November Planting

Written By Lauren Escobar

November Planting Guide for Zone 9b/10a

Vegetables

  • Asparagus (S, T)

    • Harvest: 2-3 years (established plants produce annually)

    • Asparagus can be started now from seed but takes time to mature, or you can plant transplants for quicker yields. Choose a spot with full sun and prepare for a long-term investment!

  • Artichoke (S)

    • Harvest: 6-8 months

    • A great addition for our climate; it will grow through winter and should be ready by spring.

  • Arugula (S, T)

    • Harvest: 20-40 days

    • Quick to grow and harvest; plant seeds now and thin as they sprout for continuous harvests.

  • Beets (S, T)

    • Harvest: 50-70 days

    • Direct sow in-ground; they’ll establish well in cooler soil and produce vibrant roots by late winter.

  • Brussels Sprouts (T)

    • Harvest: 90-100 days

    • Start as transplants for the best results in our climate; Brussels sprouts prefer the cool growing period.

  • Broccoli (S, T)

    • Harvest: 60-90 days

    • Start indoors or transplant now; broccoli is a reliable cool-weather veggie that will be ready by early spring.

  • Cabbage (S, T)

    • Harvest: 70-100 days

    • Start from seed or use transplants for a quicker yield; cabbage is hearty and grows well in cool weather.

  • Celery (T)

    • Harvest: 100-120 days

    • Celery prefers moist, well-draining soil; use transplants to get a head start on its lengthy growth cycle.

  • Carrots (S)

    • Harvest: 70-80 days

    • Direct sow in sandy, well-draining soil; carrots thrive in the cooler months.

  • Cauliflower (S, T)

    • Harvest: 70-85 days

    • Prefers cooler temps; plant transplants for a more established start.

  • Collards (S, T)

    • Harvest: 60-80 days

    • Another hardy green for fall; great for cooking and will handle frost well.

  • Garlic

    • Harvest: 6-8 months

    • Plant garlic bulbs now, spacing them a few inches apart, for a harvest next spring or summer.

  • Kale (S, T)

    • Harvest: 50-70 days

    • Kale does exceptionally well in the cool season; plant seeds or transplants for continuous harvest.

  • Leeks (S)

    • Harvest: 90-120 days

    • Direct sow and thin as needed; leeks take time but are very rewarding as winter draws on.

  • Lettuce (S, T)

    • Harvest: 30-50 days

    • Choose loose-leaf varieties for continuous harvest; start from seed or transplants.

  • Onion (Green) (S)

    • Harvest: 60-80 days

    • Plant directly for green onions; they’re quick and ready to harvest when stalks reach 6-8 inches.

  • Peas & Snap Peas (S)

    • Harvest: 50-70 days

    • Direct sow for a steady, cool-weather harvest; they’ll climb if supported.

  • Potatoes (tubers)

    • Harvest: 3-4 months

    • Plant tubers now for a winter harvest; ensure well-draining soil.

  • Radish (S)

    • Harvest: 20-30 days

    • Great for quick yields; perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

  • Spinach (S)

    • Harvest: 30-45 days

    • Another cool-weather staple; plant seeds directly for consistent, fresh leaves.

  • Swiss Chard (S)

    • Harvest: 50-60 days

    • Thrives in cooler months and produces vibrant, flavorful greens all season.

  • Turnip (S)

    • Harvest: 50-60 days

    • Start from seed in the ground; this is a quick root vegetable that thrives in the cool season.

This November planting list should keep your garden producing through winter. With a mix of direct sowing and transplants, you’ll have plenty to harvest and enjoy as the weather cools!

Herbs for November Planting

Herbs for Direct Seeding or Transplants

  • Cilantro

    • Start from: Seed

    • Harvest: 30-50 days

    • Quick to grow; prefers cooler weather, making fall ideal for planting directly in soil.

  • Chamomile

    • Start from: Seed

    • Harvest: 60-90 days

    • Chamomile is great in cooler weather, producing aromatic flowers that can be used for tea.

  • Dill

    • Start from: Seed

    • Harvest: 40-60 days

    • Plant now for a steady supply of fresh dill; ideal for pickling and culinary use.

  • Fennel

    • Start from: Seed

    • Harvest: 80-90 days

    • Fennel does well in cooler weather; plant seeds directly in the ground for best results.

  • Lemon Balm

    • Start from: Transplant or Seed

    • Harvest: 60-70 days

    • Lemon balm is hardy in fall weather; start from transplants for quicker growth.

  • Mustard

    • Start from: Seed

    • Harvest: 30-40 days

    • Mustard greens grow quickly and are well-suited to cool-season planting.

Herbs for Transplanting

  • Mint

    • Start from: Transplant

    • Harvest: 60-90 days

    • Hardy in cooler months; mint will spread, so consider planting in a container to control growth.

