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 Scarlet Nantes is popular as a sweet baby, slicer, or fresh market variety. A sweet and tender carrot with a cylindrical shape and blunt-tip. Scarlet Nantes have a bright orange-red color throughout. Very popular variety of carrot for eating fresh or cooked. Slow bolting and very popular among gardeners.

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 All Seasons Cabbage is a very heat resistant cabbage that is resistant to yellowing and will offer a nice flavor in any dish. This cabbage produces fine heads that are about 10-11" across and average about 11-14 pounds.

The Lucullus Swiss Chard produces highly nutritious leaves from early spring until the first hard freeze in the fall. This variety produces great during the summer heat. This chard is a very popular variety grown throughout the United States.

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!

Fordhook 242 is a popular variety of bush bean known for its exceptional flavor and versatility in the garden. These beans have a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century when they were first introduced by the W. Atlee Burpee Seed Company. Fordhook 242 beans belong to the Phaseolus vulgaris species and are a type of snap or green bean, which means they are typically eaten in their immature, tender pod stage. In terms of taste, Fordhook 242 beans are celebrated for their crisp and tender texture, as well as their mild, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor. They are a favorite among gardeners and cooks alike, making them a versatile choice for various culinary applications. The plants of Fordhook 242 are compact and bushy, reaching a height of about 18 to 24 inches. They are known for their quick maturity, typically taking around 50 to 55 days from planting to harvest. The pods are a vibrant green color, elongated, and measure about 6 to 7 inches in length. This variety is prized for its disease resistance, particularly against common bean diseases like mosaic virus and bacterial brown spot. Fordhook 242 beans are known to yield approximately 5-8 pounds of beans per 10-foot row, making them a productive choice for home gardeners. Proper spacing is crucial for healthy growth, with plants typically spaced about 3-4 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. These beans thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and require full sun exposure for optimal growth. With their excellent taste, disease resistance, and reliable yield, Fordhook 242 beans are a fantastic addition to any vegetable garden.

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.

The Homestead Tomato is a very heat tolerant tomato, making it perfect for growing in southern and hotter climates. The luscious and meaty 8 ounce mid-sized tomatoes have a bright red smooth skin. The Homestead tomato variety is semi-determinate.

The Crisp Mint Lettuce is a big romaine variety with mint green-colored leaves that will be sure to stand out in any home garden! This bold lettuce is only mint in color, not taste. However, its sweet and crunchy leaves will be a favorite addition to any salad or sandwich. Crisp Mint's heads will reach 10 inches tall making it perfect for a container garden!

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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

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 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.

The Sweet Valentine Lettuce is a beautiful bronze-red variety that turns apple-green in the center, making it look and taste sweet! This lettuce starts out as a head lettuce before forming a looseleaf romaine excel. Sweet Valentine holds long into the heat without bolting and is one of the sweetest lettuces around.