Skip to main content
Zone 11B — October

What to Plant in October in Zone 11B

October in Zone 11B: 157 crops to start indoors, 18 to plant or direct sow outside, and 0 entering harvest window. No freeze on record. Reference city: Key West, FL.
Updated August 12, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
157 Start Indoors
18 Plant Outside
0 Harvest

Start Indoors in October

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant Outside Harvest Window
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 11, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Anna Russian Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry vegetable Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17
Basil Herb Mix herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 21, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Big Beef Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7
Big Boy Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 15
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 22, 2027 – Mar 4, 2027
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Oct 29 Nov 26 Jan 10, 2027 – Jan 20, 2027
Black Cherry Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 1, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Black From Tula Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 22
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Black Pearl Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 2
Blondkopfchen Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Broccolini brassica Oct 25 Nov 29 Jan 18, 2027 – Jan 28, 2027
Calendula flower Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 18, 2027 – Jan 28, 2027
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Carmello Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 9, 2027
Chadwick's Cherry Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Chocolate Stripes Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17
Cinnamon Basil herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 26, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Oct 18 Nov 22 Feb 10, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable Oct 25 Nov 29 Jan 23, 2027 – Feb 1, 2027
Common Sage herb Oct 4 Nov 22 Perennial — see plant page
Cosmos flower Oct 25 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Costoluto Genovese Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Oct 11 Nov 15 Jan 14, 2027 – Jan 29, 2027
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Oct 4 Nov 22 Feb 10, 2027 – Feb 20, 2027
Creole Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Cupid Grape Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Dark Opal Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Dolce Fresca Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 20, 2027 – Jan 30, 2027
Egg Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Five Star Grape Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 30
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
French Marigold flower Oct 25 Nov 29 Jan 18, 2027 – Jan 28, 2027
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Genovese Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
German Johnson Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 22
Glacier Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 23, 2027 – Jan 26, 2027
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Greek Basil herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 26, 2027 – Feb 5, 2027
Green Cabbage brassica Oct 25 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Mar 9, 2027
Green Envy Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Green Grape Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Green shiso leaves herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 21, 2027 – Jan 31, 2027
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Hillbilly Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 22
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Honey Bee Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28
Indigo Rose Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Oct 4 Nov 22 Jan 31, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 21, 2027 – Feb 5, 2027
Japanese Eggplant vegetable Oct 4 Nov 29 Jan 18, 2027 – Feb 2, 2027
Jaune Flamme Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17
Jet Star Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 9, 2027
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 27, 2027 – Jan 29, 2027
Kapoor Tulsi (Holy Basil) herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Oct 4 Nov 22 Feb 5, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 26, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027
Licorice Basil herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 26, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027
Lime Basil herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 26, 2027 – Feb 5, 2027
Luffa gourds vegetable Oct 25 Nov 29 Mar 9, 2027 – Mar 29, 2027
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 3
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Marion Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Oct 4 Nov 22 Jan 16, 2027 – Jan 26, 2027
Midnight Snack Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 9, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Oct 4 Nov 22 Jan 21, 2027 – Jan 31, 2027
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 5, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Napoletano Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Oregon Spring Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 26, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Oct 18 Nov 22 Feb 10, 2027 – Feb 20, 2027
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Oct 4 Nov 22 Jan 31, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Pesto Perpetuo Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Oct 4 Nov 22 Jan 31, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Pink Delicious Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17, 2027 – Feb 21, 2027
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Pistou Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Oct 4 Nov 22 Feb 5, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Purple Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Oct 18 Nov 22 Feb 5, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Red Cabbage brassica Oct 25 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Mar 9, 2027
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Red Robin Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 23
Red Rubin Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 9
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Oct 18 Nov 22 Jan 26, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Oct 18 Nov 22 Apr 21, 2027 – May 21, 2027
Rutgers Tomato tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Sakura Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 23, 2027 – Jan 28, 2027
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Oct 18 Nov 22 Perennial — see plant page
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Oct 4 Nov 22 Jan 31, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Oct 11 Nov 15 Jan 9, 2027 – Jan 24, 2027
Spicy Globe Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7
Stevia herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Perennial — see plant page
Stupice Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 23, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 25, 2027 – Feb 2, 2027
SunChocola Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Sungella Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 2, 2027
Sweet Alyssum flower Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 8, 2027 – Jan 23, 2027
Sweet Marjoram herb Oct 4 Nov 22 Feb 5, 2027 – Feb 20, 2027
Sweet Million Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 2, 2027
Sweet Treats Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Thai Basil herb Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 2, 2027
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 29, 2027 – Feb 9, 2027
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 23, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Tiny Tim Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 13, 2027 – Jan 23, 2027
Tomatillo vegetable Oct 25 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Tri-X 313 Seedless Watermelon melon Oct 25 Nov 29 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 12, 2027
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Oct 4 Nov 22 Perennial — see plant page
Tumbling Tom Red Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Oct 18 Nov 22 Feb 5, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 17, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Oct 25 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Jan 27, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 12, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 16
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Oct 11 Nov 29 Feb 7, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
Zinnia flower Oct 25 Nov 29 Jan 28, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027
Banana Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 16
Big Bertha Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 14, 2027 – Feb 17, 2027
California Wonder Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 16, 2027 – Feb 19, 2027
Carmen Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 4, 2027 – Feb 24, 2027
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 6, 2027 – Feb 14, 2027
Culinary Turmeric root vegetable Oct 11 Dec 6 Aug 3, 2027 – Oct 2, 2027
Ginger root vegetable Oct 11 Dec 6 Aug 3, 2027 – Oct 2, 2027
Gypsy Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 4, 2027 – Feb 9, 2027
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 24, 2027 – Mar 6, 2027
King Arthur Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 3
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Jan 30, 2027 – Feb 4, 2027
Padron Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 4
Shishito Peppers pepper Oct 4 Dec 6 Feb 4, 2027 – Feb 9, 2027

