It’s Not Too Late – What You Can Still Plant in July: Make the Most of Summer with These Quick-Growing Heirlooms

Mid-summer might feel like the end of the planting season, but in many areas—especially USDA Zones 3 through 10—July still offers a window of opportunity to squeeze in a little more of your favorite heirloom varieties. Whether your spring crops have finished or pests and weather forced a replant, you can still harvest a satisfying garden before frost. Many fast-growing heirloom varieties thrive when sown in warm soil, maturing quickly enough to give you fresh vegetables before season’s end.

What are your thoughts? Drop a comment below!

What to Plant in July by Zone

Here’s what you can still plant in July, broken down by region and zone—with specific variety suggestions to keep things simple and reliable.

Zones 3–4 (Short-Season Northern Areas)

Focus on the fastest maturing crops and look for varieties that can tolerate a bit of chill if frost comes early.

• Bush Beans:
  • Contender Bush Bean – 40–55 days. Great for cool nights. Tender and stringless with heavy yields.
  • Topcrop – 50 days. Reliable early bush bean with upright plants and high yield. In Zones 3–4, it can still be planted in mid-July. Sow as early in the month as possible, and consider using row cover or a low tunnel to help ensure it reaches maturity before frost.
  • Tendergreen Improved – 45–56 days. Strong heat-tolerant option with rich flavor and resistance to common bean viruses. It’s a good option, but make sure to sow it early enough to mature before fall frost. A row cover or low tunnel can help extend the season by a few weeks if frost threatens before harvest.
• Summer Squash:
  • Early Prolific Straightneck Squash – 45-55 days. Dependable and fast; pick young for tender fruit. These can still be planted in Zones 3–4, but timing is critical. Keep an eye on frost dates, and consider row cover or low tunnels in early fall if needed.
  • Early Summer Crookneck Squash – 50–55 days. Classic yellow crookneck with excellent flavor. Like other summer squash, this can still be planted in Zones 3–4 if started early enough. Watch for frost in fall and use row cover if needed.
  • White Bush Scallop – 50 days. Unique shape and good productivity in hot weather. Timing is key—plant in early-mid July and consider frost protection to ensure a full harvest.
• Cucumbers:
  • Boston Pickling Cucumber – 50–60 days. Prolific and fast-maturing; good for fresh eating or pickling. These can still be planted in Zones 3–4, but frost may come before they finish. For best results, sow early and consider frost protection like row cover in the fall.
  • White Wonder Cucumber – 55–60 days. Creamy white skin and crisp texture, excellent for slicing. Timing is tight in Zones 3–4—plant early to mid July and monitor frost forecasts. Row covers or low tunnels may be needed to bring the crop to full maturity.
  • National Pickling Improved Cucumber – 50–55 days. Excellent for quick pickles and steady yields. Like others, it’s possible in Zones 3–4, but frost protection may be needed to finish the crop.
• Leafy Greens:
  • Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce – 45–60 days. Tolerates some heat and matures fast.
  • Simpson Elite Lettuce – 48–55 days. Improved strain of Black Seeded Simpson with better bolt resistance and uniform growth.
  • Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach – 40-50 days. Plant in mid- to late-July for fall harvest.
  • Giant Noble Spinach – 40–50 days. Slow to bolt, large leaves, and excellent for summer plantings.

Note: Even heat-tolerant lettuces like Black Seeded Simpson and Simpson Elite can bolt quickly during unexpected heat waves. In Zones 3–4, consider planting in partial afternoon shade, near taller crops, or in cooler microclimates to help slow bolting and extend your harvest.

• Flowers:
  • Cosmos – Sensation Mix – Delicate, daisy-like flowers in pink, white, and crimson. Great for pollinators.
  • Zinnias – Lilliput Mix – Compact, ball-shaped blooms; good for smaller beds.
  • Marigold – Crackerjack Mix – Tall, double blooms in bright orange/yellow.
  • Echinacea Purpurea – Attracts pollinators and blooms into fall.

