May in planting zones 9-10 – covering places like southern Florida, southern Texas, parts of Arizona, and coastal California – are hitting their stride right now with temperatures that make northern gardeners green with envy.

But May in zones 9-10 comes with its own special considerations. While your friends up north are celebrating the end of frost risk, you’re strategizing how to work with increasingly warm days and planning for the potential heat waves to come. With temperatures typically ranging from 70-90°F during the day and rarely dipping below 60°F at night, May offers a perfect window for establishing heat-loving plants before the real scorchers of summer arrive.

Fruits & Vegetables to Plant in May in Zones 9-10

Okra

The undisputed champion of heat tolerance, okra practically begs for those hot May days. This Southern staple produces tender, delicious pods that shine in everything from gumbo to pickled preparations. Plant ‘Clemson Spineless’ for a reliable producer or try ‘Red Burgundy’ for a pop of unexpected color in your garden. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in full sun, and get ready to harvest frequently once production begins – those pods grow fast!

Sweet Potatoes

May is the perfect time to get sweet potato slips in the ground. These nutritional powerhouses thrive in warm soil and will develop vigorous vines over the summer. Plant varieties like ‘Beauregard’ or ‘Centennial’ about 12-18 inches apart, and prepare to give them space to spread. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during establishment. In 100-120 days, you’ll be harvesting these vitamin-packed tubers for holiday meals!

Eggplant

These beautiful purple fruits love heat and will thrive when planted in May. Choose varieties adapted to hot climates like ‘Florida Market’ or ‘Black Beauty’ for best results. Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil. If temperatures climb above 95°F later in the season, consider providing some afternoon shade to prevent sunscald on the fruits.

Southern Peas (Black-eyed Peas, Cowpeas)

May is ideal for planting these heat and drought-tolerant legumes that actually improve your soil while growing. Try ‘California Blackeye’ for classic flavor or ‘Mississippi Silver’ for excellent production. Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart. These resilient plants will handle the heat beautifully while fixing nitrogen in your soil – talk about multitasking!

Peppers (Hot and Sweet)

Both sweet and hot peppers thrive in the May warmth of zones 9-10. For sweet peppers, try ‘California Wonder’ or ‘Cubanelle’. Heat seekers should plant ‘Jalapeño’, ‘Habanero’, or the trendy ‘Ghost’ pepper if you’re brave. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in full sun. Consistent moisture is key for preventing blossom end rot, so consider a drip irrigation system for best results.

Tomatoes (Heat-Set Varieties)

While some northern gardeners are just putting their first tomato plants in the ground, you’ll want to choose heat-set varieties that can handle your warm nights. Look for cultivars like ‘Solar Fire’, ‘Florida 91’, or cherry types like ‘Sweet 100’ that won’t drop their blossoms in high heat. Plant seedlings 24-36 inches apart with sturdy support, and consider afternoon shade if temperatures consistently climb above 95°F.

Cucumbers

May is perfect for cucumbers in warm zones. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Armenian’ or ‘Marketmore 76’ that won’t turn bitter in the heat. Plant seeds or seedlings 12-18 inches apart, providing a trellis for climbing varieties to save space and improve air circulation. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production, so check plants every couple of days once they start producing.

Summer Squash and Zucchini

These garden favorites grow quickly in May’s warmth. Plant varieties like ‘Early Prolific Straightneck’ squash or ‘Black Beauty’ zucchini in hills, with 2-3 plants per hill and hills spaced 3-4 feet apart. Watch for squash vine borers and squash bugs, which can damage plants in warm climates. Harvest frequently when fruits are young and tender for best flavor.

Melons

May’s warm soil is perfect for direct-sowing watermelons and cantaloupes. Try heat-loving varieties like ‘Charleston Grey’ watermelon or ‘Hale’s Best’ cantaloupe. Plant seeds in hills, with 2-3 seeds per hill and hills spaced 4-6 feet apart. These sprawling vines need space, so plan accordingly. Consistent moisture during the vine development stage is important, but reduce watering as fruits mature for sweeter melons.

Bush Beans

Bush beans mature quickly in the May warmth, often producing harvestable pods in just 50-60 days. Try ‘Contender’ or ‘Provider’ for reliable production in heat. Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart, thinning to 4-6 inches as they grow. Plant a new row every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvests well into summer.

Herbs to Plant in May in Zones 9-10

Basil

The quintessential summer herb thrives in May’s warmth. Plant seedlings or direct sow seeds 6-8 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil. Try ‘Genovese’ for classic Italian flavor, ‘Thai’ for spicy Asian dishes, or ‘Purple Ruffles’ for ornamental appeal. Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering, which can make leaves bitter.

Lemongrass

This aromatic grass adds tropical flair to both your garden and cuisine. Plant seedlings or divided clumps about 24 inches apart in full sun. Lemongrass forms impressive clumps with beautiful arching foliage, making it ornamental as well as useful. Harvest by cutting stalks at ground level when they reach about 1/2 inch thick.

