What to Plant in Phoenix in February
February is when the spring planting window opens in Phoenix. From February 15, tomatoes and peppers go in the ground, and cucumbers, squash, okra, and melons join the party. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension calendar runs the tomato window to March 15, but the earlier you plant, the longer your harvest.
Tomatoes: Plant From February 15
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension window for tomato transplants is February 15–March 15. Plant as early in that window as you can: plants set in late March won't have sufficient time to reach full production before heat exceeds 95°F and shuts down fruit set in late May.
Buy transplants from a local Phoenix nursery. Berridge Nurseries, Moon Valley, and Whitfill Nurseries typically have good transplant selection in February.
What's New to Plant in February
Cucumbers — Direct Sow From February 15
Cucumbers are one of the best Phoenix spring crops — fast-growing, highly productive, and perfect for the warm weather ahead. Direct sow seeds from February 15 (through April 15) 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 From February 15
Summer squash and zucchini are extremely productive in Phoenix spring — so productive that many gardeners plant only one or two plants. Direct sow seeds from February 15 (through April 1) in hills or rows. Expect harvests in April through June.
Green Beans — Wait Until March 15
Green beans are beginner-proof in Phoenix spring. The UA window for direct sowing is March 15–April 15, so line up seed now; sow 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 — Transplants go in February 15–March 15; eggplant waits until March 1–15
- Basil — Direct sow from February 15; transplants from March 1
- Onions — Sets and transplants by February 1 at the latest
- Artichoke transplants — Through March 15 (UA Extension window). See growing artichokes in Phoenix.
- Potatoes — Plant certified seed potatoes by late February (the UA Extension window ends March 1). See growing potatoes in Phoenix.
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 tomato and pepper transplants from February 15
- ☐ Buy green bean seed for March 15–April 15 sowing
- ☐ Direct sow cucumbers and summer squash from February 15
- ☐ Start melon seeds indoors
- ☐ Install drip irrigation before spring crops need daily watering
- ☐ Harvest remaining cool-season crops before they bolt
- ☐ Water new tomato and pepper transplants in well
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I plant in Phoenix in February?
Tomato and pepper transplants (from February 15), cucumber, summer squash, zucchini, and okra seeds (direct sow from February 15), basil seeds (from February 15), and melon seeds. Eggplant transplants follow March 1–15 and green beans March 15–April 15 (University of Arizona Cooperative Extension dates).
When can I plant tomatoes in February in Phoenix?
From February 15. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension window for tomato transplants in Maricopa County is February 15–March 15. Plant early in that window so plants have time to produce before summer heat shuts down fruit set in late May.
Can I plant cucumbers in February in Phoenix?
Yes — direct sow from February 15 (the UA window runs to April 15) 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.
Never Miss the Phoenix Planting Window Again
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