Top 10 Plants to Grow in November

The planting season isn’t over yet, especially for enthusiastic gardeners ready to make the most out of crisp autumn days.

While colder regions may be winding down for winter, those in milder climates can still enjoy a variety of vegetables, herbs, and blooms. With the right planning, fall planting not only extends your growing season but also sets your garden up for a vibrant display once spring arrives. Even indoors, windowsill gardening thrives this time of year with hardy herbs and quick-growing greens.

Just like any planting month, it’s important to know your USDA Hardiness Zone so you can select the crops that will flourish in your environment. Garden centers and local experts can help guide your choices as well. To get you started, here are ten rewarding plants to plant in November—from culinary staples to delightful ornamentals.

1. Garlic

Garlic is a cool-season favorite that doesn’t just offer a flavorful harvest but also adds a touch of charm to your garden. Planted as individual cloves, it doesn’t grow tall but thrives in soil that’s well-drained and sunny. For the best results, plant your garlic cloves a few inches deep just before the first frost. While garlic is a relatively low-maintenance crop, make sure to keep the soil free from excess moisture to avoid rot. By mid-summer, you’ll be pulling up full, robust bulbs ready for your kitchen.

2. Spinach

Spinach is a cold-weather hero that produces lush, tender leaves perfect for salads or sautés. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and ensure they receive full sun to partial shade. Spinach grows best in slightly cooler temperatures, so November is an ideal time to plant. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and watch for a fast-growing crop that you can start harvesting in just 4 to 6 weeks. This green will stay fresh and flavorful as temperatures dip, providing you with a nutritious boost through the colder months.

3. Pansies

Pansies are one of the most colorful, hardy flowers to plant during autumn, and they’ll brighten up any space with their wide range of colors. These cool-weather beauties are perfect for beds or containers, thriving in full sun or light shade. Pansies produce vibrant blooms, often with intricate markings, and are known for their ability to withstand light frosts. Plant the bulbs in well-draining, fertile soil, and you’ll be treated to a long-lasting display of color that can carry you through the winter and into spring.

Read more: Top Plants to Plant in Fall: A Gardener’s Guide to a Gorgeous Spring Garden

4. Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that provide a quick and satisfying harvest, making them a gardener’s favorite for late-season planting. Sow the seeds directly into the garden in well-drained, loose soil, and in just a few weeks, you’ll have crisp, spicy radishes ready to enjoy. They thrive in cooler weather, so the time to plant them is now. Just water the rows regularly and watch as they pop up quickly, ready to add some zing to your meals.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant, versatile herb that adds a Mediterranean touch to your garden. Its needle-like leaves release a distinctive aroma that’s perfect for cooking or crafting homemade sachets. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil to help it thrive. While it’s hardy enough for colder months, it prefers not to be overwatered, so ensure the soil is dry between waterings. Rosemary’s evergreen presence means it’ll offer year-round beauty and flavor, making it a valuable addition to any herb garden.

6. Tulips

Tulips are the quintessential spring bloomers, known for their stunning array of colors and elegant shape. While you won’t see the flowers immediately, now is the perfect time to plant the bulbs. Place them in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. By early spring, expect to be greeted by vibrant blooms – everything from fiery reds to soft pinks – pushing up through the soil to signal the end of winter. Tulips are a sure way to bring color and joy to your garden as the days get longer.

7. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is not only a stunning addition to any garden, but its colorful stems and deep green leaves offer a nutritious punch as well. Plant this leafy green in full sun or light shade, ensuring the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. As the weather cools, the leaves become even sweeter, providing a perfect crop for the winter months. This versatile vegetable can be harvested leaf-by-leaf, making it an ongoing source of fresh greens for your kitchen.

8. Peas

Peas are a cool-weather crop that’s a must-have in any garden. Whether you choose snow peas or snap peas, these plants thrive when planted in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. The best time to plant peas is in early fall, so they’ll have plenty of time to grow before the cold weather sets in. Keep the soil moist, and within a few weeks, the vines will begin to climb, producing crisp, sweet pods that are perfect for snacking or adding to meals.

9. Winter Lettuce

Winter lettuce varieties are perfect for those who want to keep a fresh salad growing even as temperatures dip. This leafy green prefers cooler weather and can withstand light frost, making November the ideal time to plant. Choose loose-leaf varieties, as they’re more frost-resistant than their heading cousins. Plant in well-draining, fertile soil, and harvest outer leaves continuously for a long-lasting crop throughout the season. Fresh, crisp, and oh-so-easy to grow—what’s not to love?

10. Hyacinths

Hyacinths are bulbs that bring a rush of color and fragrance to your garden in spring. Known for their bold, cone-shaped blooms, hyacinths can be planted in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. While you won’t see them sprouting until early spring, planting them now ensures a vibrant display of color and scent once winter starts to fade. From shades of pink to rich purple, hyacinths are a wonderful way to welcome the new season.

Conclusion

Gardening in November is all about working with the season—not against it. With these resilient plants, you can squeeze more joy from autumn and set the stage for a thriving future garden.

So gather your gloves, cozy up in your favorite sweater, and savor the magic of fall planting.