Rosemary

This Mediterranean native loves the warm, dry conditions of zones 9-10. Plant seedlings 2-3 feet apart, as they can grow quite large over time. Ensure excellent drainage – rosemary hates wet feet! Consider planting in raised beds or containers if your soil tends to stay wet. Once established, rosemary is remarkably drought-tolerant.

Oregano

May is perfect for establishing this pizza-perfect herb. Plant seedlings 12-18 inches apart in well-draining soil. Full sun will produce the most flavorful leaves. Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) offers the strongest flavor for cooking. Harvest sprigs just before flowering for maximum essential oil content.

Mexican Tarragon

While French tarragon struggles in heat, its Mexican cousin (Tagetes lucida) thrives in warm zones. Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart in full sun. The pretty yellow flowers attract pollinators, and the anise-flavored leaves make an excellent tarragon substitute in cooking. This perennial will return year after year in zones 9-10.

Cuban Oregano

Also called Spanish thyme or Mexican mint, this succulent herb with thick, fuzzy leaves offers intense flavor. Plant in well-draining soil or containers, spacing plants 24 inches apart. Provide afternoon shade in the hottest parts of summer. Use sparingly in cooking – it’s much stronger than Mediterranean oregano!

Cilantro (Slow-bolting varieties)

Standard cilantro tends to bolt (flower) quickly in heat, but slow-bolting varieties like ‘Santo’ or ‘Calypso’ can extend your harvest in zones 9-10. Sow seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply. Consider planting in areas that receive afternoon shade to further delay bolting.

Tropical Fruits to Plant in May in Zones 9-10

Papaya

These fast-growing tropical trees can be planted in May when soil has thoroughly warmed. Plant seedlings 8-10 feet apart in full sun and well-draining soil. Keep young trees well-watered until established. ‘Red Lady’ and ‘Maradol’ are reliable varieties for zones 9-10. In just 10-14 months, you could be harvesting your own papayas!

Bananas

May’s warmth is perfect for establishing banana plants. Choose dwarf varieties like ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ or ‘Gran Nain’ for more manageable size. Plant suckers or nursery starts 6-10 feet apart in rich, moist soil. Provide protection from strong winds, which can damage the large leaves. While true bananas need very warm climates, ornamental varieties can add tropical flair even in zone 9.

Pineapple

Start your own pineapple plant by twisting the leafy top off a store-bought fruit! After removing some bottom leaves and letting it dry for a few days, plant it in well-draining soil with just the base buried. May’s warm weather will encourage root development. Be patient – it takes 18-24 months to produce fruit, but what a conversation piece!

Mango

May is ideal for planting young mango trees when soil temperatures have thoroughly warmed. Choose grafted varieties like ‘Haden’, ‘Kent’, or dwarf types like ‘Julie’ for smaller spaces. Plant trees 25-30 feet apart (less for dwarf varieties) in full sun and well-draining soil. Protect young trees from cold snaps below 40°F, even in these warm zones.

Guava

Both tropical and pineapple guava thrive when planted in May. Space trees 10-15 feet apart in full sun. These adaptable fruits can tolerate a range of soil conditions as long as drainage is good. Tropical guava varieties like ‘Ruby Supreme’ offer sweet, pink flesh, while pineapple guava (Feijoa) has a more complex, aromatic flavor.

Passion Fruit

The vigorous vines of passion fruit establish quickly in May’s warmth. Plant seedlings near a sturdy trellis or fence that can support their enthusiastic growth. ‘Purple’ varieties generally perform better in zones 9-10 than yellow types. Keep soil consistently moist during the establishment phase. Within a year, you could be enjoying these exotic, fragrant fruits!

Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)

These unusual cactus fruits create quite the conversation piece in any garden. Plant rooted cuttings near a strong support structure – they’re climbing cacti that can get quite heavy when mature. Full sun and excellent drainage are essential. The night-blooming flowers are spectacular, and the colorful fruits follow 30-50 days after flowering.

May Garden Tasks for Zones 9-10

• Mulch heavily around new plantings to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Install drip irrigation systems before summer heat intensifies
• Set up shade cloth for sensitive plants that might struggle in peak summer heat
• Monitor for pests that thrive in warm weather, especially whiteflies and aphids
• Harvest frequently from existing plants as production accelerates in warm weather
• Feed heavy-feeding vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash with balanced organic fertilizer
• Begin shifting your watering schedule to early morning to minimize evaporation
• Consider succession planting fast-growing crops like bush beans for continuous harvests
• Thin fruit on trees if needed to ensure proper development and prevent branch breakage
• Start planning for fall garden as seed catalogs arrive (yes, already!)

May in zones 9-10 is that golden moment when conditions are nearly perfect for establishing the heat-loving plants that will feed you throughout summer and into fall. The soil is warm, the days are long, and the real scorchers of summer haven’t quite arrived yet.

So, what are you planning to grow this May? Are you trying any exciting new varieties or experimenting with tropical fruits? Whatever you’re planting, remember that in our warm southern zones, gardening isn’t about brief seasons but about strategic timing – working with nature’s rhythms to maximize your harvests all year long.