What to plant in May in Vietnam
13 vegetables, fruits and herbs to sow or plant in May in Vietnam, for the climate around Southern Vietnam, Dong Nai and Binh Duong area.
Climate: Hot tropical lowland climate with no frost, year-round temperatures of 16 to 38 °C, a dry season from December to April and a heavy rainy season from May to November, peaking in September.
Vegetables
Water spinach Ipomoea aquatica
A fast, heat-loving leafy green that tolerates wet soil and humidity better than most greens.
Harvest: 30–40 daysEasyIn pots
Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata
A heat-tolerant legume that fixes its own nitrogen and copes with the early rains.
Harvest: 55–70 daysEasyIn pots
Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
Loves sustained heat and produces pods continuously in the warm, humid climate.
Harvest: 50–65 daysEasyIn pots
Amaranth Amaranthus tricolor
A tropical leafy green that grows fast in heat and resists the local pests well.
Harvest: 30–45 daysEasyIn pots
Fruits
Papaya Carica papaya
Needs only warmth and good drainage, and the frost-free climate lets it fruit almost year-round.
Harvest: 9–12 monthsEasyIn potsCare guide →
Banana Musa acuminata
Fits the hot, wet climate and its minimum night temperature of 16 °C is well above what it needs.
Harvest: 9–14 monthsEasyCare guide →
Pineapple Ananas comosus
Grows happily in tropical heat and well-drained soil, and can be grown from a crown or slip.
Harvest: 18–24 monthsEasyIn pots
Lime Citrus aurantiifolia
Frost-free warmth suits it, and it stays productive in a large pot with regular watering.
Harvest: 2–3 yearsModerateIn pots
Dragon fruit Hylocereus undatus
A cactus that thrives in heat and tolerates wet-season rain, fruiting best in a pot or on a post.
Harvest: 12–18 monthsEasyIn pots
Passion fruit Passiflora edulis
A vigorous vine for trellises that fruits well in lowland tropical heat.
Harvest: 1–2 yearsModerateIn potsCare guide →
Herbs
Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus
Thrives in tropical heat and rain, and clumps can be divided for new plants.
Harvest: 90–120 daysEasyIn potsCare guide →
Vietnamese coriander Persicaria odorata
A native of this region that loves warm, humid, moist conditions.
Harvest: 40–60 daysEasyIn pots
Holy basil Ocimum tenuiflorum
Native to tropical Asia and tolerant of the hot, humid wet season.
Harvest: 50–70 daysEasyIn pots