10 heat-tolerant vegetables to plant now and when to harvest

Okra is a staple in many warm-climate gardens due to its ability to thrive in the heat. Plant okra seeds in well-drained soil and full sun. You can typically start harvesting okra pods about 50-60 days after planting.

Sweet potatoes love the heat and grow best in temperatures above 75°F. Plant them in loose, well-drained soil after the last frost. They are usually ready to harvest in about 90-120 days.

Peppers, including bell peppers, hot peppers, and sweet peppers, are very heat-tolerant. Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil. Most pepper varieties are ready to harvest in 60-90 days.

Eggplants thrive in high temperatures and need full sun to produce well. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil. You can start harvesting eggplants about 70-85 days after planting.

Cucumbers are another excellent heat-tolerant vegetable. Plant them in well-drained soil and full sun. Cucumber plants typically produce fruit within 50-70 days of planting.

Beans, including both bush and pole varieties, grow well in warm temperatures. Plant them in well-drained soil and full sun. They are usually ready to harvest in 55-65 days.

Both summer and winter squash varieties thrive in heat. Plant squash in well-drained soil and give them plenty of sun. Depending on the variety, squash is ready to harvest in 50-100 days.

Tomatoes are one of the most popular heat-tolerant vegetables. Plant them in well-drained soil and full sun for the best results. Most tomato varieties are ready to harvest in 60-80 days.

Swiss chard can withstand both heat and light frost, making it a versatile vegetable. Plant it in well-drained soil and partial to full sun. You can start harvesting Swiss chard leaves as early as 50-60 days after planting.

Melons, including watermelon and cantaloupe, love the heat and require full sun to grow well. Plant them in well-drained soil. The harvest time varies by variety but generally ranges from 70-100 days.