February marks a crucial transitional month in Zone 9 as temperatures begin to rise and winter frost becomes less of a concern. With its mild climate, this region provides an ideal environment for gardening. As a Zone 9 gardener, you have the opportunity to plant a variety of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and landscape plants that will flourish in the coming months.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find detailed information on what to plant this February, temperature tolerances, ideal planting times, and care instructions to ensure your plants thrive.
Vegetables To Plant In February
Growing your own vegetables is a rewarding endeavor, providing fresh produce at your fingertips. In Zone 9, the mild winter allows for a diverse range of vegetables to be planted in February.
1. Tomatoes
Temperature Tolerance: Tomatoes prefer temperatures between 70°F and 85°F but can suffer from stress if temperatures fall below 50°F, especially at night.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors under grow lights or in a sunny window in late January. Transplant seedlings outdoors around mid-February when the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures are warm enough.
Care Instructions: Tomatoes need full sun to flourish, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. Prepare the soil with organic compost and ensure good drainage. Water consistently, aiming for about 1-2 inches per week, and apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
2. Peppers
Temperature Tolerance: Peppers thrive in warm temperatures of 70°F or higher and are particularly sensitive to frost.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in early February, then transplant outside in late February to early March, after the soil has warmed up.
Care Instructions: Provide your pepper plants with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly but avoid overwatering; pepper plants do best when the soil is allowed to dry slightly between waterings.
3. Beans
Temperature Tolerance: Beans generally prefer soil temperatures above 60°F and are delicate when exposed to frost.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds directly in the garden in late February when the soil temperature begins to warm.
Care Instructions: Beans need full sun and adequate space for air circulation. Plant in well-draining soil, and keep the soil evenly moist until germination. Once established, water less frequently, as beans are drought-tolerant.
4. Lettuce
Temperature Tolerance: Lettuce grows best in cooler temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 70°F, and can withstand light frosts.
Planting Dates: Plant seeds directly outdoors or start transplants indoors in early February for a late February transplant.
Care Instructions: Choose a location with partial shade to prolong the growing season. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Harvest lettuce continuously by cutting outer leaves while allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
5. Radishes
Temperature Tolerance: Radishes are cold-tolerant, thriving well in temperatures from 50°F to 70°F and can withstand light frost.
Planting Dates: Direct sow seeds in the garden in early February for a fast spring harvest in about 30 days.
Care Instructions: Radishes prefer loose, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding and allow each radish ample room to grow. Water consistently but not excessively; radishes need moisture to grow crisp and crunchy.
6. Carrots
Temperature Tolerance: Carrots thrive in cooler temperatures and prefer well-drained soil that is at least 50°F.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds directly into the ground starting from early February to maximize growth before the heat of summer.
Care Instructions: Carrots require loose, sandy soils to grow straight and develop properly. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during germination, which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings once they reach a few inches tall to give them space to expand.
7. Onions
Temperature Tolerance: Onions can withstand light frosts and grow best in well-drained soils between 55°F and 75°F.
Planting Dates: Plant onion sets or transplants in late February for a successful yield.
Care Instructions: Onions prefer full sun and require consistent watering. Apply mulch to control weeds and retain moisture. As the bulbs fatten up, reduce watering to encourage the onions to mature.
8. Beets
Temperature Tolerance: Beets grow well in cooler temperatures, ideally from 50°F to 70°F, and can handle light frost.
Planting Dates: Directly sow beet seeds outdoors in early February for an early spring crop.
Care Instructions: Beets prefer loose, well-drained soil with sunlight for most of the day. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Thinning beet seedlings allows for proper spacing, ensuring roots can form properly.
9. Spinach
Temperature Tolerance: Spinach grows best in cooler weather and is very frost-tolerant, thriving in temperatures from 50°F to 60°F.
Planting Dates: Start sowing seeds outdoors in early to mid-February for a rich harvest in spring.
Care Instructions: Spinach prefers full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. Keep soil consistently moist and well-drained. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage more growth.
10. Kale
Temperature Tolerance: Kale is exceptionally hardy and can withstand frosts, thriving best in temperatures around 60°F.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds directly into the ground in early February or start seeds indoors for later transplanting.
Care Instructions: Provide kale with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Regularly harvest leaves by cutting outer leaves and allowing the inner leaves to continue growing, ensuring a continuous supply.
Flowers To Plant In February
Gardening in February also offers an opportunity to beautify your landscape with vibrant flowers. Consider the following plants for your flower garden:
1. Pansies
Temperature Tolerance: Pansies are hardy annuals that tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F.
