12 Healthy Summer Vegetables to Grow Now

Wondering about the veggies that thrive in the hot summer climate of India? Here are the best Summer Vegetables to Grow Now!

Summers are here, and the lockdown period has already inspired most of us to grow our own food for a healthy eating plate. So, if you are digging around the nutritional veggies for this season, then here are the best Summer Vegetables to Grow Now!

Here are the best herbs you can grow in summer

Best Summer Vegetables to Grow Now

1. Tomato / Tamatar

Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum

Juicy and sour tomatoes play starry roles in global cuisines, but their utmost use in Indian spice blend and chutney is inevitable. Tomatoes appreciate warm climates hence are sown in March or April and harvested in 90-120 days from sowing.

2. Chili / Mirchi

Botanical Name: Capsicum frutescens

The spicy tadka of green chili adds the right amount of spiciness to the dishes. Varieties like Kashmiri chili, Guntur chili, Kanthari chili, Bhut Jolokia have variable spice levels. Chili can be grown in February to obtain its supply after 3 months.

3. Pumpkin / Kaddu

Botanical Name: Cucurbita

Pumpkin curry can be grown from January to March and is available for harvest after 3-4 months from sowing. Remember warm weather and warm soil are a must for this veggie.

4. Cucumber / Kakadi

Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus

Cucumber is the most sought-after vegetable of summer, thanks to its high water content. The hydrating vegetable should be sown from February to March. Provide it with ample watering and sunlight, and it will reward you with an abundant harvest.

5. Bottle Gourd / Loki

Botanical Name: Lagenaria siceraria

Be it Loki ka halwa, Loki kofte, or plain loki curry, its presence has been cherished in multiple dishes for ages. Bottle gourd is a boon for heart health and weight loss, and its regular addition to diet also aids in digestion.

6. Lady Finger / Bhindi

Botanical Name: Abelmoschus esculentus

Pride of subtropical and tropical climatic regions, January to March are the main seasons for ladyfinger cultivation. Different states have their own cooking styles like Tawa bhindi, besan bhindi, and bharwa bhindi.

7. Capsicum / Shimla Mirch

Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum Group

Capsicum is the welcome addition to sandwiches, pizzas, and, salads. Coming in shades of red, yellow, green, this vegetable should be grown in summers, but in the warmer regions of south India, it can be grown year-round.

8. Sweet Potato / Shakarkand

Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas

Sweet potatoes are greatly relished as Indian street chaat after baking and seasoning some spices for flavor. Though it mainly grows in Oct-Nov but can be grown in Feb-March as well, as it thrives in the warm subtropical climate.

9. Eggplant / Bhate

Botanical Name: Solanum melongena

Coming in multiple colors, tastes, and sizes, the eggplant is the star ingredient of bharta, and tawa veg. In north India, grow it in Feb and March, but if you are a south Indian, you can grow it year-round.

10. Beans / Phalli

Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Packed with fiber, protein, and minerals, beans are boon for fatty liver and heart health. Also known as vegetarian protein, it is the best substitute for meat in a vegan diet. Feb to March is the optimum time for its planting.

11. Zucchini / Turai

Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini curry is a scrumptious spicy side dish that is served with rice or roti in the meal. Plant it around April or early May. You can enjoy its harvest after 40-50 days from sowing.

12. Apple Gourd

Botanical Name: Praecitrullus fistulosus

Be it a gastric issue, high BP, or constipation, apple gourd is one solution to all! It is an integral part of Dahi tinda, tinda do pyaza and masala tinda. Sow its seeds from Feb-March to access its fresh supply in 80-90 days.