Crops That Thrive in San Antonio's Climate (Zone 9a)

San Antonio’s long, hot summers and mild winters (USDA 9a) support a huge variety of edibles. Here’s a seasonal planting guide.

Vegetables (Year-Round with Rotation)

• Cool Season (Fall–Spring): Lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, onions, peas.
• Warm Season (Spring–Fall): Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, okra, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas.

Fruits

• Stone Fruits: Peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots (need chill hours—choose low-chill varieties).
• Citrus: Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, kumquats (protect <28°F).
• Berries: Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries (fall-planted), blueberries (acidic soil needed).
• Grapes: Muscadine, table varieties.

Herbs (Perennial & Annual)

Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, mint, cilantro (cool season), parsley, sage, Mexican mint marigold.

Grains & Legumes

Corn, wheat, oats, rice (flooded paddy), beans (pinto, black, lima), lentils.

Key: Amend alkaline clay soil with compost; drip-irrigate; mulch heavily. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers free variety trials and planting calendars.