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.

Red Arrow radish seeds produce fast-growing plants that are primarily cultivated for their vibrant red stems and lush green leaves rather than their roots. This variety is especially prized for microgreens and edible shoots, offering a crisp texture and a bold, spicy radish flavor that adds zest to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Red Arrow is easy to grow, thrives in full sun to partial shade, and is well-suited for both garden beds and indoor trays. Its striking color and strong flavor make it a favorite among chefs and home growers alike.

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.

Blush onion seeds produce a modern, open-pollinated specialty onion developed for its attractive color, mild flavor, and reliable garden performance. This short-day, fresh-use onion was bred from sweet onion lines to mature quickly and perform well in warm and intermediate growing regions. Blush onions form small to medium-sized, flattened-globe bulbs with soft pink to rosy blush skins and crisp white flesh that has a mild, slightly sweet taste ideal for fresh eating and salads. Best grown as a bunching or fresh bulb onion rather than for long storage, Blush onions prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in early spring, keep soil evenly moist, and harvest when bulbs reach desired size or when tops begin to fall.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

The Red Velvet Lettuce produces very dark maroon to greenish-bronze tinged colored leaves that have a nice chewy texture. This beautifully unique variety is a great choice for mixed salad greens. This lettuce is slow to bolt and will become bitter in the heat.

The Hailstone Radish is a round white radish with a very crisp flesh that is a nice color contrast on relish trays and in salads. This quick growing radish is suitable to both spring and fall planting. Begin harvesting this radish variety when its nearly an inch across.

The Cincinnati Market Radish is a uniquely skinny and elongated pink to red radish that is a fresh-from-the-garden-favorite! This six inch variety has a delicately mild taste with a very tender and crisp texture, making it perfect for fresh eating. The early maturing radish has been an heirloom garden favorite since 1885. You can enjoy the delicious Cincinnati Market from spring to fall.