What to Plant in July: The Complete Guide

Knowing what to plant in July depends largely on where you live. Knowing when your fall frosts happen is key to successfully planting and harvesting a variety of fruits, vegetables, and even flowers during this month. While just about everything will grow with some success during July, some plants won’t be able to take the heat. Likewise, some crops need more time than they will have if they are planted this late in the summer. 

Do you know what to plant in July? Depending on your Hardiness Zone, July is still an optimal time for planting most summer crops including squashes, tomatoes, peppers, and some leafy green varieties. You can plant some flowers from seed in July so that they will bloom in spring, such as hollyhocks and poppies. No matter what you plant, make sure you keep up on your watering schedule and offer protection to some of your more tender seedlings!

If you don’t know quite what to plant during this summer month, here are some potential options for you. We’ll also give you some tips and tricks for a successful July planting, no matter where you live or what you plan on growing. Let’s get started and talk about all of the wonderful things you can plant and grow during the month of July! 

What to Plant in July: Flowers

There are only a few flower varieties that you can safely plant from established plants in July. Many people have success starting seeds of perennials during this month so that they are fully established by springtime. However, some short-blooming annuals may still grow when planted in July and show off their pretty petals before fall frosts set in! Here are some options that should give you some success, grown from seeds or starts.

Flowering Succulents

While not technically a flower, there are many different types of flowering succulents that do well when planted during the month of July. Succulents thrive in the heat of summer and are relatively easy to care for when planted in fast-draining soil. Not only can flowering succulents bring a unique appearance to any garden or container, they are also easy to grow as ground cover, perfect for filling in gaps in your landscaping. Just remember to protect your succulents during fall and winter if you live somewhere particularly chilly!

Lantana

Also known as shrub verbena, lantana flowers attract plenty of pollinators. If you purchase an established lantana plant, you can keep it blooming throughout the summertime with adequate water, fertilizer, and deadheading when blooms have withered. Lantana is a perennial in some regions but may require protection when temperatures dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Full sunshine is a must to get the maximum amount of flowers you can, and you can keep lantana as a large shrub in the ground or as a container flower easily.

Calendula

While calendula can suffer during the hottest parts of the year, it is a cheery flower that easily grows from seed. Most types of calendula bloom within two months, giving you just enough time to plant these flowers before fall frosts occur. Calendula is edible and easy to care for, preferring partial shade if your summers are especially intense. This flower is typically an annual but it readily goes to seed, giving you plenty of future plantings!

Sunflowers

Depending on the variety of sunflowers that you choose, you may still have time to grow these blooms from seed when planted in July. Some sunflower varieties need over 100 days to produce their blooms and then their seed heads, so make sure to time it right. Sunflowers naturally follow the sun and require plenty of it to grow. You can find sunflowers in countless colors and heights, making them a staple for many gardens as well as wildlife species that feed upon them!

Erysimum

Also known as wallflowers, erysimum blooms are understated and hardy. In fact, many Zones can grow wallflowers year-round, depending on how cold their winters get. These flowers come in a few different colors and have simple petals, thriving just about anywhere that receives full sunshine. They are in fact fairly drought-tolerant, though they won’t thrive in a position that experiences extremely hot afternoon temperatures. Make sure to avoid overwatering, and deadhead the flowers as they grow for blooms all summer long.

Hollyhocks

If you choose to plant hollyhocks from seed during the month of July, they will be blooming in full force come springtime! Elegant and tall, hollyhocks should be planted in a full-sun location that doesn’t get too windy. Breezes are likely to knock over these beauties, as they can reach up to 3 feet tall! Hollyhocks make wonderful garden staples as they readily reseed themselves year after year, blooming profusely throughout summertime temperatures.

Poppies

Certain types of poppies can still be planted and grown from seed during the month of July. Poppies may thrive in warmer temperatures, but many types of poppies require cold temperatures in order to properly germinate. Check your desired variety for more specific planting instructions as well as your local temperatures to be safe. Some varieties don’t need terribly long to grow and your Zone may be cold enough during July to get away with growing these pretty blooms!

What to Plant in July: Vegetables

If you are late to plant things in your summer garden, don’t fret. There are still a number of crops that you can start from established plants during the month of July. However, pay special attention to the variety of crop that you want to plant. Chances are, you will need to choose a variety that germinates and produces quickly so that you don’t run into any complications with your fall frost dates. With that in mind, here are some potential vegetables to plant during this month!

