When June rolls in and July heats up, many gardeners hang up their gloves—thinking the window for sowing has passed. But across much of the U.S., midsummer sowing opens the door to a second season of growth. With the right varieties and a little know-how, you can enjoy a late bounty of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and blooms from seed.
We’ve sorted recommendations by plant type and then by region, so you can get growing—right on time.
Table of Contents
Discover What Gardeners Are Saying About Our Seeds!
A Region-by-Region Guide for Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits & Flowers
VEGETABLES
Northeast & Upper Midwest (Zones 3–6)
With shorter summers and the chance of an early frost, gardeners here benefit from fast-maturing crops and cool-weather favorites. Midsummer planting focuses on quick growers and those that thrive in the return of cooler nights.
- Beans (bush & pole) – Try heirlooms like Top Crop, Provider, or Henderson Black Valentine.
- Beets – Sow Detroit Dark Red or Cylindra.
- Broccoli – Start Waltham 29 indoors and transplant later.
- Carrots – Try Scarlet Nantes.
- Kohlrabi – Try Purple Vienna or White Vienna.
- Rutabagas – Try American Purple Top.
- Turnips – Try Golden Ball or Purple Top White Globe.
Southeast & Deep South (Zones 7–9)
Abundant sunshine and long summers give Southern gardeners a longer sowing window than most. While humidity and heat pose challenges, they also allow for multiple rounds of crops—especially those that love heat.
- Collards & Mustards – Try Georgia Collards or Green Wave Mustard.
- Cowpeas – Try Pinkeye Purple Hull or California Blackeye #5.
- Cucumbers – Add Straight Eight or Boston Pickling (quick-growing, heat-tolerant).
- Melons – Try Sugar Baby or Minnesota Midget for fast maturity in midsummer plantings. Black Diamond or Moon & Stars can also be grown if planted in early June in Zone 8b–9 areas with long, hot growing seasons and consistent moisture.
- Okra – Try Clemson Spineless 80.
- Summer Squash – Add Early Summer Crookneck or White Scallop.
- Sweet Corn – Try Golden Bantam Improved or Stowell’s Evergreen.
Southwest & Desert Regions (Zones 8–10)
Hot, dry climates with cool evenings call for drought-tolerant, sun-loving varieties. Early morning sowing and deep watering help crops thrive despite extreme heat.
- Chiles & Peppers – Try Jalapeño Early, or Anaheim.
- Cowpeas – Try Pinkeye Purple Hull—very popular in the Deep South for its productivity and drought resistance—or California Blackeye #5, a classic black-eyed pea also suitable for this season.
- Melons – Add Honey Rock (a drought-tolerant cantaloupe).
- Summer Squash – Try Black Beauty Zucchini, Early Prolific Straightneck, or Benning’s Green Tint.
- Swiss Chard – Try Fordhook Giant.
Pacific Northwest (Zones 6–9)
Known for mild summers, cloudy days, and ample rainfall, this region is great for greens and quick-growing crops that don’t mind cooler temps. Some fall crops can even overwinter with protection.
- Kale – Try Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch or Lacinato.
- Lettuce – Try Black Seeded Simpson or Buttercrunch.
- Peas – Try Sugar Snap or Super Sugar Snap.
- Radishes – Try Early Scarlet Globe or French Breakfast.
Mountain West & High Plains (Zones 4–7)
With strong sun, cool nights, and a short season, gardeners here benefit from rugged, quick-maturing varieties. Raised beds and mulched rows can extend the season into fall.
- Broccoli – Try Waltham 29 or Green Sprouting Calabrese.
- Cabbage – Try Early Jersey Wakefield or Golden Acre.
- Radish – Try White Icicle.
- Spinach – Try Bloomsdale Long Standing.
- Zucchini – Try Black Beauty or Fordhook Zucchini.
HERBS
All Regions
Herbs thrive in warm soil and long days. Many can be sown directly in the garden or started in pots for a steady supply through the season.
- Basil – Try Genovese, Cinnamon Basil, or Lemon Basil.
- Cilantro – Try Slow Bolt Coriander.
- Chives – Try Onion Chives.
- Dill – Try Bouquet or Dukat Dill.
- Oregano – Try Italian – Oregano.
- Parsley – Try Moss Curled, Plain Leaf, or Triple Curled.
- Summer Savory
- Thyme – Try Winter – Thyme.
FRUIT
All Regions
While some fruits take longer to mature, summer is a great time to sow quick-starting varieties or plant for next season.
