This guide is an in-depth look at some great options for planting in July across various regions in Arizona.

Vegetables To Plant

Okra

Okra thrives in the warm heat of summer and can be planted in July throughout Arizona. This vegetable loves temperatures between 75°F and 90°F and requires full sun and well-drained soil. In the lower desert areas (USDA Zones 9b to 10a), planting can occur as late as mid-August. Ensure you water regularly, as okra prefers consistently moist soil without waterlogging. Expect a harvest in about 60 days.

Eggplant

Rich in flavor and versatile in the kitchen, eggplants prefer the steamy summer conditions of Arizona. Ideal planting areas are Zone 9 as they thrive in temperatures above 70°F. Eggplants planted in July can produce beautiful, glossy fruit by late summer or early fall. Space them about two feet apart and provide staking support as they grow. Regular watering and occasional fertilization can provide excellent yields.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a favorite summer vegetable in Arizona. This fast-growing plant can be sown directly into the soil in July, especially in the warmer zones. Zucchini flourishes in bright sunlight and is drought tolerant once established. It grows quite quickly, producing crops within six weeks. Monitor for pests, as zucchini can attract bugs during warmer months.

Peppers

July is an excellent time to plant peppers, especially in USDA Zones 9 and 10. Varieties like jalapeños, bell peppers, and serranos thrive in high temperatures and can be planted this month. With soil temperatures consistently hitting 70°F or above, planting pepper seeds or transplants directly in the ground ensures a vigorous growth cycle. Space your plants to allow airflow and mitigate fungal diseases.

Butternut Squash

If you’re looking to extend the growing season, July is a suitable time to plant butternut squash in Arizona’s warmer zones (9b and above). This squash variety prefers at least six hours of sunshine daily and requires a deep, rich soil for optimal growth. Plant the seeds directly in the ground and water regularly to maintain soil moisture. Harvest will typically occur in late summer or early fall.

Melons

Succulent and refreshing, melons such as cantaloupe and watermelon love the heat. In Arizona, July is the prime time for sowing melon seeds in the ground, especially in USDA Zones 9 and 10. These plants thrive in loose, sandy soil, and full sunlight. To encourage fruiting, proper spacing and regular watering are essential. Harvesting typically occurs 75 to 90 days post-sowing.

Lima Beans

Also known as butter beans, lima beans grow well in hot climates. In Arizona, they are planted in July as the last planting for the fall crop. Plant seeds in well-draining soil, ensuring ample sun exposure. They do best in temperatures above 70°F. You can expect to start harvesting lima beans approximately 60 days after sowing.

Cowpeas

These legumes are incredibly heat tolerant and ideal for July planting in Arizona’s summer climate. Cowpeas thrive in sandy or loamy soils and thrive in temperatures ranging from 75°F to 95°F. They have a relatively short growing season, allowing you to harvest within 60-70 days. Cowpeas also enhance soil nitrogen levels, making them a beneficial crop for your garden.

Sweet Corn

Mid-summer is an excellent time to plant sweet corn in the hotter areas of Arizona. Sweet corn prefers to grow in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. July sowing allows for a late summer harvest, typically within 70-90 days. Corn does best in blocks rather than rows to ensure proper pollination, so plan accordingly.

Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables and can be successfully grown in July. They thrive in cooler temperatures, so consider planting them in the higher elevations of Arizona. Varieties such as ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast’ can be directly sown into the ground, producing edible roots in just three to four weeks.

Flowers To Plant

Sunflower

Sunflowers are a bright and cheerful addition to any garden. They thrive in hot temperatures and can be planted throughout July, especially in USDA Zones 9 and 10. Choose sunny spots with well-draining soil. Sunflowers can grow tall, attracting butterflies and birds, and are perfect for creating a natural privacy screen.

Zinnias

These vibrant summer flowers are ideal for planting in July. Zinnias prefer full sunlight and thrive in warmer temperatures. Plant them in well-drained soil, and they will bloom abundantly, attracting pollinators. Expect them to flower in about 60 days, providing a burst of color to your garden through the fall.

Marigolds

Known for their resilience and vivid colors, marigolds are a popular choice for summer planting in Arizona. They can handle the heat and grow well in various soil types. Plant in full sun, ensuring good spacing for airflow. Marigolds are also known for their ability to repel pests, making them an excellent companion plant.

Cosmos

Cosmos flowers are heat-tolerant and straightforward to care for, making them a great choice for July planting. These striking flowers can flourish in various soil conditions and prefer full sun. They will attract butterflies, making your garden even more lively and colorful. Expect blooms in approximately 60-70 days.

Black-eyed Susans

These hardy blooms add a touch of sunshine to any garden. Black-eyed Susans can be planted in July in warmer areas of Arizona, as they tolerate heat and drought conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight. Once established, they will bloom through late summer well into fall.

Celosia

Celosia, known for its unique flower structure and vibrant colors, thrives in hot and dry conditions. Plant in full sun in July for best results, ensuring they have enough space for air circulation. These flowers are low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and providing stunning colors throughout the summer.

Lantana

Considered a native plant of the southern U.S., Lantana is incredibly heat-resistant and can flourish throughout Arizona in July. These sun-loving flowers attract butterflies and pollinators, making them perfect for beautifying gardens. Ensure they have well-drained soil and provide irrigation regularly as they initially establish.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a tropical vine that thrives in hot climates, making it an excellent July planting choice for Arizona gardeners. The vibrant, showy bracts provide spectacular color, creating a stunning visual display. Plant in well-drained soil and ensure it receives adequate sunlight. Bougainvillea is drought-resistant once established.