Pumpkins

July is the perfect time to plant pumpkins of all varieties! While they’ll need full sunshine and plenty of space, pumpkins are wonderful to grow for gardeners of any experience level. Choose a variety that you’d like to see come Halloween, as that’s roughly when your pumpkins will be ready should you plant them in July. Make sure you purchase established plants rather than growing them from seed, as it’s likely too late to start them this way.

Winter Squash

Similarly to pumpkins, you’ll need to plant your winter squashes from established plants rather than from seed during the month of July. This will guarantee that you have enough time for your squashes to mature before frosty conditions set in. Some popular winter squash varieties include acorn, delicata, and butternut, all found in plenty of different cultivars. Remember that winter squash of any type needs full sunshine to reach its flavorful potential!

Tomatoes

If your winters come early, you may not have enough time to harvest tomatoes should you choose to plant them in July. However, it’s always worth grabbing an established tomato plant on sale at your local hardware store and giving it a shot! You should also keep an eye out for tomato varieties that produce quickly, as this will help ensure you have enough time to enjoy this delicious crop! Full sunshine is a must for all tomatoes, and be sure to water them at the soil rather than from above to prevent mildew or other diseases. 

Cucumbers

There are plenty of cucumber varieties that grow quickly, giving you just enough time to harvest them before fall temperatures kill your crop. Cucumbers are similar to pumpkins in that some varieties need plenty of space to spread out. However, you can also grow cucumbers vertically, in containers, or in other unique ways that suit your garden. Just be sure to place them in full sunshine and keep an eye out for pests that may want to eat these tasty cukes!

Peppers

Some types of peppers will grow quickly when planted in July. These are the varieties you should look out for, and be sure to purchase an established plant rather than growing them from seed. From the infamous ghost pepper to the humble bell pepper, pepper plants come in all shapes and sizes. Just like their cousins, tomatoes, peppers need full sunshine and watering at the base of the plant rather than from above in order to thrive. Some pepper plants will also need a cage or method of support, especially as the peppers mature!

Green Beans

Many people prefer to plant beans in the springtime, but certain green bean varieties can be planted in July! Best grown only from seed because of their root system, beans are relatively easy to care for so long as you set them up with a proper trellis. Some bean varieties mature in less than two months, making them perfect for a summer planting. Even if the heat forces your beans to stop producing, keep the plant alive. It will likely have one more crop for you as the temperatures cool in the fall!

Kale

Preferring cooler temperatures, sowing kale seeds in July means you’ll have a healthy batch ready by the time September rolls around! Some varieties of kale are hardier in warmer climates, so check with your local garden resource centers for more information regarding which types grow best in your Zone. Kale enjoys full sun and composted soil, preferring some protection from the hottest parts of the afternoon. You can grow kale in containers and even indoors if you wanted, making them ideal for overwintering in smaller vessels.

Green Onions

Looking for an easy crop to grow year-round? Green onions or bunching onions may be the ticket! You can sow green onion seeds anytime during July, in containers or the ground. These fresh onions can be readily harvested anytime they start popping up; so long as you leave the root alone, it will keep making onions until winter temperatures force it into dormancy! Green onions are easy to overwinter as well, so long as you provide them with some protection. You may need to do just that if you choose to plant these tasty onions in July!

What to Plant in July: Tips and Tricks

Depending on where you live, there are a number of tips and tricks to consider when you plant your July garden. Here are some recommendations to keep your garden thriving throughout the summertime, no matter your Zone!:

• Water more than you think. If you regularly experience summertime temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you may need to water your garden more often than you expect. Try to time your waterings with the coolest parts of the day (early morning or dusk/nightfall). That way, the water will linger longer and not evaporate right away!
• The right variety is key. If you are invested in growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and other crops in July, make sure you choose varieties that germinate and grow quickly. You should also look for slow-bolting varieties of crops, especially when it comes to lettuce. Choosing veggies specifically made for the hot temperatures of July will give you the best shot at success!
• Protect crops from heat and cold. Shading certain crops in the heat of summer may be a good idea. The sun can easily burn delicate flowers and veggies, especially young crops planted in July. Plus, you may want to consider using cloth covers for your plants as your fall frost dates approach. Keeping the soil warm is key for late-season harvests!
• Mulch is your friend. Similarly to cloth covers, mulch may help maintain the temperature of your soil. Primarily though, mulch is great for keeping moisture present. Utilize mulch during July so that your veggies and flowers stay hydrated!
• Empty spaces? Plant cover crops! As summertime progresses and you continue to harvest veggies, planting certain types of cover crops in the empty spaces can help restore nutrients to your soil before you start planting your fall garden. 

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