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.

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.

Red Malabar spinach (Basella rubra) is a heat-loving, vining green that thrives through the hottest days of summer when traditional greens fade. This vigorous Asian vine features glossy, thick, slightly savoyed dark green leaves set against striking deep red to purple stems, making it as ornamental as it is edible. The mild, chard-like flavor works well when young leaves and tender stems are used fresh in salads, blended into smoothies, or lightly cooked in stir-fries. Exceptionally tolerant of heat and humidity, it produces an abundance of nutritious greens well into fall, along with deep purple berries rich in anthocyanins that can be used as a natural dye. Not a true spinach, this beautiful plant is typically grown as an annual in cooler regions and as a perennial in subtropical climates, but it is not frost hardy.

The Brilliant celeriac is a large round root related to celery! This celeriac plant produces a a large round root with dark green celery-like leaves and a white flesh. Brilliant is a great addition to any meal as it adds a great flavor!

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.