- Ground Cherries – Try Cape Gooseberry or Cossack Pineapple .
- Melons – Try Hale’s Best Jumbo, Iroquois, Heart’s of Gold, Minnesota Midget, Sugar Baby or Crimson Sweet.
- Tomatillos – Try Purple Tomatillo or Toma Verde .
FLOWERS
Northeast & Upper Midwest
Shorter summers call for fast-growing, cool-season bloomers that finish before frost. Many also self-sow if left in place.
Poppies – Try Poppy Iceland.
Southeast & Gulf Coast
Heat-tolerant annuals reign supreme here. Choose flowers that laugh at humidity and reward you with months of color.
- Cosmos – Try Sensation Mix.
- Sunflowers – Try Lemon Queen, Autumn Beauty, or Incredible Dwarf.
- Zinnias – Try California Giant Mix, Lilliput Mix, or Cherry Queen.
Southwest & Desert Areas
Hot sun and dry air call for blooms that don’t blink at drought. Sow directly and keep soil moist until germination.
- Marigolds – Try Crackerjack Mix or Sparky Mix.
Pacific Northwest
Cool, damp summers favor flowers that appreciate light moisture and gentle sun. Many benefit from fall sowing to bloom next spring.
- Alyssum – Try Carpet of Snow
- Bachelor’s Buttons – Try Polka Dot Mix or Tall Mix.
- Sweet Peas (for fall sowing) – Try Royal Mix or Old Spice Mix.
Final Notes for Summer Sowing
- Keep soil moist during germination.
- Mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
- Shade cloth can help seedlings establish.
- Check seed packets for sowing method—some crops like beans, carrots, and dill should be direct-sown, while others like broccoli and basil benefit from indoor starting.
It’s not too late! There’s still time to turn bare ground into bushels of beans, baskets of squash, rows of blooms, and fragrant herbs ready for the kitchen. But you’ll have to act fast—summer’s second planting window is short, and the time is running out. Grab your seeds today from our heirloom selection, roll up your sleeves, and get them in the soil while the season’s still warm. There’s plenty to harvest if you start now!
What are your thoughts? Drop a comment below!
FAQ:
Is it really not too late to plant seeds in June or July?
Not at all! Many vegetables, herbs, and flowers thrive when sown in midsummer. With the right varieties and timing, you can enjoy a second harvest before fall frost.
What vegetables grow best from seed during the summer months?
Quick-maturing crops like beans, beets, summer squash, carrots, and leafy greens do especially well. Regional favorites vary—check the guide by zone to see what suits your area.
Should I start seeds indoors or sow them directly outside?
Some crops—like beans, carrots, and dill—are best direct-sown. Others, such as broccoli and basil, benefit from a head start indoors. Always check your seed packet for the best method.
Can I grow herbs from seed in midsummer?
Yes—herbs love warm soil. Basil, dill, cilantro, parsley, and summer savory all grow well when sown in June or July.
What if my region has extreme heat or dry conditions?
Choose heat-tolerant or drought-resistant varieties like okra, cowpeas, melons, or chard. Water deeply in the morning and mulch well to keep soil cool and moist.
Will midsummer-planted crops have time to mature before frost?
Yes, if you choose fast-growing varieties and plant promptly. Northern gardeners should focus on 60-day or quicker crops; Southern regions often have time for longer-maturing ones.
How do I protect tender seedlings in the summer heat?
Use shade cloth during the hottest part of the day, mulch around the base, and keep the soil consistently moist—especially during germination.
What flowers can I still plant from seed?
Zinnias, sunflowers, marigolds, and cosmos all grow quickly and thrive in summer. In cooler zones, look for poppies and bachelor’s buttons that bloom before frost.
Can I plant fruit from seed in the summer?
Some quick-start fruits like melons, tomatillos, and ground cherries can be sown in early summer. Others may be best started now for next year’s harvest.
Where can I get seeds suitable for midsummer planting?
You’ll find all the varieties mentioned in this guide in our heirloom seed selection—chosen for vigor, flavor, and regional adaptability. Browse by plant type or region to get started.
Haven’t gotten the things planted that we wanted, and those we did, were planted late. Been a rough spring. Tomato plants from St. Clares have new blossoms and baby tomatoes on them. The potatoes are already bloomed. My green peppers are going through a very hard time, but maybe after this last rain they’ll come out of it. I’m going to try onions(green) and peas in mid to late August, and leaf lettuce in Sept. We’ll see how it goes!
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J.M.J.
