What to plant in April in Saudi Arabia
7 vegetables, fruits and herbs to sow or plant in April in Saudi Arabia, for the climate around Riyadh area, Saudi Arabia (latitude 25°N, longitude 47°E).
Climate: Hot, arid desert climate with mild winters (coldest nights near 2 °C in January), very hot summers (up to 45 °C) and almost no rain from May to November, so irrigation is essential and most rain falls in March and December.
Vegetables
Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
Loves the intense summer heat and dry air, producing pods when most other vegetables struggle.
Harvest: 50–60 daysEasyIn pots
Chili pepper Capsicum annuum
Warm days and dry air suit it well, and it tolerates heat when grown in partial afternoon shade.
Harvest: 70–90 daysModerateIn potsCare guide →
Fruits
Watermelon Citrullus lanatus
Needs the long, hot, dry summer and sun that this climate provides in abundance.
Harvest: 70–90 daysEasy
Cantaloupe melon Cucumis melo
Sweet melons ripen well in the intense summer heat and dry air with deep irrigation.
Harvest: 80–100 daysEasy
Date palm Phoenix dactylifera
Native to hot desert regions, it tolerates the summer heat and winter cold and fruits reliably here.
Harvest: 3–5 yearsModerate
Herbs
Basil Ocimum basilicum
Enjoys warm weather and full sun, producing best in spring and early autumn with some afternoon shade.
Harvest: 60–75 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
A Mediterranean-type shrub that tolerates heat, drought and mild frost in well-drained soil.
Harvest: 90–120 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →