What to Plant and When: Your Complete Indian Seasonal Guide

India's diverse climate offers unique opportunities for year-round gardening. Understanding when to plant different crops ensures better yields and healthier plants. Here's your complete seasonal planting guide tailored for Indian conditions.

Summer Season (March to June)

Hot and dry conditions require heat-tolerant plants:

• Vegetables: Bottle gourd (lauki), bitter gourd (karela), ridge gourd (turai), okra (bhindi), cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon, muskmelon
• Herbs: Basil (tulsi), mint (pudina), curry leaves
• Flowers: Sunflower, zinnia, marigold, portulaca
• Tips: Water regularly, provide shade during peak afternoon heat, mulch heavily to retain moisture

Monsoon Season (July to September)

High humidity and rainfall create ideal conditions for many crops:

• Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, amaranth, fenugreek), beans, cowpeas, radish, cucumber, snake gourd
• Herbs: Coriander, mint, lemongrass
• Flowers: Balsam, cockscomb, gaillardia
• Tips: Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, watch for fungal diseases, avoid overwatering

Post-Monsoon/Autumn (October to November)

Pleasant weather perfect for most vegetables:

• Vegetables: Tomato, brinjal (eggplant), capsicum, cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, beetroot, peas, beans
• Herbs: Coriander, parsley, dill
• Flowers: Petunia, pansy, snapdragon, sweet pea
• Tips: Best season for starting most vegetables, prepare beds with compost, ideal for transplanting seedlings

Winter Season (December to February)

Cool weather crops thrive in this season:

• Vegetables: Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, methi), peas, broad beans, radish, turnip, carrot, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower
• Herbs: Coriander, parsley, celery
• Flowers: Rose, dahlia, calendula, sweet pea, hollyhock
• Tips: Protect sensitive plants from frost, water during warmer parts of the day, many crops mature faster in cool weather

Regional Variations

North India: Experiences all four seasons distinctly. Follow the guide above closely.

South India: Milder winters, hotter summers. Focus on heat-tolerant varieties and provide extra shade in summer.

Coastal Areas: High humidity year-round. Choose disease-resistant varieties and ensure excellent air circulation.

Hill Stations: Cooler temperatures allow temperate crops. Extend cool-season growing periods.

Quick Planting Calendar

January-February: Tomato, chili, brinjal (for transplanting), leafy greens

March-April: Summer vegetables, melons, gourds

May-June: Continue summer crops, prepare for monsoon planting

July-August: Monsoon vegetables, leafy greens

September-October: Winter vegetables, prepare beds for rabi season

November-December: Cool-season crops, winter flowers

Pro Tips for Success

• Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting
• Harden off seedlings before moving them outdoors
• Use season-appropriate varieties bred for Indian conditions
• Keep a gardening journal to track what works in your specific location

Find quality seeds for every season at Indigrow Hortitech – your trusted source for seasonal gardening success!