Collection: Summer Vegetable Seeds

When to sow summer vegetable seeds in Pakistan

The deadline matters more than anything else. In the plains — Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan — start tomato, chilli and brinjal in nursery trays in February and transplant in March. Direct-sow bhindi (okra), cucumber and the gourd family from March to April. Anything sown after mid-March struggles to fruit before May and June turn brutal. In Islamabad and the north, sow two to three weeks later but enjoy a longer, cooler cropping season; in Karachi, February is the main window.

There is a second, quieter window: late August to early September, when a tomato nursery started now will fruit through the mild autumn before December's cold arrives.

What to grow

Direct-sow bhindi (okra), cucumber (kheera), bottle gourd (lauki), bitter gourd (karela), ridge gourd (tori), pumpkin (kaddu), cowpeas and summer amaranth. Raise tomato, chilli, capsicum (shimla mirch) and brinjal (baingan) in trays first. Bhindi and gourds are the most heat-tolerant crops on this list and the best choice for a first summer garden.

Every packet is grown as a test tray before we pack it, as our family has done since 1932. Plan the year with our Lahore month-by-month calendar, and browse winter vegetable seeds or the full garden seeds range.

Summer vegetable seeds — frequently asked questions

When should I sow summer vegetables in Pakistan?

February to March in the plains. Start tomato, chilli and brinjal in trays in February and transplant in March; direct-sow bhindi, cucumber and gourds through March and into April. Sowing later than mid-March is the most common reason summer crops disappoint.

Which summer vegetables handle Pakistani heat best?

Bhindi (okra) is the champion — it crops through 45°C when watered in the evening. Bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd and cowpeas are close behind. Tomatoes stop setting fruit above about 35°C, so they need to mature before peak heat.

Can I sow tomatoes in September?

Yes. A nursery sown in late August or early September gives an autumn crop that fruits before December's cold. Protect the seedlings once nights drop below 10°C. The main tomato season is still February to March.

How do I keep summer plants alive through June?

Mulch thickly, water in the evening rather than midday, and give young transplants afternoon shade. June is a survival month in the plains — not a sowing month. Use it to prepare beds for the September winter rush.

Do I need to soak seeds before sowing?

Soak the large hard-coated ones — okra, gourds, beans and corn — for about twelve hours. Tiny seeds like tomato and chilli do not need it and are easier to handle dry.