What to plant in February in Saudi Arabia
17 vegetables, fruits and herbs to sow or plant in February 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
Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
Transplant in late winter or early autumn so fruit sets outside the hottest weeks, with shade cloth and deep irrigation.
Harvest: 70–90 daysModerateIn potsCare guide →
Cucumber Cucumis sativus
Fast-growing and productive in warm weather when watered regularly, especially in the cooler months.
Harvest: 50–70 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Lettuce Lactuca sativa
Grows quickly in the mild winter and bolts in the heat, so it is best sown from October to February.
Harvest: 45–60 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Spinach Spinacia oleracea
Thrives in cool winter nights and gives quick leafy harvests before summer heat arrives.
Harvest: 40–50 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Carrot Daucus carota
Sweet, crisp roots develop well in the cool season in sandy, well-drained, regularly watered soil.
Harvest: 70–80 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Radish Raphanus sativus
The quickest crop to grow here, ready in weeks during the mild months and ideal for filling gaps.
Harvest: 25–35 daysEasyIn pots
Zucchini Cucurbita pepo
A vigorous, heat-tolerant squash that gives heavy yields from a small area with consistent watering.
Harvest: 45–60 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Eggplant Solanum melongena
Heat-loving and productive in the hot season when given full sun and deep, steady irrigation.
Harvest: 80–100 daysModerateIn potsCare guide →
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 →
Beetroot Beta vulgaris
Cool autumn and winter temperatures give tender, sweet roots with little attention.
Harvest: 50–70 daysEasyIn pots
Fruits
Fig Ficus carica
Drought-tolerant once established and needs the winter chill briefly, which the mild winters here supply.
Harvest: 2–3 yearsEasyIn potsCare guide →
Pomegranate Punica granatum
Tolerates heat, drought and the mild winter frosts, and ripens its fruit well in the long dry summer.
Harvest: 3 yearsEasyIn pots
Grapevine Vitis vinifera
Grapes ripen in the dry summer heat, and the cold winters allow the vines to rest properly.
Harvest: 2–3 yearsModerateCare guide →
Sweet orange Citrus sinensis
Mild winter frosts are tolerable with some protection, and the hot summer produces sweet fruit.
Harvest: 3–4 yearsModerateIn pots
Herbs
Mint Mentha spicata
Vigorous and fragrant, it grows well in pots with partial shade and regular watering.
Harvest: 60–90 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Parsley Petroselinum crispum
Thrives in the mild winter and grows steadily in containers when kept well watered.
Harvest: 70–90 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Coriander Coriandrum sativum
Grows quickly in the cool season and should be sown before the heat causes it to bolt.
Harvest: 45–60 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →