August might feel late to plant, but in South Carolina’s warm climate, there’s still time to start some fruit seeds that’ll take off. I’ve planted a few late-season seeds myself and watched them grow strong enough to give a great head start for next year.
These fruits handle the heat and humidity well, making them perfect for an August start. With a little patience, you’ll be on track for fresh, homegrown treats before long.
Let’s get planting and turn late summer into an opportunity!
1. Watermelon
Fast-maturing varieties can still produce before frost hits South Carolina gardens. The sandy soils in many parts of the state actually enhance drainage for these thirsty fruits.
Plant seeds directly in the garden about an inch deep, keeping soil consistently moist. Charleston gardeners particularly love these heat-loving fruits for their refreshing flesh during scorching late summer days.
2. Cantaloupe
Quick-growing varieties can still be planted now in South Carolina’s warm climate. These aromatic melons love the heat and will thrive in the remaining hot days.
Sow seeds in mounds about half an inch deep in well-draining soil. Upstate gardeners find that adding compost to their clay soils helps these sweet fruits develop their signature flavor.
3. Cucumber
Bush varieties mature quickly and work perfectly for August planting in South Carolina gardens. Their compact growth habit makes them suitable even for container gardens on small patios.
Plant seeds half an inch deep in rich, moist soil. Beaufort County gardeners often find these versatile fruits produce well into fall when given proper care and consistent watering.
4. Pumpkin
Small, quick-maturing varieties can still be planted in August across South Carolina. The state’s long growing season gives these iconic fall fruits enough time to develop before Halloween.
Sow seeds one inch deep in mounds of enriched soil. Midlands gardeners particularly enjoy watching these symbols of autumn develop from tiny seeds to colorful orbs in their backyards.
5. Strawberry
Alpine varieties from seed can establish before winter in South Carolina’s mild climate. Unlike conventional strawberries, these compact plants produce small, intensely flavored berries.
Start seeds in containers with sterile seed-starting mix. Gardeners in Greenville often find these charming fruits establish well during late summer, creating strong plants for spring fruiting.
6. Fig
While unusual to grow from seed, adventurous South Carolina gardeners can start figs this way in August. The state’s hot climate helps germination, though patience is required as they grow slowly.
Plant fresh seeds from ripe figs in small pots with well-draining soil. Coastal Carolina growers particularly appreciate these Mediterranean fruits that thrive in the state’s humid conditions.
7. Passionfruit
Exotic and vigorous, passionfruit seeds started in August will establish before winter in South Carolina. The state’s long growing season gives these tropical vines plenty of time to develop strong roots.
Plant fresh seeds in small pots with rich potting mix. Gardeners in Columbia find these dramatic flowering vines add both ornamental value and delicious fruits to their landscapes.
8. Papaya
Though typically tropical, dwarf varieties can be started from seed now in South Carolina. The remaining warm months allow seedlings to establish before being moved indoors for winter.
Sow fresh seeds in deep containers with rich, well-draining soil. Coastal gardeners from Hilton Head to Myrtle Beach often experiment with these exotic fruits that appreciate the region’s humidity.
9. Ground Cherry
These charming husked fruits germinate quickly and can still produce a fall harvest in South Carolina. Their natural sweetness intensifies as temperatures cool in early autumn.
Plant seeds a quarter-inch deep in containers or garden beds. Gardeners in Spartanburg appreciate how these unusual fruits self-seed readily, often returning year after year in South Carolina gardens.
10. Blackberry
Starting blackberries from seed in August gives them time to establish before South Carolina’s mild winter. While they won’t fruit immediately, you’re creating the foundation for future harvests.
Sow cleaned seeds in small pots with sterile seed-starting mix. Piedmont region gardeners find these adaptable fruits particularly well-suited to their growing conditions across central South Carolina.
11. Kiwi
Hardy kiwi varieties can be started from seed in August across South Carolina. These smaller, smooth-skinned relatives of fuzzy kiwis are surprisingly adaptable to the state’s growing conditions.
Plant fresh seeds in small pots with acidic potting mix. Gardeners in Aiken have found success with these versatile fruits that offer the same nutritional benefits as their commercial cousins.
12. Gooseberry
Starting gooseberries from seed in August works well in South Carolina’s moderate fall climate. These tart berries appreciate establishing roots before the following summer’s heat.
Sow cleaned seeds in small pots with quality potting mix. Gardeners in Rock Hill find these old-fashioned fruits bring both culinary versatility and ornamental value to South Carolina landscapes.
13. Mulberry
These fast-growing native trees can be started from seed in August throughout South Carolina. Their deep root systems establish quickly in the state’s varied soil conditions.
Plant fresh seeds just below the soil surface in deep containers. Gardeners in Orangeburg appreciate how these prolific fruits attract beneficial wildlife while providing abundant harvests across South Carolina.
14. Dragonfruit
This exotic cactus fruit can be started from seed in August in South Carolina’s warm climate. The remaining hot months provide ideal germination conditions for these tropical treasures.
Sow seeds on the surface of sandy cactus soil mix. Charleston container gardeners particularly enjoy growing these conversation-starting fruits that thrive in South Carolina’s humidity when given proper drainage.
15. Loquat
These evergreen fruit trees germinate readily from fresh seeds planted in August in South Carolina. Their ornamental value makes them dual-purpose additions to landscapes across the state.
Plant seeds an inch deep in individual pots with rich potting soil. Gardeners in Beaufort find these Asian fruits particularly well-adapted to South Carolina’s coastal growing conditions.