Some plants only thrive during certain seasons, and some summer plantings can be challenging to keep alive. In today’s article, let’s explore 10 plants you should avoid planting in the summer as they are more prone to dying.
1 Succulents
Succulents often struggle during the summer due to high temperatures and intense sunlight.
When temperatures soar, succulents are susceptible to heat stress, leading to wilting and loss of vigor. Intense direct sunlight during summer can cause leaf burn, hindering the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Coupled with the typically low humidity in summer, succulents are at risk of dehydration and withering. Insufficient or improper watering can lead to the plant drying out and dying. To ensure healthy succulent growth in summer, maintain adequate watering, provide shade from the sun, and keep humidity levels in check.
2 Begonia
Begonia, native to tropical and subtropical regions, thrives in humid and cool climates.
However, when subjected to summer heat, this plant struggles to grow. High temperatures and harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves, reducing photosynthesis and causing rapid water loss, leading to wilting. Moreover, the hot and humid summer environment fosters the growth of fungi and pests, increasing the risk of infections. For these reasons, begonia often perishes in summer without proper protection and care.
3 Kaffir Lily
Kaffir Lily (Clivia miniata) faces challenges in thriving during the summer due to its biological characteristics.
This plant favors cool environments, with an ideal temperature range of 15-25°C, while summer heat often surpasses this threshold, resulting in wilting and weakening. Kaffir Lily requires indirect sunlight, but the intense summer sun can scorch its leaves and impact photosynthesis. Additionally, low summer humidity impairs the plant’s water absorption, making it prone to dryness and dehydration. These factors collectively hinder the Kaffir Lily’s ability to grow well in summer.
4 Zinnia
Zinnias struggle to thrive in the summer due to high temperatures and intense sunlight.
They favor cool, humid environments, while summer heat and drought-like conditions cause stress. Excessive heat can scorch and dry the leaves, hindering water and nutrient absorption from the soil. Moreover, intense sunlight can damage their delicate root system, leading to desiccation. Thus, zinnias require special protection and care during the summer to ensure their health and development.
5 Geranium
Geraniums (Pelargonium) struggle to survive and thrive in the summer due to their preference for a cool climate.
In summer, high temperatures increase water evaporation, leading to water scarcity for the plant. Intense sunlight can scorch the leaves and impair the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Dry and parched soil during summer also hinders the roots’ ability to absorb necessary nutrients and water. For these reasons, geraniums often face challenges in growing when summer temperatures soar.
6 Fuchsia
Fuchsias cannot survive and thrive in the summer due to high temperatures and intense sunlight.
They favor a cool, humid climate and cannot tolerate excessive heat. In summer, fuchsias quickly lose water, leading to wilting, and pests become more active. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the plant’s structure. To protect and maintain fuchsias’ growth, provide shade and ensure sufficient watering during hot summer days.
7 Clematis
Clematis cannot survive and thrive in the summer due to high temperatures and intense sunlight, which can be detrimental to the plant.
This plant favors cool temperatures and grows best in temperate or subtropical climates, where the heat is not excessive. In summer, without protection, the plant can wither and its leaves can scorch due to water loss. Additionally, the soil must be kept consistently moist, which is more challenging during hot summer months. Thus, to promote healthy growth, create a cool environment and provide ample water while avoiding waterlogging.
8 Lilies
Lilies typically cannot survive and thrive in the summer due to high temperatures and low humidity.
They favor a cool climate and require a humid environment to maintain their development. In summer, high temperatures cause the soil to dry out quickly, hindering the plant’s ability to absorb sufficient water and nutrients. Moreover, intense summer sunlight can scorch the leaves and weaken the root system. For these reasons, lilies often struggle to grow in summer and require special care to protect them from harsh conditions.
9 Crab-claw Orchid
Crab-claw Orchids face challenges in the summer due to environmental factors and their growth requirements.
In summer, high temperatures and intense light can stress the plant, leading to wilting or leaf scorch. Moreover, the planting medium can dry out quickly, reducing water supply. This makes it difficult for the orchid to maintain necessary moisture levels and can impact its overall health and development. To promote better growth in summer, ensure sufficient watering and protect the plant from direct sunlight.
10 Orchid
Orchids typically cannot survive and thrive in the summer due to high temperatures and unstable humidity.
In summer, excessive heat can cause heat stress in orchids, resulting in leaf yellowing, wilting, and even plant death. Additionally, humidity tends to decrease in summer, making it challenging for orchids to maintain the necessary moisture for growth. To protect orchids in summer, provide a cool environment and maintain high humidity through misting and placing the plant in a shaded area.
These are the top 10 plants that are not recommended for summer planting due to their susceptibility to dying. Hopefully, today’s article has provided you with valuable knowledge that you can apply to your daily life!
- Basil: Basil is a heat-sensitive herb that may bolt and produce bitter-tasting leaves in extreme heat.
- Parsley: Parsley is a biennial plant that prefers cooler temperatures and may bolt or fail to thrive in the summer heat.
- Lettuce and other leafy greens: These plants are prone to bolting and turning bitter in high temperatures.
- Peas: Pea plants prefer cool weather and may struggle in the summer heat, producing fewer pods.
- Carrots: Carrots grown in extreme heat may develop a woody texture and reduced sweetness.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a cool-season crop and may bolt or produce small heads during hot summers.
- Cabbage: Cabbage can bolt in extreme heat, affecting its taste and texture.
- Spinach: Spinach is heat-sensitive and prone to bolting and flowering, making the leaves bitter.
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower, like broccoli, is a cool-season crop and may not form proper heads in the summer heat.
- Potatoes: Potato plants prefer cooler temperatures, and extreme heat can affect tuber development and increase the risk of diseases.
- Provide shade: Use shade cloths or create natural shade by planting taller plants nearby to shield them from direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
- Water regularly: Ensure your plants receive adequate water, especially during periods of high temperature and drought. Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help retain moisture in the soil and moderate soil temperature.
- Choose heat-tolerant varieties: When possible, select plant varieties that are known to tolerate high temperatures and perform well in your climate.
- Practice succession planting: Stagger your plantings to have crops that mature at different times, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce and avoiding excessive stress on plants during the hottest months.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes perform well in hot, sunny conditions and produce an abundance of fruit during the summer.
- Peppers: Both sweet and spicy pepper varieties tend to thrive in the summer heat and can add a burst of color and flavor to your garden.
- Eggplant: Eggplants are heat-loving plants that produce glossy, purple-skinned fruits when grown in full sun and warm temperatures.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers grow vigorously in the summer heat and can provide a continuous harvest of crisp, refreshing fruits.
- Squash and Zucchini: These summer squashes are prolific producers in warm weather and can be harvested throughout the summer.
- Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes, and other melons thrive in hot, sunny conditions and will reward you with sweet, juicy fruits.
- Sunflowers: Sunflowers not only brighten your garden with their cheerful blooms but also grow well in full sun and warm temperatures.
These plants have adapted to thrive in the summer heat and can be a great addition to your garden during the warmer months.