Discover What Gardeners Are Saying About Our Seeds!

Zones 5–6 (Mid-North and Lower Midwest)

You’ve got more flexibility with crop choices here. Warm soils and longer daylight hours help many crops take off quickly.

• Bush Beans:
  • Blue Lake 274 Bush Bean – 55–60 days. Excellent flavor and yield.
  • Contender Bush Bean – 40–55 days. Quick-growing and cold-tolerant.
  • Topcrop – 50 days. Upright growth with strong yields and early maturity.
• Zucchini:
  • Black Beauty Zucchini – 50–60 days. Strong grower; harvest frequently for continual production.
  • Cocozelle Zucchini – 50–60 days. Italian heirloom with rich flavor and striped skin.
  • Golden Zucchini – 50–65 days. Bright color, tender texture, and high yields.
• Cucumbers:
  • National Pickling Improved Cucumber – 50–55 days. Great for quick batches of refrigerator pickles.
  • Boston Pickling Cucumber – 50–60 days. Prolific and flavorful, perfect for small-space gardens.
  • Straight Eight Cucumber – 60–65 days. Dependable slicer with crisp texture and classic flavor.
• Leafy Greens & Herbs:
  • Oakleaf Lettuce – 40–60 days. Heat-tolerant and attractive.
  • Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce – 45–60 days. Fast-growing and widely adapted.
  • Simpson Elite Lettuce – 48–55 days. Improved bolt resistance and uniformity.

• Flowers:
  • Zinnia – California Giant Mix– Huge, vibrant blooms on tall plants. Excellent for cutting and garden color.
  • Cosmos – Sensation Mix – Delicate, daisy-like flowers in pink, white, and crimson. Great for pollinators.
  • Marigold – Crackerjack or Sparky Mix – Bright yellow and orange blooms. Heat-tolerant and helps repel pests.
  • Sunflower – Lemon Queen – Soft yellow petals with dark centers. Pollinator favorite and great for cutting.

Zones 7–8 (Mid-South and Upper South)

Warm nights and long growing seasons give you ample time to grow a second round of many summer crops, plus start planning for fall.

• Beans:
  • Tendergreen Improved Bush Bean – 50–55 days. Heat-tolerant and dependable.
  • Contender Bush Bean – 40–55 days. Reliable, fast-growing variety that thrives in July heat.
  • Topcrop – 50 days. Early, upright plants with excellent yields and strong adaptability.
• Summer Squash:
  • White Scallop Summer Squash – 50 – 55 days. Old-time patty pan style that thrives in heat.
  • Early Prolific Straightneck Summer Squash – 45–55 days. Fast-growing and reliable with buttery yellow fruit.
  • Golden Zucchini Summer Squash– 50–65 days. Vibrant color, sweet flavor, and strong yields.
• Cucumbers:
  • Marketmore 76 Cucumber – 60–70 days. Disease-resistant and consistent.
  • Straight Eight Cucumber – 60–65 days. Classic slicing variety with crisp flavor.
  • Boston Pickling Cucumber – 50–60 days. Fast-maturing and productive for pickling and snacking.
• Greens:
  • Giant Southern Curl Mustard – 50–70 days. Is heat-tolerant better than many lettuces.
  • Tendergreen Mustard – 30–60 days. Mild flavor, heat-tolerant, and fast-maturing.
• Okra:
  • Clemson Spineless 80 Okra – 55–60 days. Loves hot weather and matures quickly.
  • Hill Country Red Okra – 60–70 days. Thick red-ribbed pods, strong heat resistance, and good disease tolerance. Best picked at 4–6″.
  • Cow Horn Okra – 50–60 days. Tall plants with long curved pods. Heavy producer that thrives in intense July summer heat.
  • Red Burgundy Okra – 55–60 days. Deep burgundy pods stay tender in hot weather. Grows 4–5′ tall and yields well.

