It’s generally accepted that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But things are different in the desert! While spring is the best time for some landscape plants, fall is actually the best time for most. Here’s a look at what you should and shouldn’t plant in the spring.
There’s a gardening rule of thumb that spring and fall are the best times to plant so you might be surprised to learn that fall is the preferred time to plant most desert landscape plants. However, most desert plants tolerate spring planting (if you do it right!) while some specifically should be planted in spring or early summer.
Before we take a look at what you can plant throughout the spring, let’s take a look at what makes spring planting so hard on many plants.
The Problem with Planting in Spring
The spring planting season in the desert is short. The generally accepted last frost date in Tucson is March 15. And in 4 of the past 6 years, the first 100-degree day occurred in April!
Spring is hot, dry, and windy. The UV Index soars, while the relative humidity plummets in late spring. And unlike other parts of the country, there are no “April showers.” It’s not unusual to go three months without rain in the spring.
Spring is unforgiving. Forget to water or put up your shade cloth just once, and your new plant could be toast. 😢
So while you can plant almost any plant in spring, it’s not the easiest time for plants to establish.
What Plants Can Be Planted in Spring
Most plants tolerate being planted in spring, while some prefer it.
Let’s take a look at what you can plant and what you should plant month-by-month.
What to Plant in February
In much of the country, February is definitely not considered spring! But in the desert, the end of this month is considered “early spring” and a few plants should be planted now.
Bare-root fruit trees and grape vines should be planted in February. Bare-root roses should be planted before the middle of the month.
Learn more about what to do in the garden in February here.
What to Plant in March (Peak Planting Month!)
If you’re going to plant in spring, try to do it in March. This gives your plants the most time to acclimate before June, the hottest, driest month of the year. You can plant nearly all trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, and ornamental grasses. If a plant is cold-sensitive, wait until the danger of frost has passed, typically mid-March.
Spring is the best time of year to plant citrus trees after the last frost date. While they can be planted in the fall, newly planted trees are susceptible to frost damage and will need frost protection in the winter.
Learn more about what to do in the garden in March here.
What to Plant in April
April is a prime time to plant cactus, agaves, and other succulents since warm soil temperatures encourage their root development. (The exception is aloes, which actively grow in the winter and should be planted in the fall.)
It’s also a good time to plant other heat-loving plants. Bougainvillea, hibiscus, lantana, fig trees, and flowering vines such as crossvine and queen’s wreath fall into this category.
You can continue to plant citrus trees, heat-loving perennials, ornamental grasses, and native or desert-adapted trees and shrubs.
Learn more about what to do in the garden in April here.
What to Plant in May
May is still a good time to plant citrus trees, cactus, agaves, and other succulents.
Palm trees are one of the few types of plants that should be planted in May rather than in earlier spring months.
While you can continue to plant native or desert-adapted trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennials, be aware that planting now is not ideal and will be stressful for most plants. The weather is heating up so providing adequate water and temporary shade is a must.
Learn more about what to do in the garden in May here.
Can You Still Plant in June?
June is the hardest month of the year for people and plants. In Tucson the average high is 101°F, the humidity is 18%, the winds are 15 mph, and it usually hasn’t rained for months.
And even if your plants can take the dry heat, do you really want to be outside planting and pampering new plants in this? I sure don’t! 🥵
Plants that are extremely heat tolerant can be planted now (palms, cactus, and other succulents) but I don’t recommend it. If you must plant them now for some reason, be sure to provide them with shade.
Surprisingly, even cactus and succulents can get sunburned so protect them from the sun during their first summer. Better nurseries mark the pot so you can plant them in the same orientation. This helps prevent sunburn.
Recommended Reading:
6 Steps for Successful Spring Planting
Recap: Plants That Prefer Spring Planting
There aren’t too many plants that prefer spring planting. Here’s the short list of those that do.
- Bare-root fruit trees, grape vines, roses
- Citrus trees
- Cactus, agaves, other succulents
- Palm trees
- Other heat-loving plants (i.e., those that thrive in the summer but are damaged or die back from winter cold)
Do you prefer to plant in spring or fall?
Please share your experience in the comments below!
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Author Bio
Deane Alban is the creator of Southwest Gardener. She is a science writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of South Florida. Gardening is her lifelong passion. She’s been gardening in Tucson for 15 years.
