Summer heat can really do a number on vegetable gardens. Extreme temperatures cause plants stress and negatively affect growth and yield. But some veggie varieties actually thrive in the heat. If blistering sun and sweltering temps wilt your cool-weather crops, try switching things up and planting these 5 heat-tolerant vegetables instead for summer gardening success!
Why Summer Heat Damages Many Vegetables
Heat stress can cause major issues for plants, such as:
- Poor pollination and misshapen fruits
- Stunted growth and smaller yields.
- Bitter flavor and lower nutrient levels
- Bolting and premature flowering.
This happens because most plants thrive best in cooler temperatures around 60-80°F. Hot weather above 90°F disrupts their metabolism and cellular processes.
When choosing veggies to grow in summer, select varieties that can handle the heat. Look for types with thick, waxy leaves that retain moisture well. Deep root systems also help plants access water in hot, dry conditions.
Heat-loving veggies are built to resist and thrive in the sun’s intense rays.
How to Pick the Best Heat-Tolerant Vegetables
Here are tips for picking winning, heat-resistant vegetables:
- Check the days to maturity. Quick-maturing veggies handle heat better.
- Consider leaf thickness. Thick, waxy leaves retain moisture in heat.
- Select deep rooters. Long taproots access water from deep soil.
- Recognize heat lovers. Some veggies (like peppers) need hot temperatures.
- Plant heat-adapted varieties: Some vegetable types are bred for heat tolerance.
Using these guidelines, here are 5 of the best heat-tolerant vegetables for summer gardens:
Okra
Okra is a prime summer vegetable choice since it thrives in hot, humid climates. The edible green seed pods grow rapidly in warm weather with full sun exposure.
- Planting: Sow seeds 1 inch deep after the danger of frost. Space rows 2-3 feet apart.
- Care: Water weekly and fertilize monthly. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent mildew.
- Varieties: Clemson Spineless, Cajun Delight, Red Burgundy
Eggplant
Eggplants are heat-loving plants that can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F. Their thick, waxy skin helps retain moisture in summer’s heat and sun.
- Planting: Transplant seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart after frost danger passes.
- Care: Water at soil level to keep foliage dry. Stake plants if needed.
- Varieties: Black Beauty, Little Fingers, Ichiban
Peppers
Peppers thrive in hot, sunny weather. In fact, they need consistently warm temperatures to set and ripen fruits. Heat also enhances their sweet flavor.
- Planting: Transplant seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart after last spring frost.
- Care: Water at the base to avoid leaf diseases. Use stakes for support if needed.
- Varieties: Banana Peppers, Jalapeños, Habaneros
Tomatoes
Tomatoes appreciate heat, thriving in warm summer temperatures between 70-80°F. Choose compact varieties and give them space to avoid disease.
- Planting: Transplant seedlings 24-48 inches apart after frost danger passes.
- Care: Use stakes or cages for support. Prune lower leaves and branches.
- Varieties: Celebrity, Early Girl, Heatmaster
Melons
Melons relish summer’s heat and need consistently warm weather to yield ripe, sweet fruits. Provide them room to sprawl in a sunny spot.
- Planting: Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 6 feet apart after frost danger.
- Care: Use row covers to boost heat. Limit watering to 1-2 inches weekly.
- Varieties: Cantaloupe, Honeydew, and Watermelon
Beat the heat and enjoy summer vegetable gardening success with these 5 sun-loving, heat-tolerant varieties.
