Zone 9 - What to Plant in October

Zone 9 - What to Plant in October

It's finally cooling down a bit in zone 9 and this gives us a good window to grow some crops before the first frost in mid-December. Try growing a mix of fast growing warm and cool season crops. Below is a list of items that can be planted in zone 9 in October.

Fernleaf dill seeds produce a compact, refined form of dill developed in the late 20th century for home gardens and container growing, offering classic dill flavor in a smaller, neater plant. Also known as dwarf dill or compact dill, Fernleaf is characterized by finely cut, feathery blue-green foliage, sturdy stems, and a slower tendency to bolt compared to traditional tall dill varieties. The aromatic leaves and seeds are prized for fresh use, pickling, and seasoning fish and vegetables. Easy to grow, Fernleaf dill thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring cooler temperatures and consistent moisture. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed, thin seedlings to allow good air circulation, and harvest regularly to encourage continuous leaf production.

Dwarf White Sugar peas are a compact, heirloom variety of edible-podded peas prized for their sweet, tender pods and early harvest. Growing to just about 2 to 3 feet tall, they require little to no support, making them ideal for small gardens and containers. These peas produce delicate white flowers followed by flat, crisp pods that can be eaten whole, either raw or cooked. Known for their mild, sugary flavor, Dwarf White Sugar peas are often harvested young for the best texture and taste. They thrive in cool weather and are typically among the first vegetables ready to harvest in the spring garden.

First released in 1909 by H. Hartmann & Company, this historic Danish cabbage has earned its reputation as a dependable garden classic and a benchmark for many modern varieties. It forms dense, well-wrapped heads measuring about 6–8" across and weighing 3–4 pounds, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens. Plants mature quickly, adapt well to a wide range of growing conditions, and show strong resistance to splitting. Once harvested, the firm heads store exceptionally well—often lasting up to six months—adding to the long-standing appeal of this time-tested heirloom.

Yosemite onion seeds produce a dependable, open-pollinated storage onion developed for long-day growing regions and valued for its uniform bulbs and excellent keeping quality. Bred from traditional American storage onion lines, Yosemite was selected for adaptability, disease resistance, and consistent yields in cooler northern climates. This variety forms medium to large, round bulbs with golden-brown skins and firm white flesh that offers a balanced, mildly pungent onion flavor ideal for cooking and long-term storage. Yosemite onions thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, requiring consistent moisture during early growth. Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before the last frost or direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring, keep beds weed-free, and harvest once tops fall and skins cure for optimal storage life.

The Peppermint Stick's tender prolific stalks have real celery flavor! This unique, bicolored striped celery is red and white and full of flavor. It is a slow bolting variety. Use the Peppermint Stick's leaves and stalks for fresh seasoning. This celery is definitely a colorful addition to your garden!

Atomic Red carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals! Bright red root, tapered 1.5 x 11" long, super healthy high lycopene, crispy, intense color even when cooked. Atomic Red carrots are very healthy and unique-looking. The bright red is sure to add color to your garden. Atomic Red is especially high in the anti-oxidant lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes.

Sugar Lace peas are a unique variety of edible-podded peas known for their attractive, semi-leafless vines with tendrils that help them cling and climb, reducing the need for support. These peas produce sweet, crisp pods that are stringless and ideal for fresh eating, stir-frying, or steaming. Unlike traditional shelling peas, Sugar Lace peas are enjoyed whole, pod and all, making them a convenient and nutritious garden snack. They are a late-season type with high yields and excellent disease resistance, thriving best in cool weather and well-drained soil. Their compact growth habit also makes them suitable for small gardens or container planting.

The spicy flavor, attractive purple stems, and green leaves of the Hong Vit Radish makes it a favorite among many growers! This radish variety is also a very fast growing microgreen. The Hong Vit grows straight with hairless attractive purple stems. Micro Hong Vit's leaves add a spicy flavor, visual appeal, and bulk to mixes!

China Gold (F1) cabbage has exceptional color both inside and out. It has a compact frame, good weight and is very slow bolting.

Dating back to the 1800s, Hailstone is a classic heirloom radish prized for its exceptionally fast maturity. This variety produces small, round, snow-white roots that resemble tiny hailstones, with compact tops and slender taproots that make it ideal for close spacing. The crisp 1–1½ inch globes offer a bright, tangy flavor with a pleasant pungency, and the firm white flesh stays fresh and appealing longer than many other radishes. Hailstone performs best when planted very early in spring in a sunny, well-prepared bed enriched with organic matter. For a steady supply, sow seeds every two weeks and harvest before hot summer weather, which can affect flavor and texture.

SuperStar is a hybrid cabbage that produces the highest quality fresh market cabbages. It has excellent wrappers for a fancy pack along with excellent holding ability in the field and after harvest.

The Crayon Colors Mix is a mixture of primary colored radishes that literally paints a wonderful colorful palette in your garden! The color in this mix includes yellow, pink, red, and purple.

The Cipollini Yellow is an unique coin shaped yellow onion. This variety can be grown and perform well in most US latitudes. Cipollini Yellow has good pungency, but is still sweet. This onion is larger and flatter than most pearl onions, making it a great choice for any cooking or braising use. Cipollini Yellow is also excellent when used in crafts like braiding and has excellent storage ability for a small onion.

The Ruby Red Lettuce is an early variety that produces good yields of bright green to ruby red colored leaves. This beautiful variety is a very heat tolerant lettuce that is slow to bolt. Ruby Red's color does not fade in the hot weather! This lettuce is excellent for adding color to salads or garnishes.

Vates is one of the highest yielding collards around! This collard variety produces dark green leaves that are very delicious. Vates grows to a height of 30" and is very slow to bolt.

The Halloween Mix contains a "spooky" mix of purple, yellow, black and white radishes. These radishes are mildly spicy and only 5 centimeters in diameter. Everyday can be a scary fun holiday if you succession plant this mixture every two weeks throughout the spring and fall! This radish mix will bring lots of colors to your dishes.

The Champion Radish is slow to become pithy. This radish is an excellent cooler weather variety, especially for short season climates. This bright red, crisp, round radish has large tops and is a good choice for early or late plantings. This highly recommended radish is great for eating fresh, in salads or for garnishes.

The Golden Sweet Pea is really the gold standard for yellow shelling peas! This yellow pod snow pea grows to be around 3 inches long. This pea has a wonderful sweet taste and can be eaten raw in salads or steamed as a side dish. The large 5-6 foot vines need to be trellised and will grow beautiful purple flowers. Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.