• Flowers:
  • Zinnia – Lilliput Mix – Small, button-like blooms in many bright colors. Great for borders and continuous cutting.
  • Zinnia – Cherry Queen – Large red blooms with strong stems; heat-loving and long-lasting.
  • Sunflower – Lemon Queen – Pale yellow blooms with a dark center. Excellent for pollinators and cut flowers.
  • Morning Glory – Grandpa Ott – Deep purple-blue blooms with a red star throat. Vigorous climber.
  • Marigold – Sparky Mix – Bright orange and yellow ruffled flowers. Deters pests and thrives in heat.

Zone 9 (Deep South and Gulf Coast)

It’s hot, but this region still offers great opportunities to plant in July, especially for heat-loving crops and the first wave of fall planning.

• Okra:
  • Clemson Spineless 80 Okra – 55–60 days. Fast, reliable, and productive. Bred for the South and thrives in July heat. Easy to grow and pick.
  • Hill Country Red Okra – 60–70 days. Bred in Texas for punishing summer heat. Thick red pods, strong disease resistance, and consistent harvests when picked small.
  • Cow Horn Okra – 65–70 days. Ideal for long hot seasons. Grows huge and keeps producing even in extreme heat. Excellent for Zone 9 gardeners with space.

• Beans:
  • Contender Bush Bean – 45–55 days. Productive and heat-resilient with great flavor; one of the best for late planting.
  • Provider Bush Bean – 50–55 days. Fast-maturing and reliable even in hot weather; strong disease resistance and excellent yields.
  • Strike Bush Bean – 50 days. Uniform pods and very dependable in high heat; popular for late-season success.
  • Jade Bush Bean – 55 days. Upright plants with long, tender pods; thrives in summer heat with consistent watering.

• Summer Squash:
  • Cocozelle Summer Squash – 50-60 days. Extremely fast-maturing with striped fruit; great for quick late planting in July.
  • Black Beauty Zucchini – 50-60 days. Productive and reliable bush type; ideal for hot summer sowing.
  • Early Prolific Straightneck Summer Squash – 45-55 days. Prolific yellow squash; heat-tolerant and great for July planting.
  • Benning’s Green Tint Summer Squash – 50–57 days. Compact patty pan squash; steady production in hot weather.

• Winter Squash:
  • Delicata Winter Squash– 80–100 days. One of the fastest-maturing winter squashes; handles heat well and finishes in time. (Plant during the first week of July to ensure harvest before first frost or declining daylight slows growth.)
  • Thelma Sanders Winter Squash – 85–90 days. Creamy acorn-type squash; compact and reliable for July planting.
  • (Plant during the first week of July to ensure harvest before first frost or declining daylight slows growth.)

• Southern Peas:
  • California Blackeye #5 Cowpea – 60–70 days. Compact and drought-tolerant; dependable yields and mild, meaty flavor.
  • Purple Hull Pinkeye Cowpea – 60–70 days. Bushy plants thrive in heat; pods turn deep purple when mature; mild, nutty flavor.

• Heat-Tolerant Greens:
  • Giant Southern Curl Mustard – 50–70 days. Heat-tolerant better than many lettuces.
  • Tendergreen Mustard – 30–60 days. Mild flavor, heat-tolerant, and fast-maturing.

• Flowers:
  • Cosmos – Sensation Mix – Feathery foliage, pink shades, quick to flower.
  • Zinnias – Lilliput Mix – Compact, ball-shaped blooms; good for smaller beds.
  • Alyssum – Carpet of Snow – Fragrant white and pastel flowers; low-growing.
  • Marigold – Crackerjack Mix – Tall, double blooms in bright orange/yellow.
  • Rudbeckia – Black Eyed Susan – Tough perennial with golden flowers.
  • Bachelor’s Button – Tall Mix – Hardy and charming in mixed borders.
  • Morning Glory – Blue Star – Fast-growing and cold-tolerant annual.
  • Echinacea Purpurea – Attracts pollinators and blooms into fall.

