What should I plant in October in Tucson, AZ?

In October in Tucson, AZ (zone 9a), you can plant Chives, Cilantro, Lavender, Mint, Parsley, and more. These dates are based on local climate data for your area.

When do I plant Chives in Tucson, AZ?

In Tucson, AZ (zone 9a), Chives: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Jan 1 – Dec 31.

When do I plant Cilantro in Tucson, AZ?

In Tucson, AZ (zone 9a), Cilantro: direct sow Oct 24 – Dec 31 and Jan 1 – Apr 23.

When do I plant Lavender in Tucson, AZ?

In Tucson, AZ (zone 9a), Lavender: start seeds indoors Jan 1 – Apr 8 and Oct 17 – Dec 31, transplant outdoors Jan 1 – Jun 23.

What to Plant in October

Tucson, AZ · Zone 9a

Last frost: Feb 15 Frost-free days: 289

Full year calendar for Tucson

Enjoy the cooler growing weather. Direct sow greens, root vegetables, and cover crops. Plant garlic and overwintering onions for next spring.

October at a Glance

Indoor Transplant Direct Sow

1 5 10 15 20 25

Chives

Cilantro

Lavender

Mint

Parsley

Rosemary

Thyme

Artichoke

Beet

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celery

Garlic

Kale

Leek

Lettuce

Onion

Peas

Potato

Radish

Spinach

Strawberry

Swiss Chard

Turnip

Start Indoors 18

Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.

Plant now

Chives

Jan 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Leek

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Onion

Jan 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Strawberry

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Jul 9 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Kale

Aug 1 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Broccoli

Aug 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cabbage

Aug 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Aug 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Swiss Chard

Aug 17 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Lettuce

Sep 24 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Spinach

Oct 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Celery

Oct 9 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 80–120 days

Later this month

Lavender

Oct 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 90–120 days

Rosemary

Oct 17 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 80–120 days

Thyme

Oct 24 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Artichoke

Oct 24 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 85–100 days

Transplant 13

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Plant now

Chives

Jan 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Leek

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Onion

Jan 1 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Strawberry

Jan 1 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Sep 16 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Kale

Sep 16 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Swiss Chard

Sep 16 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Broccoli

Oct 9 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Brussels Sprouts

Oct 9 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Cabbage

Oct 9 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Oct 9 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Later this month

Lettuce

Oct 24 – Dec 31

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Direct Sow 8

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Plant now

Garlic

Jan 1 – Nov 30

9 per sq ft 180–240 days

Beet

Sep 16 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Carrot

Sep 16 – Dec 31

16 per sq ft 70–80 days

Potato

Sep 16 – Dec 31

1 per sq ft 70–150 days

Turnip

Sep 16 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Later this month

Cilantro

Oct 24 – Dec 31

9 per sq ft 30–45 days

Peas

Oct 24 – Dec 31

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Radish

Oct 24 – Dec 31

16 per sq ft 22–30 days

October Gardening Tips

Start Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
Direct sow Carrot, Peas, Potato straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
Clean up spent crops to reduce overwintering pest and disease pressure.