Heat Tolerant Vegetables

Heat Tolerant Vegetables

Heat-tolerant” and “drought-tolerant” vegetables do best in hot and dry climate. Humidity, especially warm, humid nights, can lead to fungal diseases, so it’s also good to look for disease resistance vegetables. We have selected this list of vegetables because they continue producing even during periods of extreme heat, humidity and drought.

The Ashley cucumber is great for hot Southern weather and has great downy mildew resistance! This variety was released by Clemson Agricultural in 1956 and produces very productive vines that produce 8", dark green cucumbers. Ashley is known to be a very good slicing variety!

Suyo Long cucumber is an old Burpless Asian heirloom variety and just like its name, is a very long cucumber! This cucumber can grow up to 15" long! The Suyo Long has an interesting look as it grows with a curl and has a sweet, crisp flavor. Eat the Suyo Long fresh or pickled!

The Danver 126 is a durable, multipurpose carrot that produces high yields. Danver 126 was bred by the Eastern States Farmers Exchange from selections of heat resistant strains of carrots. This carrot is improved for better interior color, smoother skin, better uniformity and better yield. Released in 1947. Excellent for home gardens and markets.

Astro Arugula is a popular arugula type with spicy flavor! This standard arugula is grown for it's long, green leaves. Astro is fast growing and will withstand cold temperatures. This arugula is best harvested at baby size. If you want to spice up your salads and meals, then the Astro Arugula will be the perfect addition to your garden!

The Little Caesar Lettuce is a very attractive tall romaine type with crisp, bright green outer leaves and golden-blanched inner leaves. This lettuce has a sweet, crunchy flavor that is delicious on any sandwich or salad. This variety is easy to grow and is perfect for smaller gardens. Little Caesar is best picked right before eating.

The Tasty Green cucumber is a burpless cucumber that is crisp and juicy. This hybrid is a deep green cucumber with long white spines. The Tasty Green is a great cucumber for hot and humid climates. The long 12" inch burpless cucumbers have an excellent, bitter free flavor. This variety is an excellent cucumber for greenhouse growing as it produces high yields.

The large, red stalks of the Giant Red celery have a wonder flavor, some prefer it over green stalks! The Giant Red celery is a hidden gem. This variety is by far the best tasting celery you can grow! The yellow-pink hearts of the Giant Red are great in salads or soup and it grows great throughout the United States.

Bull's Blood beet, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris, is a striking and versatile variety of beetroot that has gained popularity for its unique characteristics. This heirloom variety has a fascinating history, dating back centuries to Europe, where it was initially cultivated for its edible leaves rather than the root. Its name, "Bull's Blood," is derived from the deep burgundy-red color of its leaves, which resemble the color of ox blood. Over time, its sweet and earthy flavor profile has made it a favorite among chefs and home gardeners alike. In terms of appearance, Bull's Blood beets typically grow to a medium size, roughly 2-3 inches in diameter, and have a round to slightly flattened shape. The seeds of this variety are easy to come by and can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors. Bull's Blood beets are relatively quick to mature, taking about 50-60 days from seed to harvest. The leaves are a deep red, while the root itself is a dark purplish-red, making it visually appealing on the plate. Bull's Blood beets exhibit some resistance to common beet diseases like Cercospora leaf spot and Downy Mildew, although specific resistance levels may vary depending on growing conditions. When properly cared for, they can yield a plentiful harvest. To ensure optimal growth, it's recommended to space the beet plants about 2-4 inches apart in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Adequate moisture and consistent watering are essential for healthy growth. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your garden or enhance your culinary creations, Bull's Blood beets are a delightful choice with a rich history and vibrant character.

The Giant Caesar Lettuce is an amazing bright green looseleaf romaine type that has a buttery sweet flavor similar to a butterhead. This variety's large leaves are easy to pick without any tearing or bruising. The Giant Caesar is heat resistant and will hold its color and flavor well.

The Tall Utah 52-70 celery is a very dependable celery variety for home gardens! Tall Utah 52-70 is a fresh celery is so much tastier than store bought. This celery has dark green stalks and a very compact habit.  Start seeds when weather has warmed so crop matures in fall.

Waltham 29 produces incredibly high yields for broccoli! This variety is known for its good color, cold resistance, dwarf compact plant, and big side shoots. Main heads are 4-8" with steady side shoot production after main head is harvested.

A beautifully bright and vibrant red bean that stays red when cooked! Matures quick and has a delicious and crisp bite.

Jade is a revolutionary bean with excellent flavor. The Jade bean is perfect for the home garden. This bean plant gives you long, round, straight pods that have excellent color, flavor, and high yield potential. Excellent taste and easy to grow.

The Yard Long White is a very long bean stalk from Asia. Yard Long Bean produces high yields of flavorful very long stringless white beans. This variety is a favorite because of it's sweet and tender taste. This is the white seeded variety.

The Rio Grande Tomato produces a huge harvest of popular pear shaped, paste type of tomatoes that will thrive in hot climates! This tomato variety produces large, deep red 4 inch long blocky tomatoes that are favored for its versatility. The Rio Grande is a great tomato for sauce or juice.

The Jackson Wonder is the perfect bean for the care-free garden. This bean has a wonderful taste straight from the garden. The Jackson Wonder bean tolerates both heat and drought very well. Perfect bean for gardeners with very little time.

The Dixie Red Tomato is a delicious hybrid that consistently produces high yields of vibrant red tomatoes with excellent disease resistance. This tomato plant variety produces large, firm, deep oblate-shaped fruits that are great for both market and home gardens. The Dixie Red thrives in the Southern heat, but does well in other places.

Christmas bean, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris 'Christmas,' is a delightful and unique variety of green bean that adds a festive touch to holiday meals. This particular bean cultivar has a fascinating history dating back to the early 20th century when it was first developed by dedicated plant breeders. Its name, "Christmas bean," is derived from its vibrant red and green coloration, reminiscent of traditional holiday colors. In terms of taste, Christmas beans are known for their tender and crisp texture, making them a delightful addition to a variety of dishes. Their flavor is mildly sweet with a subtle nuttiness, making them a versatile choice for both cooking and salads. The beans typically mature in about 80 to 90 days, making them a relatively quick-growing option for gardeners. The pod size is medium to large, with an average length of 6-7 inches, perfect for harvesting when they are young and tender. Christmas bean plants are compact in size, reaching heights of around 18-24 inches. They are known for their disease resistance, particularly against common bean diseases such as rust and bean mosaic virus. When properly cared for, Christmas bean plants can yield an abundant harvest, with each plant producing a substantial number of pods. For optimal growth, they require well-drained soil, full sun exposure, and regular watering. Plant spacing should be about 4-6 inches apart in rows, and they thrive in a variety of climates, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a festive touch to their holiday season while enjoying a bountiful harvest of delicious, colorful beans.