What to plant in September in China
10 vegetables, fruits and herbs to sow or plant in September in China, for the climate around Shanghai, China.
Climate: Humid subtropical: winter nights fall below freezing from December to February, summers are hot and humid, June to August brings plum-rain and typhoon rains (Aug about 450 mm), and the growing season runs roughly from late March to late November.
Vegetables
Pak choi Brassica rapa
Quick cool-season greens that sow well in spring and autumn, when Shanghai's temperatures are mild.
Harvest: 35–50 daysEasyIn pots
Spinach Spinacia oleracea
Prefers the cool spring and autumn, and bolts in the summer heat, so sow in the cooler months.
Harvest: 40–50 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Lettuce Lactuca sativa
Cut-and-come-again leaves grow best in the mild spring and autumn weather of this climate.
Harvest: 45–60 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Radish Raphanus sativus
Fast-maturing roots that fit the short gaps between seasons in Shanghai's gardens.
Harvest: 25–40 daysEasyIn pots
Carrot Daucus carota
Deep, loose soil in the autumn and spring gives sweet roots, though summer sowings need steady watering.
Harvest: 70–90 daysModerateIn potsCare guide →
Fruits
Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa
Hardy through winter frosts and fruiting in spring, the plants suit both beds and balcony planters.
Harvest: 120–150 days from planting, fruiting the next springEasyIn potsCare guide →
Herbs
Coriander Coriandrum sativum
Prefers the mild spring and autumn, bolting quickly in summer heat.
Harvest: 40–50 days for leavesEasyIn potsCare guide →
Mint Mentha spicata
Hardy perennial that survives frost and spreads vigorously, best kept in its own container.
Harvest: 60–70 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Parsley Petroselinum crispum
Tolerates the local cold and grows well in pots on a balcony.
Harvest: 70–90 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Chinese chives Allium tuberosum
Frost-hardy perennial that regrows after cutting, and is a common herb in Shanghai kitchens.
Harvest: 60–80 daysEasyIn pots