What to plant in February in zone 9

USDA zone 9 has winter lows of 20 to 30°F, a typical last spring frost around Feb 20 and first fall frost around Nov 30, roughly 280 frost-free days. February is the "last-frost month" there.

83 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion - and 49 of those windows close during February.

Dates come from the typical frost dates of USDA zone 9 (last frost Feb 20, first frost Nov 30). A zone covers many climates, so for dates tuned to your town use the planting calendar, or pick your state below.

Last-frost monthSow or plant: 83Start indoors: 7Harvesting: 5

Zone 9: planting activity through the year

70
83
63
9
9
9
4
9
28
20
2
25
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Frost riskFrost-free: Feb 20 – Nov 30
Bars count the vegetables, herbs and fruit with a sowing or planting window in each month, from the state’s average frost dates. 83 have one in February - the busiest month of the year.

Last chance in February

Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Feb 2) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 9) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 9) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 16) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 16) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 16) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16)

Sow or plant outdoors in February (105)

Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in February, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.

CropWhat to doWindowThis month
Green Onion / ScallionTransplant outdoorsJan 16 – Feb 2Last chance - ends Feb 2
ArugulaDirect sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
BeetDirect sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
Fava Bean (Broad Bean)Direct sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
Green Onion / ScallionDirect sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
MizunaDirect sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
OnionDirect sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
RadishDirect sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
ShallotDirect sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
TatsoiDirect sow (spring)Jan 18 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
CabbageTransplant outdoorsJan 23 – Feb 9Last chance - ends Feb 9
Collard GreensTransplant outdoorsJan 23 – Feb 9Last chance - ends Feb 9
HorseradishPlant crowns / divisionsJan 23 – Feb 9Last chance - ends Feb 9
KaleTransplant outdoorsJan 23 – Feb 9Last chance - ends Feb 9
KohlrabiTransplant outdoorsJan 23 – Feb 9Last chance - ends Feb 9
OnionTransplant outdoorsJan 23 – Feb 9Last chance - ends Feb 9
RhubarbPlant crowns / divisionsJan 23 – Feb 9Last chance - ends Feb 9
ShallotTransplant outdoorsJan 23 – Feb 9Last chance - ends Feb 9
CarrotDirect sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
ChervilDirect sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
Endive & EscaroleDirect sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
KohlrabiDirect sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
LettuceDirect sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
Mustard GreensDirect sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
Rapini (Broccoli Raab)Direct sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
TurnipDirect sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
WatercressDirect sow (spring)Jan 25 – Feb 13Last chance - ends Feb 13
AsparagusPlant crowns / divisionsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
Bok Choy / Pak ChoiTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
BroccoliTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
Brussels SproutsTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
CauliflowerTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
ChivesPlant crowns / divisionsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
Endive & EscaroleTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
LeekTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
LettuceTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
Napa CabbageTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
ParsleyTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
RadicchioTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
SorrelPlant crowns / divisionsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
Swiss ChardTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
WatercressTransplant outdoorsJan 30 – Feb 16Last chance - ends Feb 16
Bok Choy / Pak ChoiDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
BorageDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
Cilantro / CorianderDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
Collard GreensDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
KaleDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
LeekDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
Napa CabbageDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
ParsleyDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
PotatoDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
RadicchioDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
SalsifyDirect sow (spring)Feb 1 – Feb 20Feb 1 – Feb 20
Fennel (Bulb)Transplant outdoorsFeb 6 – Feb 23Feb 6 – Feb 23
Globe ArtichokePlant crowns / divisionsFeb 6 – Feb 23Feb 6 – Feb 23
Lemon BalmTransplant outdoorsFeb 6 – Feb 23Feb 6 – Feb 23
MintTransplant outdoorsFeb 6 – Feb 23Feb 6 – Feb 23
TarragonTransplant outdoorsFeb 6 – Feb 23Feb 6 – Feb 23
Fennel (Bulb)Direct sow (spring)Feb 8 – Feb 27Feb 8 – Feb 27
Lemon BalmDirect sow (spring)Feb 8 – Feb 27Feb 8 – Feb 27
ParsnipDirect sow (spring)Feb 8 – Feb 27Feb 8 – Feb 27
Swiss ChardDirect sow (spring)Feb 8 – Feb 27Feb 8 – Feb 27
CeleriacTransplant outdoorsFeb 13 – Mar 2Opens Feb 13
CeleryTransplant outdoorsFeb 13 – Mar 2Opens Feb 13
OreganoTransplant outdoorsFeb 13 – Mar 2Opens Feb 13
SageTransplant outdoorsFeb 13 – Mar 2Opens Feb 13
ThymeTransplant outdoorsFeb 13 – Mar 2Opens Feb 13
DillDirect sow (spring)Feb 15 – Mar 6Opens Feb 15
SunflowerDirect sow (spring)Feb 15 – Mar 6Opens Feb 15
Ground CherryTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
New Zealand SpinachTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
PeanutTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
PumpkinTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
RosemaryTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
Shiso (Perilla)Transplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
Summer SavoryTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
SunflowerTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
Sweet MarjoramTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
TomatilloTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
TomatoTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
Winter SquashTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
Zucchini / Summer SquashTransplant outdoorsFeb 20 – Mar 9Opens Feb 20
Amaranth (Leaf)Direct sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Bush BeanDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Edamame (Soybean)Direct sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
New Zealand SpinachDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Pole BeanDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
PumpkinDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Shiso (Perilla)Direct sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Summer SavoryDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Sweet CornDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Sweet MarjoramDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Winter SquashDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
Zucchini / Summer SquashDirect sow (spring)Feb 22 – Mar 13Opens Feb 22
BasilTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
Bell PepperTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
Bitter MelonTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
Cantaloupe / MuskmelonTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
Chili PepperTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
CucamelonTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
CucumberTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
Luffa (Loofah Gourd)Transplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
Malabar SpinachTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
OkraTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27
WatermelonTransplant outdoorsFeb 27 – Mar 16Opens Feb 27

