USDA Hardiness Zone

Zone 13 Planting Guide

Extreme tropical zone found in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. No cold stress whatsoever, but intense heat and humidity year-round. Tropical crops dominate. Traditional temperate vegetables require careful variety selection and often shade management. Rain and humidity make fungal diseases the primary challenge.

🌡️ Winter Low: 60–70°F ☀️ Summer High: 95–110°F+ 🔄 3 Growing Cycles/Year
Frost Risk
none
Heat Concern
extreme
Grow Cycles
3/yr
Shade Cloth
Recommended

What to Grow in Zone 13

Zone 13 supports 82 plants across multiple growing seasons. Here are some of the best options for your garden.

Cool Season Plants

Tomatoes 60–90 days · Transplant Cherry Tomatoes 55–75 days · Transplant Roma Tomatoes 70–80 days · Transplant Bell Peppers 65–90 days · Transplant Hot Peppers 65–90 days · Transplant Jalapeños 65–90 days · Transplant Habanero Peppers 75–100 days · Transplant Cucumbers 50–70 days · Both Zucchini 45–60 days · Both Summer/Winter Squash 50–100 days · Both Kale 50–65 days · Both Swiss Chard 45–60 days · Both

Year-Round Plants

Green Onions 50–70 days · Both Basil 45–70 days · Both Parsley 60–80 days · Both Mint 50–60 days · Transplant Rosemary 90–120 days · Transplant Oregano 70–90 days · Transplant Thyme 70–90 days · Transplant Sage 75–90 days · Transplant Sunflowers 70–100 days · Direct sow Marigolds 45–60 days · Both Zinnias 50–70 days · Direct sow Dwarf Banana 270–365 days · Transplant

Garden Kits for Zone 13

These curated plant collections are designed to work in your zone.

🌶️
Salsa Box
Everything for fresh homemade salsa, all season long.
5 plants
 🥬
Smoothie Greens
Nutrient-packed greens for smoothies and juicing.
4 plants
 🌿
Herb Heaven
The essential culinary herb collection.
5 plants
 🇲🇹
Italian Feast
Classic Italian garden: tomatoes, basil, zucchini, and garlic.
5 plants
 ☀️
Summer Bounty
The best of summer: cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, and basil.
4 plants
 🐝
Pollinator Paradise
Flowers that attract pollinators and look gorgeous in your garden beds.
4 plants
 🍲
Exotic Asia
Asian-inspired garden with bok choy, Thai basil, lemongrass, and more.
5 plants
 🥦
Brassica Box
The cool-season powerhouse: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and more.
8 plants
 🇱🇪
Mediterranean
Sun-loving flavors of the Mediterranean: eggplant, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
5 plants
 🍸
Happy Hour
Cocktail garden essentials: fresh herbs and garnish crops for drinks.
5 plants

Create Your Own Plant Playlist

Use our kit themes as a starting point and build a custom planting plan for your garden.

Create a Playlist

Growing Tips for Zone 13

☀️ Heat Management
Summer highs reach 95–110°F+ in Zone 13. Use 30-50% shade cloth over cool-season crops. Water deeply in the morning.
🪲 Common Pests
Watch for: whiteflies, mealybugs, fruit flies, fungal diseases. Use companion planting and row covers as first-line defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grows best in Zone 13?
Zone 13 supports 82 different plants. Popular choices include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens. The best picks depend on the season — warm-season crops thrive in spring/summer while cool-season crops do better in fall/winter.
What is USDA Hardiness Zone 13?
USDA Zone 13 has winter lows of 60–70°F and summer highs of 95–110°F+. Frost risk is none and heat concern is extreme. You can expect 3 growing cycles per year.
When should I start planting in Zone 13?
Timing varies by crop. Cool-season crops can often be started in early spring or fall. Warm-season crops should wait until after the last frost risk passes. Check our individual plant guides for zone-specific planting windows.
Do I need shade cloth in Zone 13?
Yes, shade cloth is recommended in Zone 13 during the hottest months. Use 30-50% shade cloth over cool-season crops and heat-sensitive plants to protect them from sun stress.

Explore Other Zones

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