  • Marjoram

    • Start from: Transplant

    • Harvest: 60-80 days

    • Prefers mild weather and does well with transplants for a steady harvest through winter.

  • Oregano

    • Start from: Transplant

    • Harvest: 80-90 days

    • Thrives in mild climates; plant now to establish for a continuous supply.

  • Parsley

    • Start from: Transplant

    • Harvest: 70-90 days

    • Hardy in cool weather; establish now for fresh parsley through the winter.

  • Parsnip

    • Start from: Seed

    • Harvest: 120-160 days

    • Slow to mature but well-suited for fall planting; prefers cooler weather for germination.

  • Rosemary

    • Start from: Transplant

    • Harvest: 90-120 days

    • Rosemary is ideal for winter; it’s hardy and does best when transplanted for a strong start.

  • Sage

    • Start from: Transplant

    • Harvest: 75-85 days

    • Prefers mild to cooler weather; start from transplants for steady growth.

  • Thyme

    • Start from: Transplant

    • Harvest: 80-90 days

    • Thrives in cooler months; plant now for a continuous, hardy herb.

In November in zones 9b/10a (low desert), you can plant a diverse variety of flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures and can handle occasional desert frosts. Here’s an expanded list of flower options, including annuals and perennials suited for fall planting:

Cool-Weather Annual Flowers

  1. Pansies

    • Planting: Seedlings or transplants

    • Notes: Provide vibrant color through fall and winter, frost-tolerant.

  2. Snapdragons

    • Planting: Transplants

    • Notes: Great for beds and borders, blooms through the cool season.

  3. Sweet Alyssum

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Low-growing; excellent for borders, containers, and ground cover.

  4. Calendula

    • Planting: Direct seed or transplant

    • Notes: Hardy and fast-growing; bright blooms that attract pollinators.

  5. Petunias

    • Planting: Transplants

    • Notes: Can handle cooler temperatures, though not frost, so place them in protected spots.

  6. Stock

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Known for its sweet fragrance, stock adds a touch of scent to garden beds.

  7. Dianthus

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Fragrant, low-growing flower that blooms in shades of pink, red, and white.

  8. Larkspur

    • Planting: Seed (may need light stratification)

    • Notes: Tall and colorful; often blooms in early spring if planted now.

  9. Nemesia

    • Planting: Transplant

    • Notes: Small, colorful flowers that do well in containers and garden beds.

  10. Violas

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Smaller flowers similar to pansies; add a delicate touch and can handle frost.

Cool-Weather Perennial Flowers

  1. Geraniums

    • Planting: Transplant

    • Notes: Hardy perennials that bloom in cooler temperatures; place in partial sun.

  2. Lavender

    • Planting: Transplant

    • Notes: Fragrant and hardy; thrives in well-draining soil and adds a soothing scent to the garden.

  3. Yarrow

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Heat- and drought-tolerant once established; blooms in spring but can be planted in fall.

  4. Echinacea (Coneflower)

    • Planting: Transplants

    • Notes: Hardy perennial that will bloom in the late spring and summer; adds vibrant color.

  5. African Daisy (Osteospermum)

    • Planting: Transplants

    • Notes: Hardy and drought-tolerant, blooms beautifully in cooler months.

  6. Coreopsis

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Tough and reliable; adds cheerful yellow blooms to the garden.

  7. Shasta Daisy

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Hardy perennial; plant now to enjoy blooms in the spring.

  8. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Loves the heat but can be started in cooler months for a head start.

  9. Penstemon

    • Planting: Seed (light stratification may help germination)

    • Notes: Native, drought-tolerant perennial that attracts pollinators.

  10. Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Grows well in the desert’s mild winters and blooms through spring.

  11. Salvia

    • Planting: Transplant

    • Notes: Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and attracts bees.

  12. Verbena

    • Planting: Seed or transplant

    • Notes: Hardy in desert climates and blooms in shades of purple, red, and pink.

Bulbs and Other Flowers for November Planting

  1. Anemone

    • Planting: Soak and plant tubers

    • Notes: Start now for beautiful early spring blooms.

  2. Ranunculus

    • Planting: Soak and plant tubers

    • Notes: Known for vibrant, layered petals; plant now for a spring display.

  3. Iris

    • Planting: Bulbs or rhizomes

    • Notes: Hardy and stunning; plant now for late winter or early spring blooms.

  4. Dutch Iris

    • Planting: Bulbs

    • Notes: Ideal for cooler weather; plant in the fall for spring blooms.

  5. Daffodil

    • Planting: Bulbs

    • Notes: Plant now for a cheerful, yellow show in early spring.

These flowers offer a variety of colors, heights, and textures for your garden, helping you enjoy lush, colorful blooms throughout the winter and into spring in zone 9b/10a. Many can withstand the mild desert winters, providing a resilient, beautiful landscape.

Lauren Escobar
Next

Gardening with Kids: