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.
Zone 9: planting activity through 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.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Jan 16 – Feb 2 | Last chance - ends Feb 2 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Last chance - ends Feb 9 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Last chance - ends Feb 13 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Last chance - ends Feb 16 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 1 – Feb 20 | Feb 1 – Feb 20 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Feb 6 – Feb 23 | Feb 6 – Feb 23 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Feb 6 – Feb 23 | Feb 6 – Feb 23 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Feb 6 – Feb 23 | Feb 6 – Feb 23 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Feb 6 – Feb 23 | Feb 6 – Feb 23 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Feb 6 – Feb 23 | Feb 6 – Feb 23 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 8 – Feb 27 | Feb 8 – Feb 27 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 8 – Feb 27 | Feb 8 – Feb 27 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 8 – Feb 27 | Feb 8 – Feb 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 8 – Feb 27 | Feb 8 – Feb 27 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Feb 13 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Feb 13 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Feb 13 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Feb 13 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Feb 13 – Mar 2 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 6 | Opens Feb 15 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Feb 20 – Mar 9 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 13 | Opens Feb 22 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | Feb 27 – Mar 16 | Opens 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.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Last chance - ends Feb 6 |
Harvesting in February
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Last-frost month: February garden jobs in zone 9
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Zone 9 in other months
What to plant in February in other zones
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.