sow seeds February 20–28 when soil has warmed. They need soil temperatures above 60°F to germinate well.

Best varieties for Phoenix: Straight Eight, Marketmore 76, Bush Pickle. Space 12 inches apart with a trellis — vertical growing saves space and improves air circulation.

Summer Squash and Zucchini — Direct Sow Late February

Summer squash and zucchini are extremely productive in Phoenix spring — so productive that many gardeners plant only one or two plants. Direct sow seeds February 20–28 in hills or rows. Expect harvests in April through June.

Green Beans — Direct Sow February 15+

Green beans are beginner-proof in Phoenix spring. Direct sow seeds February 15 onward, 2 inches apart, 1 inch deep. They germinate in 7–10 days and produce 50–55 days later. Bush varieties (Blue Lake 274, Contender) don't need staking and are the simplest choice.

Melons — Start Indoors in February

Start melon seeds indoors in February for transplanting in early March when soil is fully warm. Phoenix is excellent melon territory — our heat and dry air are exactly what melons want. Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon all do well here.

Continuing From January

• Peppers and eggplant — Transplants still going in through early February
• Basil — Transplants in February, direct sow in late February once soil warms
• Onions — Sets and transplants still acceptable through February

What's Finishing Up in February

Your fall cool-season crops (lettuce, spinach, kale, chard) are heading toward their end as February temperatures rise. Harvest them aggressively. Lettuce will bolt once daytime temperatures consistently hit 75–80°F — you'll notice the plant sending up a tall center stalk. At that point harvest everything remaining before it goes bitter.

February Garden Checklist

• ☐ Plant final tomato transplants by February 15
• ☐ Direct sow green beans February 15+
• ☐ Direct sow cucumbers and summer squash February 20–28
• ☐ Start melon seeds indoors
• ☐ Install drip irrigation before spring crops need daily watering
• ☐ Harvest remaining cool-season crops before they bolt
• ☐ Fertilize January-planted tomatoes and peppers with balanced fertilizer

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I plant in Phoenix in February?

Tomato transplants (by February 15), cucumber seeds (direct sow late February), summer squash and zucchini (direct sow late February), green beans (direct sow February 15 onward), basil transplants, and melon seeds started indoors. February is the last month for warm-season spring crops.

Is it too late to plant tomatoes in February in Phoenix?

Before February 15, no — you can still get a reasonable harvest. After February 15, your plants won't have enough time before summer heat shuts down fruit set in late May. February 15 is the hard cutoff for Phoenix tomatoes.

Can I plant cucumbers in February in Phoenix?

Yes — direct sow in late February (February 20–28) when soil is at least 60°F. Cucumbers planted in late February produce heavily in April and May and are one of the best Phoenix spring crops.

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