Timing is everything in the low desert. Plant at the wrong time and even the toughest desert plant can struggle through its first summer. Here’s a season-by-season planting guide for Desert Hot Springs, Sky Valley, and the Coachella Valley.
Fall (October–November): The best planting season
Fall is prime time. The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth, but the air is cooling off, so new plants aren’t fighting extreme heat. Trees, shrubs, desert natives, cactus, and succulents all establish beautifully when planted in fall, and they get a full cool season to root in before next summer.
- Plant shade trees, desert natives, and flowering shrubs
- Great time for full landscape installs
- Adjust irrigation timers down as temperatures drop
Winter (December–February): Good for most plants
Winter days in the valley are mild and sunny, and most desert plants can still go in the ground. Keep an eye on the occasional frost night: protect tender young plants and frost-sensitive species, and hold off on heavy pruning of frost-damaged growth until spring.
Spring (March–May): Plant early
Early spring is the second-best window. Get trees and shrubs in by March or April so they have time to root before the heat. Late spring is when palms start to shine, since they love warm soil.
- Plant early in the season when possible
- Start palm planting as soil warms
- Increase irrigation gradually as temperatures climb
Summer (June–September): Palms, yes; most others, carefully
Summer heat is hard on new plantings, so most trees and shrubs are best planted in other seasons. The big exception is palms, which root fastest in hot soil. Cactus and some heat-loving natives can also go in with care. If you must plant in summer, water deeply, plant early in the morning, and provide temporary shade.
Quick reference
- Best overall: October–November
- Second best: February–April
- Palms: late spring through summer
- Avoid planting most trees in peak summer heat
Not sure what to plant this season?
Call the largest nursery in Desert Hot Springs and Sky Valley. We’ll tell you what’s ready to plant right now and what’s in stock today.
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