Zone 10 (Subtropical Coastal Areas)

Mid-summer in Zone 10 brings intense heat and humidity, but you can still plant in July if you choose heat-loving or tropical-friendly varieties. While many crops may struggle, some can be direct sown or transplanted successfully, and it’s also a good time to start fall seeds indoors.

• Okra:
  • Clemson Spineless 80 Okra – 55–60 days. Fast, reliable, and productive. Bred for the South and thrives in July heat. Easy to grow and pick.
  • Hill Country Red Okra – 60–70 days. Bred in Texas for punishing summer heat. Thick red pods, strong disease resistance, and consistent harvests when picked small.
  • Cow Horn Okra – 65–70 days. Ideal for long hot seasons. Grows huge and keeps producing even in extreme heat. Excellent for Zone 10 gardeners with space.
• Heat-Loving Greens:
  • Red Malabar Spinach – 60–70 days. Climbs 6–10 ft., thrives in heat.
  • Green Malabar Spinach – 60–70 days. Fast-growing, lush green vines.
  • New Zealand Spinach – 50–70 days. Leafy green for hot-weather gardens.
• Southern Peas:
  • California Blackeye #5 Cowpea – 60–70 days. Great for heat and drought.
  • Purple Hull Pinkeye Cowpea – 60–70 days. Classic Southern flavor and vigor.
• Flowers:
  • Lemon Queen Sunflower – Tall, pale yellow blooms perfect for pollinators.
  • Marigold – Sparky Mix – Ruffled gold and red petals; heat-loving and compact.
  • Zinnia – California Giants Mix – Tall with huge, vibrant blooms in a rainbow mix.
  • Zinnia – Lilliput Mix – Compact with small, dome-shaped blooms.
  • Zinnia – Cherry Queen – Bright red, striking single-color zinnia.
  • Zinnia – Canary Bird – Yellow blooms that handle heat well.
  • Verbena – Moss Purple – Excellent heat-tolerant bedding plant.
  • Morning Glory – Heavenly Blue – Vining climber with brilliant blooms.
  • Morning Glory – Grandpa Ott – Deep purple with red centers; vigorous in heat.
  • Nasturtium – Alaska Mix – Variegated foliage and bright edible flowers.

Tips for Success:

• Use shade cloth and deep mulch to help tender crops survive.
• Watch for pests like whiteflies and aphids.
• Start fall crops indoors (like tomatoes, brassicas, and peppers) for transplanting in late August.
• Monitor soil moisture closely; water deeply and early in the day.
• Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Extra July Gardening Tips

1. Water Deeply and Consistently:
July is hot. Keep soil moisture even to avoid stress and bitterness in leafy crops. Water early in the day to reduce evaporation and fungal issues.

2. Mulch Matters:
A thick layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings) keeps roots cool and holds in moisture—especially critical for tender greens and newly-sown beans.

3. Use Shade Wisely:
In very hot climates, planting greens near taller crops or using lightweight shade cloth can extend your growing window.

4. Fertilize Lightly:
Warm-season crops grow quickly, but don’t overdo nitrogen—too much leads to lush leaves and no fruit. A balanced fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks is often enough.

5. Succession Planting Works:
For crops like bush beans, cucumbers, and greens, sow a second or third round in late July or early August for continuous harvests through early fall.

6. Prepare for Fall While You Harvest Summer Crops:
In Zones 7–9, you can start preparing for fall brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) by starting seeds indoors in late July. Transplant them in mid to late August for a fall crop.

Final Word

July gardening is all about quick decisions and faster crops. When you plant in July, choosing fast-maturing heirloom varieties gives you a solid chance to enjoy fresh beans, squash, cucumbers, and greens before frost hits. With careful soil prep, smart watering, and a layer of mulch, your garden can still thrive. Even if you plant in July a bit later than planned, thoughtful shading and consistent care help ensure a strong summer finish.

What are your thoughts? Drop a comment below!

FAQ: