September in Texas is the perfect month to plan ahead for a fruitful garden. These 13 fruits grow well from seed and give you plenty to enjoy in the seasons ahead.
I’ve planted several myself and watched them turn into productive plants with little fuss. Start now and reap the rewards later.
1. Watermelon
September marks the last chance to start these refreshing treats in Texas soil. Quick-maturing varieties like Sugar Baby can be ready in just 75 days!
The sandy loams of East Texas provide perfect drainage for watermelon roots to spread. Just protect young seedlings if temperatures unexpectedly drop below 50°F in your area.
2. Cantaloupe
Ready for some homegrown sweetness? These melons love Texas heat but appreciate the gentler September sun for seedling establishment.
Many Texas gardeners swear by starting cantaloupe seeds in small pots before transplanting. The Hill Country’s well-draining soil creates the perfect environment for these fragrant fruits to develop their signature flavor.
3. Strawberries
While most folks buy strawberry plants, starting from seed in September gives Texas gardeners a head start for spring harvests. The cooler nights help germination rates dramatically.
Alpine varieties perform exceptionally well in North Texas gardens where they can receive morning sun but escape the harshest afternoon rays. Just keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are established.
4. Papaya
Surprisingly adaptable to South Texas conditions, papaya seeds started in September have time to establish before winter. Fresh seeds straight from the fruit germinate best!
Gulf Coast gardeners find these tropical treasures particularly rewarding. Keep young seedlings in containers during their first winter so you can bring them inside if temperatures in your Texas region dip below freezing.
5. Passion Fruit
September’s moderate temperatures create perfect conditions for these exotic seeds to sprout in Texas gardens. The vines will establish roots before winter dormancy hits.
Many Central Texas gardeners have success growing these along fences for support. The purple varieties tend to be more cold-tolerant for those in northern parts of the state, while yellow types thrive along the coastal regions.
6. Pomegranate
Fall planting gives these ancient fruits a strong foundation in Texas soil. Seeds started in September develop sturdy root systems before winter arrives.
West Texas gardeners particularly love pomegranates for their drought tolerance once established. The ‘Texas Pink’ variety has adapted specifically to our state’s conditions and produces sweeter fruit than many imported varieties.
7. Figs
Fresh fig seeds planted in September have time to develop before Texas winter sets in. Unlike cuttings, seed-grown figs develop deeper taproots for better drought resistance.
Gardeners around San Antonio have reported excellent results with seed-grown figs. While they take longer to fruit than cuttings, many Texas growers believe the resulting trees are more resilient to our state’s climate extremes.
8. Loquat
These overlooked fruits thrive when seeds are planted in September’s cooling Texas soil. The seeds germinate readily from fresh fruit and produce ornamental trees with bonus harvests!
Houston area gardeners particularly prize loquats for their evergreen foliage and spring fruits. The trees handle our state’s alkaline soils beautifully and rarely suffer from the pest problems that plague other Texas fruit trees.
9. Blackberries
Starting blackberry seeds in September gives them time to stratify naturally in Texas’s mild winter. Wild varieties often produce the most flavorful berries despite smaller size.
East Texas gardeners find these native fruits particularly well-adapted to local conditions. The acidic pine soils of the region create perfect growing conditions, though gardeners in other parts of our state can amend soil with peat moss for success.
10. Dragonfruit
September’s moderate temperatures are perfect for starting these exotic cactus seeds in Texas. The young plants establish slowly but surely before winter arrives.
South Texas gardeners along the Rio Grande Valley have particular success with dragonfruit. These stunning plants not only produce vibrant fruits but also serve as conversation-starting ornamentals in many Texas landscapes.
11. Kumquat
Fresh kumquat seeds planted in September’s cooling soil develop strong root systems before Texas winter arrives. These citrus relatives are surprisingly cold-hardy in most of our state.
Dallas area gardeners often grow kumquats in large containers for mobility during freeze warnings. Their compact size makes them perfect for Texas patios, and their sweet-tart fruits rarely need the pesticides that other citrus types require in our state.
12. Pineapple
While not typically associated with Texas, pineapple seeds started in September can become fascinating houseplants with potential fruits. The seeds develop slowly but steadily in our fall conditions.
Austin gardeners often start these tropical treasures in containers on sunny patios. Though our state isn’t tropical enough for commercial production, many Texas gardeners enjoy the challenge of growing these exotic fruits as conversation pieces.
13. Jujube
September planting gives jujube seeds time to settle into Texas soil before dormancy. Often called Chinese dates, these underappreciated fruits thrive in our state’s hot summers.
West Texas gardeners particularly value jujubes for their incredible drought tolerance once established. These ancient fruits handle the alkaline soils of our state beautifully and produce sweet, date-like fruits that few pests bother in the Texas climate.