Start seeds indoors in February (7)

Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.

CropWhat to doWindowThis month
Cantaloupe / MuskmelonStart seeds indoorsJan 23 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
CucumberStart seeds indoorsJan 23 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
PumpkinStart seeds indoorsJan 23 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
SunflowerStart seeds indoorsJan 23 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
WatermelonStart seeds indoorsJan 23 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
Winter SquashStart seeds indoorsJan 23 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6
Zucchini / Summer SquashStart seeds indoorsJan 23 – Feb 6Last chance - ends Feb 6

Harvesting in February

First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.

Radish · Feb 14 – Feb 22Spinach · Feb 22 – Mar 2Arugula · Feb 22 – Mar 4Tatsoi · Feb 27 – Mar 14Mizuna · Feb 27 – Mar 9

Last-frost month: February garden jobs in zone 9

  1. The average last frost is February 20. Hardy crops can go out now - green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean) - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
  2. Start hardening off indoor seedlings 7-10 days before they go out: a few hours of outdoor shade first, building up to full sun and nights outside.
  3. Keep row cover or old sheets handy and watch the 10-day forecast - a clear, still night after a warm spell is the classic late-frost setup.
  4. Soil temperature matters as much as the calendar: most warm-season seed rots below about 60°F. Check the frost dates guide for how the Zone 9 average is worked out.

Questions gardeners ask

What can I plant in zone 9 in February?

83 crops have a window in February: green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion, radish, shallot, tatsoi, cabbage and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.

When are the last and first frost in zone 9?

The typical last spring frost is around Feb 20 and the first fall frost around Nov 30. These are broad zone averages, so your own town can be a week or two either side: look yours up by ZIP code in the planting calendar.

What should I start indoors in zone 9 in February?

Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Cucumber (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Pumpkin (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Sunflower (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Watermelon (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Winter Squash (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Jan 23 – Feb 6).

February in states with land in zone 9

AlabamaArizonaCaliforniaFloridaGeorgiaLouisianaMississippiNevadaNew MexicoOregonSouth CarolinaTexasUtahWashington

Zone 9 in other months

JanuaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberZone 9 overview →

What to plant in February in other zones

Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 10All states →

Dates are computed from the zone’s typical frost dates and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side.