Southwest February Garden Checklist: Citrus, Roses, and Seed Starting

The Southwest’s varied regions (low/high deserts, mountains; zones 5–9) see February temps swing from freezing to 70s. Winter gardening continues: enjoy citrus, plant roses, add cold-hardy flowers, prep vegetable beds.

Low Deserts (up to 3,000 ft)

Plant Cold-Hardy Flowering Natives

Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii), chaparral sage (Salvia clevelandii), globe mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera).

Protect Frost-Tender Plants

Cover lantana, bougainvillea with frost cloth (old towels/sheets work).

Sow Warm-Season Vegetable Seeds

Basil, peas, peppers, tomatoes toward month’s end.

Fertilize Citrus (First of Three)

Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day. Use citrus fertilizer with N, Fe, Mn, Zn. Follow label; water well after.

Mid- to High Deserts (3,000–6,000 ft)

Lightly Prune Evergreen Shrubs

Boxwood (Buxus), dwarf yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)—stimulates attractive spring growth.

Prune Deciduous Shade Trees

Remove diseased, dead, crossing branches.

Start Seeds Indoors

8 weeks before last frost: beans, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes. Check planting calendar for your zone.

Upper Elevations (over 6,000 ft)

Plan Vegetable Garden

Browse seed catalogs; choose a site with 6+ hours sun.

Deep Water Landscape

Water lawn (6 in.), shrubs (2 ft), trees (3 ft) on days above 40°F. Use soil probe/rebar to check depth.

Start Seeds in Biodegradable Pots

Toilet paper rolls, coffee sleeves, eggshells—plant pot and all after frost.

Wait to Prune Frost Damage

Pruning too early stimulates tender growth vulnerable to further frosts. Wait until freeze danger passes.

Creative Containers for Cool-Season Annuals

Metal buckets, watering cans, wheelbarrows, boots—add drainage holes. Pair violas+alyssum, petunias+snapdragons, geraniums+lobelias. Fertilize monthly with liquid feed.

Plant Bare-Root Roses

Winter is the time. Grade-1 roses (3+ large canes). Dig 2-ft hole, amend with compost and bonemeal. Mound compost/wood shavings over canes until new growth appears. No fertilizer until first spring bloom.

Shown: Hybrid tea rose ‘Double Delight’

Get Ready for March

Sharpen pruners; prep to check irrigation.