Planting Dates: Plant pansies in early February to take advantage of their capacity to establish blooms ahead of spring.
Care Instructions: Pansies prefer full sun or partial shade and require well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
2. Snapdragons
Temperature Tolerance: These flowers thrive in cooler weather and can tolerate frost.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds in late January or early February for early blooms in spring.
Care Instructions: Snapdragons favor full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and remove spent flowers to promote continued blooming.
3. Petunias
Temperature Tolerance: Petunias prefer warmer conditions, thriving above 60°F, and are sensitive to frost.
Planting Dates: Plant petunias in late February to ensure readiness for spring displays.
Care Instructions: Petunias love full sun and require regular watering but should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Remove dead flowers to keep the plants looking fresh.
4. Primroses
Temperature Tolerance: Primroses can handle mild frost and thrive best in temperatures around 60°F to 70°F.
Planting Dates: February is the perfect time to plant primroses, ensuring vibrant blooms by spring.
Care Instructions: Primroses prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Regularly check the soil to keep it consistently moist, especially in warmer weather.
5. Verbena
Temperature Tolerance: Verbena prefers warm conditions and doesn’t tolerate frost well.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in late January or plant nursery plants outdoors in late February.
Care Instructions: Verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry between waterings, as this helps prevent root rot.
6. Sweet Peas
Temperature Tolerance: Sweet peas prefer cooler weather and survive light frosts.
Planting Dates: Directly sow seeds outdoors in early to mid-February for robust spring blooms.
Care Instructions: Provide sweet peas with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Water regularly, particularly during dry spells, and provide support for climbing varieties.
7. Calendula
Temperature Tolerance: Calendula can thrive in cooler temperatures and tolerate light frost.
Planting Dates: February is an excellent time for direct seeding in your garden.
Care Instructions: Calendula requires full sun and well-drained soil. Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth. Water when the soil feels dry but avoid overwatering.
8. Dianthus
Temperature Tolerance: Dianthus can withstand cooler temperatures and light frost.
Planting Dates: Seed sowing in February will help ensure blooms in spring.
Care Instructions: These flowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. Keep the soil moderately moist, and trim back leggy growth to promote bushy plants.
9. Marigolds
Temperature Tolerance: Marigolds love warm weather and are sensitive to frost.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in early February, with plans to transplant once danger of frost has passed.
Care Instructions: Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Water uniformly and deadhead frequently to encourage continuous blooming.
10. Zinnias
Temperature Tolerance: Zinnias thrive in temperatures above 70°F and cannot tolerate frost.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in early February; transplant them to your garden once nighttime temperatures are consistently warm.
Care Instructions: Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry between watering. Cut flowers regularly to promote additional blooms.
Herbs To Plant In February
Fresh herbs add flavor and fragrance to gardens while providing culinary options. Here are ten herbs to plant in February in Zone 9:
1. Basil
Temperature Tolerance: Basil loves warm weather and is extremely sensitive to frost.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in February for later transplanting in safe frost-free conditions.
Care Instructions: Basil prefers well-draining, moist soil and full sun. Pinch off flowers to prevent bitterness and promote leaf growth.
2. Cilantro
Temperature Tolerance: Cilantro favors cooler weather and can endure light frost, but it may bolt quickly in hot weather.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds directly into the soil in early February for a bountiful spring harvest.
Care Instructions: Cilantro requires full sun and well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
3. Parsley
Temperature Tolerance: Parsley is frost-tolerant and can grow well in cooler weather.
Planting Dates: Direct sow seeds in early February for consistent growth throughout spring.
Care Instructions: Parsley thrives in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
4. Chives
Temperature Tolerance: Chives are cold-hardy and can tolerate low temperatures.
Planting Dates: Early February is an excellent time to sow seeds directly outdoors.
Care Instructions: Chives prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Water moderately, and divide plants every few years to maintain vigor.
5. Thyme
Temperature Tolerance: Thyme is drought-tolerant and thrives in warmer conditions, but does not do well in extreme frost.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds indoors or in the garden in early February.
Care Instructions: Thyme prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
6. Oregano
Temperature Tolerance: Oregano is a resilient herb that thrives in warm temperatures.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in early February for later transplanting.
Care Instructions: Oregano thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry out between watering.
7. Sage
Temperature Tolerance: Sage can tolerate light frosts and prefers moderate temperatures.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds indoors in early February to prepare for transplanting later.
