Did you know Zone 10 represents mild climates ideal for most houseplants, tropical shrubs, herbs, and veggies?
Explore this guide to find out the list of various plants you can grow in Zone 10.
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Understanding Hardiness Zone 10
Zone 10 is one of the thirteen climate zones characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, typical tropical and subtropical climates, and a long growing season.
Encompassing most Californian landscapes to a few parts of Texas and Florida, the climate remains sunny and humid around the year, with prolonged rainfall in summer.
This condition is ideal for most (sub) tropical plants, herbs, vegetables, trees, and fruits that require warm temperatures around the year.
The average minimum temperature in Zone 10 stays at 30-40°F. Plants and crops that can withstand a minimum winter temperature of 30°F would thrive.
Remember, zone 10 regions lie closer to the equatorial line, making them prone to high temperatures, up to 90-100°F, in summer.
Remember, there are two subsets of Zone 10: 10a and 10b, where Zone 10a is slightly cooler than Zone 10b, about 5°F.
Nonetheless, here is a list of states and cities within Zone 10.
| State | Cities |
|---|---|
| Florida | Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale |
| Hawaii | Honolulu, Hilo, and Kailua-Kona |
| Louisiana | New Orleans, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge |
| Southern California | San Diego, Los Angeles, and Long Beach |
| Southern Arizona | Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa |
| Southern Texas | Houston, Brownsville, and Corpus Christi |
| Puerto Rico | San Juan,Carolina, and Guaynabo |
What to Plant in Zone 10?
A comprehensive calendar highlights which plants you should start in a particular month.
| Month | Plant to Start |
|---|---|
| January | (Start seeding indoors) Arugula, Asparagus, Broccoli, Clivia, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Eggplant, Endive, Thyme, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Mustard, Bunching Onion, Parsley, Peas, Peppers, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelon, Citrus trees, Avocado, Pineapple, and Strawberries |
| February | (Start seeding indoors) Artichokes, Asparagus, Lettuce, Radishes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Chard, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Endive, Lettuce, Kale, Leek, Melons, Mustard, Onion, Peas, Parsley, Peppers, Pumpkin, Summer Spinach (malabar), Squash, annd Tomatoes |
| March | (Start seeding outside) Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, BEANS, Beets, Cantalope, Chard, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Corn, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Eggplant, Kohlrabi, Mustard, OKRA, Peas, Peppers, Pumpkin, Summer & Winter Squash, and Cherry Tomatoes |
| April -July | (Start seeding outside) BEANS, Cantalope, Chard, OKRA, Southern Peas, squash, blackberries, grapes, figs, passion fruit, peaches, and plums |
| August | (Start seeding outside for fall) Basil, Cilantro, Mint, Sage, Beans, Celery, Corn, Eggplant, Bunching Onion, Peppers, Pumpkin, Southern Peas, Winter Squash, Tomatoes |
| September-October | (Start seeding outside for fall) Chives, Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Beets, Kale, Spinach, Swiss chard |
| November-December | (Start seeding indoors for spring) Broccoli raab, Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Mustard greens, Carrots, Leeks, Onions, Turnips, Parsley, and Peas |
Note: In zone 10, you can plant, grow or propagate many houseplants and succulents throughout the year, including the ZZ plant, Pothos, Snake plant, Rubber plant, Boston Fern, and Aloe Vera.
Tips to Grow Plants in Zone 10
With a last frost date of late January and the first frost date not arriving as early as November-December, you can use this significant window to grow and harvest various plants.
For an early start, consider germinating seeds indoors in winter before bringing them outside in early spring.
Otherwise, plant your seeds or sapling directly in the ground or pots in late February or March, when the last frost disappears.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring season marks the active growing season for most plants, including crops; hence, it is the time to provide essential early care.
- Start planting warm-season crops like Tomatoes, Peppers, and Squash in early spring, but ensure to protect them from frost.
- Remove insulation and winter protectors from the plants.
- Remove the winter debris, like leaves, twigs, and other residues, from the garden.
- Consider starting seeds or propagating perennials using a good quality soil mix appropriate for the plant.
- Resume regular watering to provide ample moisture required for healthy root growth.
- Start fertilizing with appropriate plant food to boost new growth.
- Watch out for pests like aphids and spider mites, and treat them promptly if you notice any signs of infestation.
Summer (June-August)
It is when flowers fully blossom, and crops produce yields; therefore, a final boost of fertilizer and pruning is required to support healthy produces.
- Consider planting herbs and veggies that grow and produce yield throughout the fall.
- Ensure to water frequently during the hot days, as plants can wilt from excess transpiration.
- Introduce shade for houseplants that may be sensitive to direct sunlight or heat stress.
- Use mulch to encourage retaining moisture in the soil and keep the roots cool.
- Add phosphoric fertilizers to encourage better blooming for summer flowers.
- Remove garden weeds to ward off unwanted pests from your plants.
- Continue fertilizing, but stop when the temperature exceeds 90°F, as fertilizing can stress out the plant roots.
Fall (September-November)
Some plants will continue growing and producing yields until the end of fall, which may require continuous grooming.
Otherwise, start preparing your plant for the upcoming dormancy.
- It may be the best time to plant cool-season crops like Lettuce, Spinach, and Kale in early fall.
- Add organic compost or other organic matter to the soil to prepare for the winter.
- Continue to water as needed, but be aware that cooler temperatures may reduce the need for frequent watering.
- Cut back on pruning and fertilizing to avoid stressing the plant.
- Carefully harvest, collect, and store seeds from the crops if you plan to sow them next year.
- Allow the cold-hardy vegetables to flourish by introducing frost blankets.
- Watch out for early frosts and be prepared to protect any sensitive plants with frost cloth or other protective measures, especially garden plants.
Winter (December-February)
Almost every plant goes into dormancy except a few cold hardy species. Nonetheless, prepare your plant for dormancy by leveling up its defenses.
- Protect plants from cold temperatures by covering them with frost cloth or other protective coverings.
- Consider bringing potted plants indoors to protect them from the cold.
- Use grow lights and heat pads to keep tropical houseplants thriving in the winter.
- Beware of overwatering and check the moisture beforehand, as plants are less likely to consume water.
- Take advantage of the low temperatures to plant trees and shrubs, as they may be less likely to experience transplant shock in the winter.
Pro Tip: Install a greenhouse to prevent frost and extend the growing season for most spring and summer plants through the off-season (fall and winter).
Learn about what plant can you grow in Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8 and Zone 9, respectively.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Choose plants that do great to the specific microclimate in your area, and always take proactive measures to prevent pests and diseases.
Your warmth-loving plants will react well to appropriate fertilizers and other supplements, so take advantage of them.
