What to plant in March in Saudi Arabia
17 vegetables, fruits and herbs to sow or plant in March 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 →
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 →
Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
Loves the intense summer heat and dry air, producing pods when most other vegetables struggle.
Harvest: 50–60 daysEasyIn pots
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 →
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
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
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 →
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 →