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.

The Sunset is a beautiful deep red looseleaf lettuce that is slow to bolt. The very attractive crinkled leaves make it a favorite in any salad or dish. This lettuce was an AAS winner in 1987, and since has been known to be a rare lettuce leaf. The delicious Sunset lettuce is a great variety for home and market growers alike. Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.

Candy Onion can grow just about anywhere from the far North to the deep South! Neither a long-day (Northern) nor short-day (Southern) variety, this variety is a "mid-day" or day-neutral variety. This variety is a hybrid onion that is earlier, larger and more flavorful. No matter where you live, you can enjoy these huge, savory yellow onions with a delicious sharp-to-sweet flavored flesh. These onions can be stored for months.

The Texas Early Grano Onion has a nice sweet flavor that is a favorite among home growers! The vidalia-type onion is now available in organic seeds. The white flesh is crisp and not too pungent. This short day onion variety is very disease resistant which makes it very popular for home growers and market growers alike. Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.

The Seafresh Lettuce was selected for its great heat tolerance! This variety is a great tasting looseleaf lettuce that thrives in hotter climates. The Seafresh Lettuce is a great addition to any garden and will definitely not be a disappointment!

The very sweet Red Creole Onion is the perfect variety for home gardens! This short day onion is great for the South and Mid-West climates and is also a good keeper. The solid, flat bulbs of the Red Creole has a spicy, red flesh that makes it a good cooking onion and is also great raw in salads.

Tall Utah is very dependable celery variety for home gardeners and market growers alike! This celery is a favorite that now comes in organic seeds. Tall Utah has dark green stalks that pacts in a crisp delicious flavor. Start seeds when weather has warmed up so that the crop matures in fall.

Lutz Green Leaf Pink Stem beet seeds are prized for producing beets with distinctive characteristics and exceptional flavor. This variety features vibrant green leaves with a striking pink stem, which adds a splash of color to any garden. The beets themselves are known for their smooth, round shape and tender, sweet, deep red to purple flesh. Lutz Green Leaf Pink Stem beets are valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their excellent taste, making them a popular choice for salads, roasting, and pickling. They are known for their adaptability, growing well in various soil conditions, and for their relatively long harvest window, allowing for a prolonged period of fresh, nutritious beets. Additionally, the green leaves are edible and nutritious, providing a dual-purpose crop that enhances both the visual and culinary appeal of your garden. This variety is a "winterkeeper" beet that has a long standing storage capability. The Lutz Green Leaf Pink Stem has 6 inches in diameter roots, make sure to thin them out to 4-6 inches.

The Dragon carrot is a refined purple carrot that is perfect for home gardeners and market growers! The reddish purple color on the outside contrasts with the bright orange interior when peeled or sliced. The Dragon has a delicious sweet, slightly spicy, carrot flavor that is delicious roasted or in soups and stews.

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 Crosby Egyptian Beet, a classic heirloom variety, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Originating in Egypt, it was introduced to the United States in the 1860s and quickly gained popularity among gardeners and farmers. This beet variety has stood the test of time due to its exceptional taste and versatility in the kitchen. Crosby Egyptian Beets are known for their sweet and tender flesh, making them a favorite for both raw and cooked applications. They have a distinct earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness, making them perfect for salads, pickling, roasting, and even juicing. These beets typically mature in about 55-60 days, making them a relatively quick-growing option for gardeners. In terms of appearance, Crosby Egyptian Beets are small to medium-sized, usually reaching about 2-3 inches in diameter. They have a round to slightly flattened shape and a vibrant deep red or purplish skin. Disease resistance is moderate, with some resistance to common pests and diseases like aphids and leaf miners. In terms of yields, you can expect a good harvest of beets from each plant, especially if you space them adequately (about 2-4 inches apart) in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. These beets thrive in cool weather conditions, making them suitable for spring and fall planting. With its rich history and delightful flavor, the Crosby Egyptian Beet continues to be a treasured addition to vegetable gardens.

The Scarlet Bandit Onion is a bunching variety that produces a beautiful scarlet red hue with flecks of white, making any salad or dish pop! This bright variety can be planted in either the spring or fall and will overwinter. The scarlet red of the slender bulbs will intensify with cold weather. The Scarlet Bandit can be used like an other bunching onions, or scallions, in several dishes.

Texas Early Grano onion is a renowned heirloom variety with a rich history and impressive growing characteristics. Originating from the fertile soils of Texas, this onion has been cultivated since the early 20th century and is celebrated for its adaptability and early harvest. The Texas Early Grano onion is characterized by its round, yellow bulbs with a smooth, thin skin and crisp, white flesh. Known for its mild, sweet flavor, it is particularly favored for fresh use in salads, salsas, and cooking. The onions generally reach maturity in about 100 to 110 days, and the plants exhibit a robust, upright growth habit, growing to heights of 12 to 18 inches with a spread of about 6 to 8 inches. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and prefer full sun exposure. Texas Early Grano onions are notable for their early harvest, which allows gardeners to enjoy fresh onions earlier in the season compared to other varieties. Their reliable growth, mild flavor, and adaptability make them a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers.