10 Best Summer Vegetables to Grow in India

Summer is the perfect season to grow a variety of heat-loving vegetables. These vegetables not only thrive in high temperatures but also offer numerous health benefits. Whether you have a garden, a balcony, or a small terrace, growing these vegetables at home ensures fresh, organic, and chemical-free produce.

Here’s a detailed guide on the best summer vegetables to grow in India, including their benefits, growing conditions, and care tips.

 

1. Tomato (Tamatar)🍅

Why Grow Tomatoes in Summer?

Tomatoes are a staple in Indian households, used in salads, curries, chutneys, and sauces. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants like lycopene, which helps boost immunity. Since tomatoes love warm temperatures and grow quickly, summer is the best time to plant them.

Best Growing Conditions:

🌡️ Temperature: 20-35°C
☀️ Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained, nutrient-rich, loamy soil
💧 Watering Needs: Moderate, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

How to Grow Tomatoes:

1. 🌿 Seed Selection: Choose hybrid or heirloom tomato seeds that are resistant to pests and diseases.

2. 🌱 Planting: Start seeds indoors in seed trays or small pots. Transplant seedlings into garden beds or containers after 4-6 weeks.

3. 💦 Care:

   • Water regularly, but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal infections.

   • Use stakes or cages to support the plant as it grows.

   • Apply organic compost or fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for better yield.

4. 🍅 Harvesting:

   • Ready for harvest in 60-80 days.

   • Pick tomatoes when they turn red and feel slightly soft to the touch.
     
     Buy Tomato Seeds

---

2.Ladyfinger (Bhindi/Okra)

Why Grow Okra in Summer?

Okra is a heat-loving vegetable, making it ideal for Indian summers. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and is known to support digestion and control blood sugar levels. The plant grows quickly, producing tender green pods in just a few weeks.

Best Growing Conditions:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 25-40°C

• ☀️ Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)

• 🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

• 💧 Watering Needs: Moderate, keep soil moist but not waterlogged

How to Grow Okra:

1. 🌿 Seed Selection: Use fresh okra seeds for better germination. Soaking seeds in warm water overnight can speed up sprouting.

2. 🌱 Planting: Sow seeds directly in garden beds or large pots. Space them 12-18 inches apart to allow proper growth.

3. 💦 Care:

   • Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.

   • Mulch the soil to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

   • Remove pests like aphids manually or use organic pesticides.

4. 🌾 Harvesting:

   • Ready to harvest in 50-60 days.

   • Pick young, tender pods (3-5 inches long) for the best taste.
     
     Buy Ladyfinger/Bhindi Seeds

---

3. Cucumber (Kheera)🥒

Why Grow Cucumbers in Summer?

Cucumbers are over 90% water, making them one of the best hydrating vegetables for summer. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, promoting healthy skin and digestion. Cucumbers grow rapidly in warm weather and are perfect for summer salads, juices, and detox drinks.

Best Growing Conditions:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 25-38°C

• ☀️ Sunlight: Full sun

• 🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

• 💧 Watering Needs: Frequent, keep soil consistently moist

How to Grow Cucumbers:

1. 🌿 Seed Selection: Choose disease-resistant cucumber varieties for better yield.

2. 🌱 Planting: Sow seeds directly in garden beds, containers, or grow bags. If growing vertically, provide trellises for support.

3. 💦 Care:

   • Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting stages.

   • Use organic compost or fertilizer to boost growth.

   • Provide partial shade in extreme heat to prevent sunburn on fruits.

4. 🥒 Harvesting:

   • Ready to harvest in 45-60 days.

   • Pick cucumbers when they are firm, green, and 6-8 inches long.
     
     Buy Cucumber Seeds

---

4. Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Why Grow Bitter Gourd in Summer?

Bitter gourd is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is known for its ability to control blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and improve skin health. This vine vegetable thrives in hot, humid conditions, making summer the best time to grow it.

Best Growing Conditions:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 25-38°C

• ☀️ Sunlight: Full sun

• 🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

• 💧 Watering Needs: Moderate, keep soil moist

How to Grow Bitter Gourd:

1. 🌿 Seed Selection: Use fresh, healthy seeds for better germination.

2. 🌱 Planting: Sow seeds directly in garden beds or large containers. Use trellises for support as the plant grows.

3. 💦 Care:

   • Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

   • Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with organic compost.

   • Manually remove pests like aphids or caterpillars.

4. 🥒 Harvesting:

   • Ready in 60-70 days.

   • Pick when the gourds are green and tender before they turn yellow.
     
     Buy Bitter Gourd (Karela) Seeds

---

5. Bottle Gourd (Lauki)

Why Grow Bottle Gourd in Summer?

Bottle gourd is a fast-growing vegetable and is high in water content, making it perfect for hot summers. It is rich in fiber and helps in weight management, digestion, and hydration. It is commonly used in Indian curries, soups, and cooling beverages.

Best Growing Conditions:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 25-40°C
• ☀️ Sunlight: Full sun
• 🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil
• 💧 Watering Needs: Regular, keep soil moist but not soggy

How to Grow Bottle Gourd:

1. 🌿 Seed Selection: Choose high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
2. 🌱 Planting: Sow seeds directly in the soil, spacing them at least 2 feet apart.
3. 💦 Care:
   • Train vines on trellises for better fruit development.
   • Fertilize once a month to encourage flowering and fruiting.
   • Keep an eye on pests like beetles and aphids.
4. 🎃 Harvesting:
   • Ready in 60-70 days.
   • Pick when the gourds are young, tender, and 12-15 inches long.
     
     Buy Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Seeds

6. Ridge Gourd (Turai)

🌱 Why Grow Ridge Gourd in Summer?