Care Instructions: Sage prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
8. Rosemary
Temperature Tolerance: Rosemary thrives in warmer temperatures and does not tolerate frost well.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in February.
Care Instructions: Rosemary prefers well-drained sandy soil and full sunlight. Water sparingly since rosemary prefers dry soil conditions.
9. Dill
Temperature Tolerance: Dill prefers cooler conditions but can handle light frost.
Planting Dates: Direct sow seeds outdoors in early February for a fresh spring crop.
Care Instructions: Dill requires full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as dill doesn’t prefer soggy soil conditions.
10. Mint
Temperature Tolerance: Mint is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, thriving in cooler conditions.
Planting Dates: February is great for planting mint seeds or cuttings.
Care Instructions: Mint prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, though it can adapt to sun. Water consistently but avoid overwatering, as mint can thrive in moist but not saturated soil.
Landscape Plants To Plant In February
Enriching your garden with vibrant landscape plants can enhance your outdoor space appealingly. The following ten plants are well-suited for planting in February in Zone 9:
1. Citrus Trees
Temperature Tolerance: Citrus trees favor warm temperatures and must be protected from frost.
Planting Dates: February is ideal for planting citrus trees, allowing them to establish roots before the heat of summer.
Care Instructions: Citrus trees thrive in well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly but allow the soil to partially dry out between watering. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and retain moisture.
2. Hibiscus
Temperature Tolerance: Hibiscus prefers warm weather and is sensitive to low temperatures.
Planting Dates: Plant established nursery plants outdoors in mid- to late February for displays of bright blooms in summer.
Care Instructions: Hibiscus prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly, particularly during dry spells, and prune straggly growth to encourage bushiness.
3. Bougainvillea
Temperature Tolerance: Bougainvillea thrives in tropical conditions and cannot handle frost.
Planting Dates: February offers an excellent opportunity to plant bougainvillea in well-drained, sunny locations.
Care Instructions: Bougainvillea prefers full sun and sandy, well-draining soil. Water sparingly, as this drought-resistant plant can thrive with minimal irrigation.
4. Camellias
Temperature Tolerance: Camellias can survive lighter frost and flourish in moderate temperatures.
Planting Dates: February is perfect for planting these evergreens, encouraging growth before spring blooms.
Care Instructions: Camellias prefer partially shaded locations and well-drained, acidic soil. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and apply mulch to retain moisture.
5. Gardenia
Temperature Tolerance: Gardenias can handle light frost and prefer warmer temperatures for optimal growth.
Planting Dates: Plant in February to achieve lush foliage and blooms as summer approaches.
Care Instructions: Gardenias thrive in acidic, well-drained soil. Choose a location with partial shade and water consistently to keep the soil moist.
6. Crape Myrtle
Temperature Tolerance: Crape myrtle thrives in warm climates and is drought-resistant.
Planting Dates: Late February is an excellent time to plant crape myrtle in sunny, well-drained locations.
Care Instructions: Crape myrtle requires copious sunlight and prefers well-draining soil. Water regularly in the first season until established, then reduce as they are relatively drought-tolerant.
7. Azaleas
Temperature Tolerance: Azaleas tolerate cold conditions and can thrive in partial sun.
Planting Dates: February is a great month for planting azaleas, ensuring they have time to establish roots.
Care Instructions: Azaleas prefer acidic, well-drained soil and moisture-retentive mulches. Water regularly, especially during warmer months, and prune to reshape after flowering.
8. Lantana
Temperature Tolerance: Lantana thrives in warm, sunny conditions and is remarkably drought-resistant.
Planting Dates: Late February is optimal for planting lantana to provide vibrant color throughout the warmer months.
Care Instructions: Keep lantana in full sun with well-drained soil. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
9. Ficus
Temperature Tolerance: Most Ficus species prefer warmer environments and endure down to 32°F.
Planting Dates: February is suitable for planting Ficus in protected areas of the garden.
Care Instructions: Ficus plants prefer rich, well-draining soil with ample sunlight. Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
10. Palms
Temperature Tolerance: Many palm varieties prefer tropical climates and cannot tolerate frost.
Planting Dates: February is an ideal time for planting young palms to become established before the hotter months.
Care Instructions: Palms need full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first year to establish roots but reduce frequency as they mature.
Conclusion
February in Zone 9 offers a plethora of opportunities for gardeners to cultivate a diverse range of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and landscape plants. Understanding the specific requirements of each plant type and their ideal planting times will enhance your gardening success, ensuring a lush and vibrant landscape come spring.
