What to plant in May in Taiwan
14 vegetables, fruits and herbs to sow or plant in May in Taiwan, for the climate around Yilan and Hualien coast, northeastern Taiwan.
Climate: Subtropical and frost-free, with a mild winter (coldest night 10 °C), a hot humid summer up to 34 °C, and heavy rain from June to November, peaking in June and November.
Vegetables
Sweet potato Ipomoea batatas
It loves the hot, humid summers and tolerates the heavy rains better than most root crops.
Harvest: 100–150 daysEasy
Water spinach Ipomoea aquatica
A fast, heat-loving leafy green that grows vigorously in the wet, hot months.
Harvest: 30–45 daysEasyIn pots
Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
It thrives in the hot, humid summers and produces pods all season.
Harvest: 50–65 daysEasyIn pots
Bitter gourd Momordica charantia
A traditional summer vine that copes well with heat and heavy rain.
Harvest: 60–80 daysEasy
Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata
It fixes nitrogen, climbs easily, and is productive through the warm months.
Harvest: 55–70 daysEasyIn pots
Taro Colocasia esculenta
It needs wet soil and warm humid weather, both of which this climate provides.
Harvest: 180–270 daysModerateIn pots
Fruits
Banana Musa acuminata
Frost-free winters and a hot, wet summer are ideal for banana plants set out in spring.
Harvest: 9–15 monthsModerateCare guide →
Papaya Carica papaya
It fruits fast in warm, humid conditions with no frost to damage it.
Harvest: 8–12 monthsEasyIn potsCare guide →
Passion fruit Passiflora edulis
A vigorous vine that bears heavily in warm, humid summers.
Harvest: 1–2 yearsModerateIn potsCare guide →
Dragon fruit Hylocereus undatus
A cactus that loves the heat and needs little water in the dry spells.
Harvest: 1–2 yearsEasyIn pots
Pineapple Ananas comosus
Warm, humid conditions and sandy, well-drained soil suit it, with no frost.
Harvest: 18–24 monthsModerateIn pots
Herbs
Basil Ocimum basilicum
It grows lush in warm weather and is easy to keep on a balcony.
Harvest: 30–50 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus
It thrives in the heat and rain, and a clump gives harvests for years.
Harvest: 120–180 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Perilla Perilla frutescens
A heat-loving herb with aromatic leaves that does well in the wet, hot months.
Harvest: 40–60 daysEasyIn pots