Hi Doris,
Sounds like a rough Spring, but you’re having some successes! Some years you just keep trying where you can, and take your losses as the weather goes. Make sure to keep watering consistent for the peppers. Too much, as well as too little water can affect them a lot. Pepper plants may stay small due to a variety of factors, including inadequate sunlight, improper watering, nutrient deficiencies, cold temperatures, or pest and disease issues. Addressing these potential problems can help encourage healthy growt Sounds great on the onions and peas. 🙂 Hope they’re a great success! God bless!
Western North Carolina??? We are mountains — don’t fit any of your regions precisely.
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J.M.J.
Hi Camilla,
I’m sorry we missed replying to your original comment. Been a busy week with kiddos birthdays. 🙂 Thought I had answered that, as I wrote something up, but missed hitting post. Here is some info. Hope you find it helpful! Have a great weekend!
Based on the USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 7b for Western North Carolina’s mountain region, here are heirloom vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers suitable for planting in June and July. These selections are aligned for compatibility with your local climate.
Vegetables
June Planting:
Beans (Bush & Pole):
Contender – Early maturing, heat-tolerant, and productive.
Blue Lake Bush 274 – Excellent for canning and freezing.
Black Turtle – Versatile dry bean with rich flavor.
Corn:
Golden Bantam – Sweet corn variety suitable for fresh eating.
Stowell’s Evergreen – Late-season sweet corn with extended harvest.
Cucumbers:
Boston Pickling – Ideal for pickling with prolific yields.
Marketmore 76 – Disease-resistant and great for slicing.
Squash:
Black Beauty Zucchini – Fast-growing summer squash.
Yellow Crookneck – Tender and flavorful summer variety.
Melons:
Hale’s Best Jumbo Cantaloupe – Sweet and aromatic fruit.
Crimson Sweet Watermelon – Juicy with bright red flesh.
July Planting:
Brassicas (for Fall Harvest):
Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts – Compact plants with rich flavor.
Copenhagen Market Cabbage – Early maturing with solid heads.
Early Snowball Cauliflower – Smooth, white heads ideal for cooler weather.
Greens:
Georgia Southern Collards – Heat-tolerant and flavorful.
Lacinato Kale – Also known as Dinosaur Kale; tender leaves.
Root Vegetables:
Detroit Dark Red Beets – Deep red roots with sweet flavor.
Danvers 126 Carrots – Tapered roots suitable for various soils.
American Purple Top Rutabaga – Mild and sweet, excellent for storage.
Fruits
Garden Huckleberry:
Produces small, dark berries ideal for jams and pies.
Ground Cherry:
Sweet, tropical-flavored fruits enclosed in husks; great for snacking.
Rhubarb (Victoria):
Perennial plant with tart stalks used in desserts; start from seed for long-term harvests.
Herbs
Basil (Genovese):
Classic Italian variety with large, aromatic leaves.
Cilantro (Coriander):
Dual-purpose herb; leaves for cilantro and seeds for coriander spice.
Dill (Bouquet):
Fragrant herb used in pickling and cooking; attracts beneficial insects.
Parsley (Italian Flat Leaf):
Robust flavor, preferred for culinary use over curly varieties.
Chives:
Mild onion-flavored herb; perennial and easy to grow.
Flowers
Marigold (Crackerjack Mix):
Bright, large blooms that deter pests and attract pollinators.
Zinnia (California Giants):
Tall plants with vibrant, large flowers; excellent for cutting gardens.
Nasturtium (Jewel Mix):
Edible flowers and leaves with a peppery taste; great in salads.
Sunflower (Mammoth Russian):
Towering plants with large heads; seeds attract birds and can be harvested.
Planting Tips:
Soil Preparation:
Ensure well-drained, fertile soil with ample organic matter.
Watering:
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during germination and early growth.
Sunlight:
Most vegetables and herbs require full sun (6-8 hours daily).
Succession Planting:
Stagger plantings every 2-3 weeks to extend harvest periods.
We hope this helps! God bless!
Hooray! So glad it’s not to late to plant my beans yet 🙂
This information is greatly appreciated – something variety suggestions I have planted already but I’m always looking to fill in “holes” where something either didn’t germinate or grow for one reason or another. As mentioned by the previous post, I also value the products your family-owned business provides.
From the State of Montana
Thank you for this timely (and helpful) planting information.
Our garden has not been the most productive this year, and it looks like there may be an opportunity to change that.
We appreciate your site and look forward to ordering from your Catholic, family owned, U.S. company again.
From the state of Arkansas,
Shanela Cavin