7 Garden Vegetables That Thrive in the Heat

Cluster of ripe tomatoes on a vine with green foliage — Credit:
hdagli / Getty Images

Summer can be stressful on plants due to high temperatures and minimal rainfall. Many edible plants will wilt and produce smaller yields when it's hot outside, keeping you from being rewarded for your hard work. To ensure your garden produces all summer—even in a heatwave—we recommend planting heat-tolerant varieties that thrive when other plants may struggle. The expert-recommended vegetables (and fruits like tomatoes) on this list flourish even when the temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning you don't have to worry about your garden during warmer months.

Luke Hammond, expert gardener at Seedtime, a leading garden planning and management app
Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension

01 of 07

Okra

Okra is a popular garden vegetable among those living in the Southern U.S. It thrives in temperatures up to 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but Luke Hammond, expert gardener at Seedtime, says he has successfully grown okra in 105-degree weather. In the kitchen, okra is extremely versatile—it can be fried, pickled, roasted, steamed, and beyond.

Zones: 5 to 11
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining, loamy soil

02 of 07

Peppers

Peppers are a popular summertime vegetable, withstanding temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. "I love growing bells, jalapeños, poblanos, and anaheims," says Hammond. Aim to water peppers one to two times per week to keep them happy throughout the growing season.

Zones: 5 to 11
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

03 of 07

Eggplant

If you feed it well, eggplant can be a good producer that will remain prolific throughout summer, says Hammond. It prefers temperatures between 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but tolerates short bursts of 100-degree weather. Aim to give it an inch or so of water per week and more during fruiting.

Zones: 5 to 12
Size: 2 to 4 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; rich, well-draining soil

04 of 07

Armenian Cucumber

A curved cucumber growing on a plant in a garden bed — batuhan toker / Getty Images

Most cucumber varieties are heat-tolerant, but our experts recommend Armenian cucumbers for an especially resilient variety. "In my opinion, striped Armenian cucumbers are far superior to other slicers or English varieties," says Hammond. "These long, thin cucumbers have an amazing taste with no bitterness on the skin at all. Our family doesn't feel the need to score or peel these summer treats."

Zones: 5 to 11
Size: 6 to 12 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; loose, fertile, well-draining soil

05 of 07

Tomatoes

One of the most popular plants to grow in summer, tomatoes produce prolifically in warm weather. Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension, recommends growing 'Heatmaster' and 'Solar Fire' varieties, which are especially heat-tolerant and can thrive in temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Zones: 5 to 11
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; rich, well-draining soil

06 of 07

Yardlong Beans

Hand holding long green beans on a vine — Tri Kuntoro / Getty Images

Some beans prefer cooler climates, like snap peas and fava beans, but yardlong beans are typically heat-tolerant. According to Singh, these beans can grow in 85 to 100-degree weather. Also known as asparagus beans or snake beans, yardlong beans are also drought-tolerant, but will produce better yields with regular water. The vines can grow quite long, so Singh recommends trellising them for support.

Zones: 6 to 11
Size: 8 to 12 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-draining soil

07 of 07

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are vigorous growers that will produce prolifically, even when temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Singh notes. It can be trellised and grown as a vining plant or ground cover to keep out weeds and help with moisture retention.

Zones: 8 to 11
Size: 12 inches tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-draining soil

These 7 Vegetables Thrive in the Heat—Even When Everything Else Wilts