While the rest of the country is breaking out their pumpkin spice everything and dusting off their sweaters, you’ll still wiping be sweat from your brows and reapplying sunscreen. September in these sun-kissed regions isn’t about battening down the hatches; it’s about gearing up for another round of garden goodness. But hey, while your northern friends are posting photos of changing leaves, you’ll be sharing snaps of your tomatoes still ripening on the vine well into their winter. It’s like Mother Nature decided to give you an extended summer pass, and who are you to argue?

With temperatures still flirting with the 90s and frost being about as likely as a penguin waddling down your street, the planting possibilities are endless. Frost date? More like “what frost?” date, am I right? But if you’re wondering, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says January 1st.

Here’s the kicker – September in zones 9-10 isn’t just more of the same. Oh no, it’s like summer’s sophisticated cousin has come to visit. The days are ever-so-slightly shorter, the nights a tad cooler (and by cooler, I mean you might consider wearing sleeves… maybe), creating a perfect cocktail for a whole new set of plants to thrive.

So, my heat-loving friends, grab your sunhat (the wide-brimmed one), slather on that SPF 50 (you know the drill), and maybe, just maybe, switch that iced tea for an iced pumpkin spice latte. Let’s dive into 10 veggies and fruits that’ll not just survive, but positively thrive when planted in September in your sun-soaked paradise.

1. Okra

Okra is the reigning champion of heat tolerance, making it perfect for September scorchers. This Southern favorite thrives when other veggies wilt, producing tender pods that are great for gumbo, frying, or pickling. Plant okra seeds directly in the garden, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. Heat-loving varieties like ‘Clemson Spineless’ or ‘Red Burgundy’ are great choices. With the long growing season, you could be harvesting okra well into winter!

Learn more about growing okra in our Okra Gardening Guide.

2. Sweet Potatoes

September is prime time to get those sweet potato slips in the ground. These heat-loving tubers will soak up warm soil and sunny days, developing into delicious, nutrient-packed roots. Choose varieties like ‘Beauregard’ or ‘Centennial’ for reliable producers. Plant slips 12-18 inches apart in well-draining soil, and be prepared for vigorous vines – they’ll need some space to spread!

Learn more about growing sweet potatoes in our Sweet Potatoes Gardening Guide.

3. Eggplant

While many gardeners plant eggplant in spring, warm September gives a second chance at these purple beauties. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Florida Market’ or ‘Long Purple’ for best results. Plant seedlings about 18-24 inches apart, and consider providing some afternoon shade if temperatures are consistently above 95°F. With proper care, you’ll be enjoying homegrown eggplant parmesan well into fall!

Learn more about growing eggplants in our Eggplant Gardening Guide.

4. Peppers

Both sweet and hot peppers love warm September weather. Plant seedlings now for a bountiful harvest before any hint of cool weather arrives. For sweet peppers, try ‘California Wonder’ or ‘Sweet Banana’. Heat seekers can go for ‘Jalapeño’ or ‘Habanero’. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart, and be sure to keep them well-watered during dry spells.

Learn more about growing peppers in our Bell Peppers Gardening Guide and our Hot Peppers Gardening Guide.

5. Bush Beans

While many think of beans as a spring crop, September planting in zones 9-10 can yield a hefty harvest. Choose bush varieties like ‘Contender’ or ‘Blue Lake’ for quick results. Sow seeds directly in the garden, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart. With your warm temperatures, you could be picking fresh beans in as little as 50-60 days!

Learn more about growing beans in our Beans Gardening Guide.

6. Tomatoes (Heat-tolerant varieties)

Yes, you read that right – tomatoes in September! While spring is the traditional planting time, your warm fall gives us a second chance. Choose heat-set varieties like ‘Solar Fire’, ‘Florida 91’, or cherry types like ‘Sweet 100’ that can handle toasty temperatures. Plant seedlings 24-36 inches apart, providing support like cages or stakes. With proper care, you could be enjoying fresh tomatoes for your holiday table!

Learn more about growing tomatoes in our Tomatoes Gardening Guide.

7. Southern Peas (Black-eyed Peas, Crowder Peas)

These heat-loving legumes are perfect for September gardens. Drought-tolerant and nitrogen-fixing, they’re a win-win for soil and your table. Try varieties like ‘California Blackeye’ or ‘Mississippi Silver’. Sow seeds directly in the garden, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart. These tough plants can handle heat with minimal fuss.

Learn more about growing peas in our Peas Gardening Guide.

8. Pumpkins

While the rest of the country is buying pumpkins, you’re planting them! September-sown pumpkins in zones 9-10 can be ready just in time for holiday pies. Choose faster-maturing varieties like ‘Sugar Pie’ or ‘Jack Be Little’ for best results. Plant seeds in hills, with 2-3 seeds per hill and hills spaced 4-6 feet apart. Be prepared to give these vines plenty of room to roam!

Learn more about growing pumpkins in our Pumpkins Gardening Guide.

9. Winter Squash

September is perfect for planting winter squash varieties like butternut, acorn, or kabocha. These heat-loving vines will thrive in warm soil and produce storage-friendly fruits for winter enjoyment. Try heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Waltham Butternut’ or ‘Table Queen Acorn’. Plant seeds in hills, similar to pumpkins, giving them plenty of space to spread.

Learn more about growing winter squash in our Winter Squash Gardening Guide.

10. Lemongrass

This aromatic herb is right at home in tropical-like September weather. Lemongrass adds a zesty, citrusy flavor to Southeast Asian cuisines and makes a delightful tea. Plant seedlings or divided clumps about 24 inches apart in full sun. With warm winters, lemongrass can often be treated as a perennial in zones 9-10.

Planting Fruit Trees in September in Zones 9-10

September is an excellent time to plant fruit trees in zones 9-10. The soil is still warm, encouraging strong root growth, while the slightly cooler temperatures (relatively speaking!) reduce stress on the new trees. This gives them a head start for explosive growth come spring. Here are some fruit trees well-suited for September planting in your tropical paradise:

• Avocado: Choose varieties like ‘Hass’ or ‘Fuerte’ for creamy, delicious fruits.
• Mango: Try ‘Kent’ or ‘Keitt’ for sweet, juicy mangoes perfect for your climate.
• Citrus: Lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits all thrive in your zones. ‘Meyer’ lemon and ‘Key’ lime are popular choices.
• Papaya: Fast-growing and productive, try varieties like ‘Red Lady’ or ‘Maradol’.
• Guava: Both pink and white flesh varieties do well, with ‘Ruby Supreme’ being a favorite.
• Loquat: This lesser-known fruit tree produces sweet, tangy fruits and attractive evergreen foliage.

When planting, ensure the hole is wide enough for the roots to spread and only as deep as the root ball. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots. Remember to choose dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties if space is limited.

So, fellow sun-worshippers, what are you waiting for? Grab those seeds and get planting! And hey, I’d love to hear about your September gardening adventures. What tropical delights are you planning to grow this fall? Any favorite heat-loving crops I missed? Drop a comment below and let me know. Let’s turn this endless summer into a cornucopia of homegrown goodness!