Plant Outside in October

Plant Type Action Target Date Harvest Window
Candy Onion allium Plant Out Oct 11 Jan 9, 2027 – Jan 19, 2027
Caraway herb Direct Sow Oct 25 Perennial — see plant page
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage brassica Transplant Oct 25 Jan 3
Chervil herb Direct Sow Oct 25 Nov 29 – Dec 9
Dandelion herb Direct Sow Oct 25 Perennial — see plant page
Dutch Yellow Shallots allium Plant Out Oct 18 Jan 16, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage brassica Transplant Oct 25 Dec 29, 2026 – Jan 8, 2027
French Red Shallots allium Plant Out Oct 18 Jan 16, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
Giant Imperial Mix Larkspur Flowers flower Direct Sow Oct 25 Feb 2, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Green Onion allium Transplant Oct 11 Perennial — see plant page
Hard Red Wheat Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow Oct 25 Jan 8, 2027 – Jan 28, 2027
Holland Red Shallots allium Plant Out Oct 18 Jan 16, 2027 – Feb 15, 2027
King Richard Leek allium Transplant Oct 18 Jan 1
Leek allium Transplant Oct 18 Jan 26, 2027 – Feb 25, 2027
Michihili Cabbage brassica Transplant Oct 25 Jan 3
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Transplant Oct 25 Jan 8, 2027 – Jan 13, 2027
Shallot allium Plant Out Oct 25 Jan 23, 2027 – Feb 22, 2027
Texas 1015Y SuperSweet Onion allium Transplant Oct 18 Jan 31, 2027 – Feb 10, 2027

Harvest in October

Nothing to harvest in October for Zone 11B.
Next window: November — 4 varieties, including Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens, Chervil, Rambo Radish Microgreens.

Key Tasks for October in Zone 11B

  1. 1 Start 157 varieties indoors this month under grow lights or in a sunny south-facing window. Use a seed-starting mix and bottom heat (70–75°F) for best germination rates.
  2. 2 Harden off transplants before moving outdoors — set them outside in a sheltered spot for increasing hours over 7–10 days before planting in the ground.
  3. 3 Direct sow seeds at the recommended depth and spacing. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination is complete.
  4. 4 Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around heat-sensitive crops to retain moisture and keep root zones cooler. Water deeply and less frequently rather than shallow daily watering.
  5. 5 Begin fall cool-season planting window this month. Direct sow lettuce, spinach, arugula, and radishes now for harvest before hard frost.
Back to full Zone 11B planting calendar
September October in Zone 11B November

Get a Personalized October Calendar

SoilStack builds your exact planting schedule from your ZIP code — day-by-day tasks, weather prompts, and harvest tracking included.

Start Your Free Garden Calendar