Petunias

Petunias are versatile annuals that can add color to the landscape during the summer months. Although sensitive to extreme heat, they can be grown in Arizona’s cooler regions during July. Plant in well-draining soil and provide adequate moisture, especially during peak summer heat. Expect colorful blooms to emerge in about six weeks.

Sage

While often grouped with herbs, ornamental sages provide stunning blooms and attract pollinators to your garden. Plant sage varieties in well-drained soil with adequate sun exposure this July. They are drought-tolerant once mature and will bloom throughout the summer and fall, providing an enduring source of beauty.

Herbs To Plant

Basil

Known for its aromatic leaves, basil can be planted in July across much of Arizona. Preferring warm weather, it grows best in temperatures from 70°F to 90°F. Plant basil in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular harvesting encourages bushier plants and more abundant growth, allowing you to enjoy fresh pesto and other dishes throughout the summer.

Dill

This fragrant herb is ideal for July planting in Arizona. Dill flourishes in warm weather and can thrive in a range of soil types. Sow seeds directly into the ground, and they will germinate quickly. Dill not only enhances your culinary creations but also attracts beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to your garden.

Cilantro

Cilantro can be planted in July, especially in the cooler higher elevations of Arizona. This herb loves cooler temperatures and can tolerate a bit of shade. It germinates quickly, allowing for harvest within 30 days. Be sure to continuously plant cilantro for a summer-long harvest as it goes to seed rapidly in hot weather.

Oregano

Oregano thrives in the warm summer conditions of Arizona, making it another herb well-suited for July planting. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. Being a perennial herb, once established, it can continue to produce flavorful leaves for years, enhancing your dishes and adding beauty to your garden.

Rosemary

With its aromatic leaves, rosemary is perfect for July planting in Arizona. This herb is drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, sunny conditions. Plant in well-draining soil, as rosemary does not like to sit in water. Once established, it can be harvested throughout the year, providing seasoning for your meals.

Thyme

Thyme can handle the summer heat and can be planted in July without issue. This hardy herb grows well in full sun with well-drained soil. Thyme is a perennial, meaning it can be harvested continuously over the years, adding fresh flavor to a variety of dishes.

Chives

Chives are an excellent choice for July planting, especially in cooler regions. They thrive in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types. This perennial herb adds a mild onion flavor to dishes and produces lovely purple flowers, attracting pollinators to your garden.

Parsley

This versatile herb can be successfully planted in July in Arizona’s cooler sites. Parsley grows well in rich, well-drained soil and appreciates partial shade in the heat of summer. As a biennial, it can be harvested in its first year, providing a source of fresh leaves for salads and garnishes.

Mint

Mint is an aromatic herb that grows exceptionally well during the summer months. Plant in well-drained, moist soil and provide partial shade to protect it from extreme heat. Mint can quickly spread, making it a wonderful addition to herb gardens but also requiring management to avoid overgrowth.

Fennel

Fennel grows particularly well in Arizona’s warmer climate and can be sown in July. This herb prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil. Its unique anise flavor makes it a culinary favorite, and it can be harvested for its fronds and bulbs. Fennel can also attract beneficial insects, contributing positively to your garden ecosystem.

Landscape Plants To Plant In July

Agave

Agave species are hardy succulent plants perfect for hot, arid climates. They thrive in well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for Arizona gardens. Planting in July allows them to establish during the warm summer, and their unique structural forms add visual interest to landscapes.

Desert Marigold

This native perennial is well-suited for July planting in Arizona. Desert marigolds thrive in full sun and well-draining soils, blooming beautifully with bright yellow flowers. They are drought-resistant and ideal for low-maintenance landscapes, providing seasonal color and attracting pollinators.

Red Yucca

Red yucca is a resilient plant that adapts well to Arizona’s dry heat, perfect for planting in July. These striking plants have unique spikes and tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. They grow well in sandy or rocky soils and require minimal water once established, making them excellent for xeriscaping.

Arizona Poppy

This native wildflower is known for its striking orange blooms in the warm desert landscape. July is a great time to sow seeds directly in well-draining soil to ensure they establish well before the cooler fall temperatures arrive. These drought-resistant flowers will lend vibrancy to your garden through the summer months.

Lantana

Already mentioned for its flowering beauty, Lantana also serves as a terrific landscape plant. It is heat-tolerant and thrives in the dry conditions common to Arizona. Planting in July allows this perennial to establish and provide beautiful blooms and attract pollinators throughout the summer and fall.

Oleander

Oleander is a fantastic choice for landscaping in Arizona. This drought-tolerant shrub comes in various colors and can withstand high temperatures. They do well when planted in full sun and are easy to maintain, only requiring occasional watering. Oleanders can create beautiful hedges or privacy barriers.

Yucca

Yucca plants are iconic in desert landscapes. They thrive in arid conditions and prefer full sun. Planting in July will help them establish roots before the cooler months. Their striking foliage and tall flower spikes create a stunning visual element in gardens, requiring little maintenance besides occasional watering.

Red Sage

Red sage, also known as Salvia coccinea, is an admirable choice for planting in July. This native plant thrives in the summer heat, producing lovely spikes of bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, creating a vibrant oasis in your landscape.

Fountain Grass

Fountain grass is a decorative grass that adds visual height and texture to gardens. It’s perfect for planting in July in warmer regions, thriving in full sun and sandy soils. Once established, it requires minimal watering, contributing to a water-efficient landscape design.

Golden Barrel Cactus

This rounded succulent is iconic in desert landscaping and does incredibly well in the Arizona climate. July is a perfect time for planting as it can endure extreme heat and requires little water. The golden spines and vibrant blooms add aesthetic appeal to gardens, serving as striking focal points.