🎃 October Growing Guide: Mild Days, Warm Soil - Time to Plant!

October Growing Guide (for subtropical / exotic plants)

October is a magical month for gardeners in zones 9 and 10. The intense summer heat begins to fade, bringing more manageable temperatures, and there’s an opportunity to set up your exotic or subtropical plants for a strong year ahead. Below is a month-by-month (October) guide for “Sow Exotic” — that is, what you can plant, what to care for, and how to prepare for the coming season.

Why October is a key month for exotic / subtropical planting

In zones 9/10, October often brings relief from the worst of summer heat, but still warm soil — ideal for root establishment without the stress of extreme heat.
Many tropical or subtropical fruit trees prefer to be planted in fall (rather than spring) in these climates, so they can settle in over the cooler months. Sow Exotic
For more “exotic” or tropical ornamentals, planting in October reduces heat shock and gives roots time to expand before dry/wet extremes of summer return.

What to plant or sow in October

Here’s a breakdown of what’s good to plant or move into the ground in October in zones 9/10:

Type / Plant	Why October is good	Tips / Considerations
Fruit trees (tropical / subtropical)	Cooler air reduces stress, roots can expand with moderate moisture	Mango, avocado, lychee, longan, citrus, guava — make sure you’re planting from grafted or disease-free stock. Sow Exotic+1
Citrus & other evergreen fruit	October gives them a head start before winter dormancy	Planting now lets roots fill in before winter. Food Gardening Network
Tropical ornamentals & palms	New plantings avoid summer scorch	Use good organic-rich soil, ensure good drainage, mulch around base to conserve moisture
Cover cropping / soil building	Improving soil now helps future exotic plantings	Legume cover crops, green manures, or light mulching so soil remains biologically active
Propagation (cuttings, grafting, layering)	Milder weather helps rooting without extremes	Monitor moisture, avoid full sun on young cuttings

Featured Plants to Plant in October

Subtropical & Tropical Fruit Trees:

Mango Tree – Establish now for vigorous spring growth.
Monroe Avocado – Roots easily while temperatures are mild.
Star Fruit (Carambola) – Blooms and fruits during warm autumn days.
Cas or Strawberry Guava – Fruiting now and perfect for late-season planting.
Sugar Apple & Sapodilla – Love warm fall soil and gentle sun.

🌿 Medicinal & Culinary Herbs:

Lemongrass – Thrives from coast to desert with full sun and drainage.
Moringa Tree – Grows quickly before winter slowdown.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Aromatic and fast-growing while days stay warm.
Cuban Oregano – Easy to root and thrives in subtropical fall weather.

🥬 Cool-Season Annuals & Edibles:

Kale, Lettuce & Arugula – Sow for crisp, steady harvests.
Bok Choy & Mustard Greens – Perfect for mild fall temperatures.
Radishes, Beets & Carrots – Quick roots for instant gratification.
Cilantro & Parsley – Love cool mornings and bright sun.

Care tasks & maintenance in October

Planting is only half of it — care is critical in the first few months. Here are key tasks for October:

Soil preparation / amendment
- Incorporate organic matter (well-composted) to boost fertility and structure.
- Check drainage: many tropical / exotic plants dislike “wet feet.”
- pH checking: many fruit / exotic plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Mulching
- Apply a 2–4 in (5–10 cm) layer of organic mulch around newly planted or existing trees (but keep mulch away from direct trunk contact).
- Mulch helps moderate soil temperature and reduces water loss.
Water management
- Maintain consistent, deep watering (not shallow frequent watering).
- Avoid water stress during establishment; however, prevent waterlogging.
- Monitor soil moisture, especially in beds or pots.
Light / shade protection
- For sensitive new plants, consider temporary shade cloth during hottest part of day until they acclimate.
- Avoid intense afternoon sun on very young or tender foliage.
Pruning & training
- Light pruning to remove damaged or crossing branches.
- Shape trees early for proper canopy structure.
- Remove suckers or water sprouts.
Pest & disease vigilance
- Monitor for scale, mites, fungal disease — transitional seasons sometimes see pest upticks.
- Use integrated pest management (IPM) — prune out infected parts, maintain good airflow, and use low-toxicity treatments if needed.
Fertilization
- For new plantings: start with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer after initial establishment (maybe 4–6 weeks after planting).
- For existing fruit trees: a light fertilization to prepare them for bloom / fruit set in coming months.
Protection from cold / wind
- Though frost is rare in zones 9/10, occasional cold snaps or strong winds occur.
- Be ready with frost cloths, windbreaks, or temporary covers.

What to avoid in October

Avoid heavy fertilizing right after planting—wait until roots begin to establish.
Don’t overwater—young roots suffocating is a common mistake.
Avoid planting large or mature exotic trees in the height of summer stress, but October is generally safer.
Avoid too much direct sun on delicate new foliage until acclimated.

Example planting timeline (for October)

Early October: Plant new citrus or grafted tropical fruit trees.
Mid October: Begin propagation (cuttings / grafts).
Late October: Finish mulching and soil setup; begin light fertilization of older trees; monitor pests.