Ridge gourd is a fast-growing vine that thrives in hot weather, making it an excellent choice for summer gardening. This vegetable is:

✅ Low in calories and high in fiber
✅ Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
✅ Used in curries, stir-fries, and soups for a refreshing taste

🌿 Best Growing Conditions

• Temperature: 🌡️ 25-38°C
• Sunlight: ☀️ Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
• Soil Type: 🌱 Well-drained, fertile loamy soil
• Watering Needs: 💧 Regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged

🌾 How to Grow Ridge Gourd

🌱 Seed Selection

• Use fresh ridge gourd seeds for faster germination.
• Soak seeds overnight before sowing for better sprouting.

🌿 Planting

• Sow seeds directly in garden beds or large pots with good drainage.
• Maintain a 2-3 feet distance between plants.

🌻 Plant Care

• Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Provide trellises or bamboo stakes for vine support.
• Apply organic fertilizers every 2-3 weeks to boost yield.

🥒 Harvesting Ridge Gourd

• Ready to harvest in 50-60 days.
• Pick when the gourd is tender and green (6-9 inches long) for the best taste.
  
  Buy Ridge Gourd Seeds

7. Brinjal (Baingan)🍆

Why Grow Brinjal in Summer?

Brinjal (Eggplant) is a heat-tolerant vegetable that produces continuously throughout summer. It is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals, making it a great addition to Indian curries, bhartas, and stuffed dishes.

Best Growing Conditions

• 🌡️ Temperature: 25-40°C

• ☀️ Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)

• 🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained, nutrient-rich sandy loam

• 💧 Watering Needs: Moderate, avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases

How to Grow Brinjal

🌿 Seed Selection

Choose high-yielding hybrid or desi brinjal varieties.

🌱 Planting

Start seeds indoors in seed trays. Transplant seedlings after 4-6 weeks once they have 3-4 leaves.

💦 Care

• Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging.

• Prune lower leaves for better air circulation and higher yield.

• Apply organic compost or balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.

🍆 Harvesting

• Ready in 70-90 days.

• Pick when firm, glossy, and deep purple for best taste.
  
  Buy Brinjal Vegetable Seeds

---

8. Green Chilli (Mirchi)🌶️

Why Grow Green Chilli in Summer?

Green chillies are a low-maintenance, heat-loving crop that adds spice and flavor to many Indian dishes. They are rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and capsaicin, which helps boost metabolism and immunity.

Best Growing Conditions

• 🌡️ Temperature: 25-38°C

• ☀️ Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)

• 🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

• 💧 Watering Needs: Light to moderate, avoid excessive moisture

How to Grow Green Chilli

🌿 Seed Selection

Choose hybrid or local varieties for higher yield.

🌱 Planting

Sow seeds in well-drained soil and keep them in a warm spot for germination. Transplant when seedlings reach 6 inches in height.

💦 Care

• Water moderately to keep soil moist.

• Prune plants regularly to encourage more branches and fruit production.

• Fertilize monthly using organic manure or compost.

🌶️ Harvesting

• Ready in 60-90 days.

• Pick green for milder spice or let them turn red for extra heat.
  
  Buy Green Chilli Seeds

---

9. Pumpkin (Kaddu)🎃

Why Grow Pumpkin in Summer?

Pumpkin is a hardy, summer-growing vine that produces large, nutrient-dense fruits. It is rich in Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, making it great for soups, curries, and desserts. The plant requires minimal care and provides a high yield in warm climates.

Best Growing Conditions

• 🌡️ Temperature: 25-40°C

• ☀️ Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)

• 🌱 Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained loamy soil

• 💧 Watering Needs: Deep but infrequent watering

How to Grow Pumpkin

🌿 Seed Selection

Choose disease-resistant pumpkin varieties for better yield.

🌱 Planting

Sow seeds directly in garden beds with ample space for vines to spread. Maintain 3-4 feet distance between plants.

💦 Care

• Water deeply but avoid water stagnation.

• Use organic mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.

• Provide support for vines using stakes or trellises if needed.

🎃 Harvesting

• Ready in 90-120 days.

• Pick when the skin hardens and gives a hollow sound when tapped.
  
  Buy Pumpkin Vegetable Seeds

---

10. Spinach (Palak)🥬

Why Grow Spinach in Summer?

While some spinach varieties prefer cooler temperatures, heat-resistant spinach thrives well in summer. Spinach is a superfood rich in iron, vitamins, and fiber, making it an excellent leafy green for daily consumption. It grows quickly and regenerates after cutting, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh greens.

Best Growing Conditions

• 🌡️ Temperature: 20-35°C

• ☀️ Sunlight: Partial shade (especially in extreme summer heat)

• 🌱 Soil Type: Moist, well-drained sandy loam

• 💧 Watering Needs: Regular, keep soil moist

How to Grow Spinach

🌿 Seed Selection

Choose summer-tolerant spinach varieties like Malabar spinach or New Zealand spinach.

🌱 Planting

Sow seeds directly in soil or in containers. Keep rows 6-8 inches apart.

💦 Care

• Water regularly to maintain soil moisture.

• Protect from harsh sun using shade nets.

• Apply organic compost or vermicompost for better leaf growth.

🥬 Harvesting

• Ready in 30-40 days.

• Pick tender leaves regularly for continuous growth.
  
  Buy Spinach Vegatable Seeds

Growing summer vegetables in India is easy with the right techniques. With adequate sunlight, soil care, and watering, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Start your summer gardening journey today with high-quality seeds and gardening supplies from Paudhewale.com! 🏡🌱

Buy Summer Vegetable Seeds