Zone 9 - What to Plant in September

Zone 9 - What to Plant in September

September is one of the best months to start gardening in Zone 9. You're just past the dog days of summer and the weather is starting to cool down a bit. The typical first frost in Zone 9 is mid December but even then it can be very mild. This allows for easy winter growing of several crops. Below is a list of items that can be planted in zone 9 in September.

The Culinary Blend contains a tasty mix of yellow, white, and orange carrots. Each variety is suited for both baby root production and cooking. This blend is excellent roasted in the oven. All three varieties are prized for flavor and color.

Just like its name, the Tom Thumb Pea is a tiny bush pea plant perfect for containers! If you are hurting for space but want to grow some delicious peas, try the Tom Thumb! This pea variety produces pea pods on a tiny pea plant.

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!

Little Finger carrot seeds grow into a petite, gourmet variety that originated in France and has been cherished since the mid-20th century for its tender, sweet flavor and snackable size. This Nantes-type carrot matures quickly in just 55–65 days, producing smooth, cylindrical roots about 3–4 inches long, making it perfect for small gardens and container growing. Its bright orange flesh is crisp, juicy, and sugary, often eaten fresh right from the garden, but also excellent for steaming, roasting, or pickling. Known as a child-friendly carrot because of its size and sweetness, Little Finger is ideal for fresh snacking, lunchboxes, and gourmet dishes, while also storing well for extended use.

Michihili cabbage is great for those who love stir-fry or pickling cabbage. A tight-head type with well blanched, crisp and tender interior. Michihili produces a cylindrical, leafy head. A high yielding cabbage with excellent flavor. Chinese cabbage nutrients include vitamins A and C.

The Santa Fe Lettuce produces a small blanched head that is surrounded by green outer leaves with a tinged bronze-red tip. This variety is a favorite for being extra crunchy!

Chioggia beets, also known as Candy Cane or Bull's Eye beets, are a unique and visually striking variety of beets that originated in Italy. Their history dates back to the early 19th century when they were first cultivated in the coastal town of Chioggia, near Venice. These beets are renowned for their vibrant and eye-catching appearance, characterized by concentric rings of alternating red and white colors, reminiscent of a candy cane. This distinct coloration makes them a popular choice among gardeners and chefs for their ornamental and culinary appeal. In terms of taste, Chioggia beets offer a mild and slightly sweet flavor, making them a versatile ingredient in various dishes. They can be enjoyed raw in salads, pickled, roasted, or boiled, and their taste becomes sweeter when cooked. Typically, Chioggia beets are round to slightly flattened in shape, with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. They are known for their relatively quick maturity, taking around 50 to 60 days to reach full size. Their unique coloration is retained even after cooking, making them a visually stunning addition to any meal. When it comes to growing Chioggia beets, they thrive in well-drained soil with a neutral pH and require full sun for optimal growth. Proper spacing is essential to allow room for their roots to develop, typically requiring 3 to 4 inches between each plant and rows spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart. Chioggia beets are relatively disease-resistant, with a natural ability to withstand some common beet diseases, but it's still essential to monitor them for any signs of issues. With proper care, Chioggia beets can yield a bountiful crop, and their unique appearance and delightful taste make them a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.

The French Breakfast Radish has a delicate flavor and is an excellent variety for home gardens. This radish variety is an attractive uniquely shaped radish with elongated roots and red tops with white tips. The French Breakfast has an excellent flavor and texture, that is perfect for dips or as a garnish.

Red Romaine Lettuce has long, crinkled leaves with great crunch! This variety starts green and fades to redish-purple. The Red Romaine's leaves are12" tall and the plant is about 10-12" wide. This lettuce is often used in Caesar salads not only for its crunch, but also for its color. Use Red Romaine lettuce for an incredible edible purple border in your flower beds.

The Early Purple Sprouting broccoli is an heirloom broccoli bred for overwintering! This variety produces lots of beautiful purple broccoli sprouts in the spring. The Early Purple Sprouting grows slowly through the winter; very frost hardy.

The Fiesta Blend is a five color radish blend of red, pink, yellow, white and purple! This colorful blend will be sure to a pop of fun color to any garden. Serving up the Fiesta Blend in salads or dishes is a great addition to any party or gathering!

The Early Wonder beet is a popular heirloom beet plant that produces high yields of deep red roots! A popular beet that is tasty, early maturing and produces abundant greens. The beets are great for boiling, pickling, baking, and freezing. Forms 3-4" deep red globes that are sweet and tender. Also known as "Tall Top" for its tall, glossy leaves that make great greens with salads. Greens are also a great substitute for chard or spinach and have high vitamin A and C.