When to Plant in the Oklahoma City Area

May 12, 2020

 Oklahoma is blessed with relatively mild winters and an extended growing season. As a result, all types of amazing gardens—whether for fruits, vegetables or flowers—can be grown in the area. The Oklahoma City metro has a temperate humid subtropical climate with frequent variations in weather, both daily and seasonally, except during the consistently hot and humid summer months. Falling as it does in USDA hardiness zone 7a, it’s not unusual for OKC’s last killing frosts to run as late as mid-May, yet some of its best planting days are early in the year. January -- March Hardy and semi-hardy plants that can withstand light frosts and cold temperatures, namely hardy vegetables, should be planted in late February (around the 25th) or early March (up to the 10th). These include cabbage, peas, cauliflower, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, and onions. However, beets, broccoli and asparagus should be planted in March, not February. All of these vegetables will thrive in the spring with its daily average temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or less. April – June  Beginning around April 10 is the time to plant tender vegetables like pumpkin, eggplant, okra, pepper, cucumber, beans, summer squash and even tomatoes, as these can withstand lingering cool temperatures. This is also a good time to plant spring annuals like snapdragons, petunias and impatiens. In addition, fruit trees can be planted either around this time or in the fall. However, fruit like cantaloupe and watermelon and more fragile vegetables like southern peas, winter squash and sweet potatoes should be planted between the first of May and mid-June. This is also when you want to plant heat-loving flowers like zinnias and nasturtium. July -- September Vegetables that you’ll harvest in the fall should be planted in mid-July. This includes fresh tomato transplants, eggplant, tomatillo, and pepper plants. From mid-July through early August you can also plant sweet corn, cilantro, pumpkin, beans, cucumber, and summer and winter squash from seed. Cooler temperatures make September a perfect time to plant your second round of hardy vegetables. Early September is also a great time to plant kohlrabi, broccoli, turnips, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and garlic. October -- December Early October—or spring—is a great time to plant fruit trees. However, mid-October or early November, before the frost, is the time to plant blooming spring annuals like pansies or snapdragons, both of which thrive in cool weather and add wonderful color to your fall garden.