What to plant in February in Mississippi
In Mississippi (MS), February sits about 5 weeks before the average last frost (March 20). The state averages 230 frost-free days a year (last frost March 20, first frost November 5; USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a).
61 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 11 of those windows close during February.
Dates here come from Mississippi frost dates (last frost Mar 20, first frost Nov 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Mississippi.
Mississippi: planting activity through the year
Last chance in February
Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Broccoli (start seeds indoors, by Feb 13) · Brussels Sprouts (start seeds indoors, by Feb 13) · Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Feb 13) · Cauliflower (start seeds indoors, by Feb 13) · Kale (start seeds indoors, by Feb 13)
Sow or plant outdoors in February (45)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in February, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mache (Corn Salad) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 8 – Feb 27 | Feb 8 – Feb 27 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 8 – Feb 27 | Feb 8 – Feb 27 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 8 – Feb 27 | Feb 8 – Feb 27 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Feb 13 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
Start seeds indoors in February (37)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Cherry | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 20 |
Planting dates for popular crops in Mississippi
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Mississippi: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Seed-starting season: February garden jobs in Mississippi
- Start 37 crops indoors this month, including ground cherry, lemon balm, shiso (perilla), sweet marjoram. Use a sterile mix and good light - see starting seeds indoors.
- 5 weeks until the average last frost (March 20). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
- Keep seedlings from stretching: lights 2-3 inches above the leaves for 14-16 hours a day, and a fan or a daily brush of the hand across the tops.
- Prepare beds as soon as the soil crumbles instead of smearing when squeezed - working wet soil ruins its structure for the season.
USDA zone chart for Mississippi
Mississippi spans USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Mississippi in February?
61 crops have a window in February: mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion, radish and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Mississippi in February?
No - start seeds indoors runs Jan 23 – Feb 6 in Mississippi, so do it before February 6.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Mississippi in February?
No - start seeds indoors runs Feb 13 – Feb 27 in Mississippi, so do it before February 27.
When is the first frost in Mississippi?
The statewide average first fall frost is around November 5 and the last spring frost around March 20. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in Mississippi?
Ground Cherry (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Lemon Balm (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Shiso (Perilla) (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Sweet Marjoram (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Tomatillo (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Tomato (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Broccoli (Jan 30 – Feb 13), Brussels Sprouts (Jan 30 – Feb 13), Cabbage (Jan 30 – Feb 13), Cauliflower (Jan 30 – Feb 13), Kale (Jan 30 – Feb 13), Basil (Feb 6 – Feb 20), Collard Greens (Feb 6 – Feb 20), Endive & Escarole (Feb 6 – Feb 20), Kohlrabi (Feb 6 – Feb 20), Malabar Spinach (Feb 6 – Feb 20), Okra (Feb 6 – Feb 20), Radicchio (Feb 6 – Feb 20), Summer Savory (Feb 6 – Feb 20), Bitter Melon (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Cucamelon (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Fennel (Bulb) (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Lettuce (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Napa Cabbage (Feb 13 – Feb 27), New Zealand Spinach (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Peanut (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Swiss Chard (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Watercress (Feb 13 – Feb 27), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Cucumber (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Pumpkin (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Sunflower (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Watermelon (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Winter Squash (Feb 20 – Mar 6), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Feb 20 – Mar 6).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from Mississippi’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.