What to plant in February in the Philippines builds on January's cool-season advantage while preparing for the transition to hotter weather. February temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila, still cool enough for leafy greens but warming up fast. This is your last chance to plant cool-season crops before the hot dry season arrives in March.
Smart gardeners use February to do double duty: harvest the last of the cool-season crops while starting heat-tolerant seedlings for transplanting next month. Check our planting calendar for the full year overview.
Best Vegetables to Plant in February
- Pechay still grows well in February's warmth. This is the last comfortable month for pechay before heat stress becomes an issue. Plant quick-maturing varieties and harvest at baby size (20 to 25 days) for the tenderest leaves.
- Lettuce can still be planted in early February, especially loose-leaf varieties that tolerate slightly warmer conditions. Provide afternoon shade and harvest promptly before bolting occurs.
- Spring Onion establishes well in February. Plant from bulb sets or root ends saved from cooking. These will produce for months with regular cutting and feeding.
- Bell Pepper seedlings transplanted in February will fruit through the hot season. Choose disease-resistant varieties and provide staking support as plants grow.
- Patola (Sponge Gourd) can be started from seed in February. Set up trellises before planting. Vines grow rapidly and need strong support structures.
- Kamatis (Tomato) continues to thrive in February. Plants established in December and January are now flowering heavily. Feed with potassium-rich fertiliser to support fruit development.
- Talong (Eggplant) seedlings started in December are ready for transplanting. Space plants 50cm apart in rich, well-drained soil. Eggplant will produce through the entire hot season.
- Okra seeds planted now will germinate quickly in the warming soil. Direct sow 2cm deep. Okra loves heat and will produce its best pod yields from March onward.
- Ampalaya (Bitter Gourd) grows well when started in February. Soak seeds overnight to speed germination. Install a sturdy trellis at least 2 metres tall.
- Sitaw (String Beans) thrives in February's warming temperatures. Direct sow near a trellis or bamboo poles. Harvest pods when they reach 30cm for the most tender texture.
Best Herbs to Plant in February
- Basil grows vigorously as temperatures rise in February. Plant from seeds or cuttings. Pinch flower buds to extend leaf production and maintain strong flavour.
- Rosemary prefers the drier conditions of February. Plant from cuttings in gritty, well-drained soil. Once established, rosemary is drought-tolerant and needs minimal care.
- Chives grow well in February. Divide existing clumps to propagate new plants. Cut regularly to keep foliage fresh and prevent flowering.
- Mint spreads rapidly in the warming weather. Plant in containers to prevent it from taking over garden beds. Harvest frequently to encourage bushy growth.
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Ornamental Plants for February
- Sunflower seeds planted in February will produce dramatic blooms by late March or April. Choose tall varieties for borders or dwarf types for containers and balconies.
- Marigold continues to bloom strongly. Start new plants from seed for a fresh flush of flowers through the hot season. Excellent companion plant for vegetable gardens.
- Gerbera produces vibrant daisy flowers in the cool dry season. Plant in partial shade with well-drained, rich soil. Water at the base to keep leaves dry.
- Petunia is at peak performance in February. Deadhead regularly and feed every 2 weeks for continuous blooming. Consider trailing varieties for hanging baskets.
- Bougainvillea can be planted from cuttings in February. This tough ornamental thrives in full sun and produces spectacular colour once established.
Gardening Tasks for February
- Start hot-season seedlings. Sow sili, kalabasa and additional tomato seeds in trays for March transplanting.
- Install trellises and supports. Set up climbing structures for ampalaya, sitaw and patola before vines start growing. Use bamboo poles or wire mesh.
- Deep water established plants. As dry conditions intensify, water deeply twice a week rather than lightly every day. Deep watering encourages root growth.
- Apply organic mulch. Spread 5 to 8cm of dried leaves, rice hull or coco coir around all plants. Mulch is essential for conserving moisture during the coming hot months.
- Fertilise fruiting plants. Apply complete fertiliser (14-14-14) or potassium-rich organic fertiliser to tomatoes, eggplant and peppers that are beginning to flower.
- Monitor for aphids. Aphid populations increase during the dry season. Spray with neem oil or a strong water jet to dislodge colonies before they spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables grow best in February in the Philippines?
February is excellent for both cool-season crops and early hot-season plantings. Pechay, lettuce, spring onion and bell pepper still produce well in the cool weather. You can also start heat-tolerant crops like okra, sitaw, ampalaya and talong that will thrive as temperatures rise in March. February is the ideal transition month for gardeners to overlap two planting seasons for continuous harvests.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in February Philippines?
Early February is still good for planting lettuce in the Philippines, especially loose-leaf varieties that tolerate warmer temperatures. Choose heat-resistant varieties like Grand Rapids or Red Sails. Provide afternoon shade using a 50% shade cloth and harvest at baby size (25 to 30 days) before plants bolt. After mid-February, switch to heat-tolerant greens like kangkong or alugbati instead.
What should I prepare in February for summer gardening?
February is preparation month for summer gardening in the Philippines. Start tomato, eggplant, chili and squash seedlings in trays for March transplanting. Install trellises for climbing crops. Apply thick mulch (5 to 8cm) to conserve soil moisture during the coming heat. Set up drip irrigation if possible. Stock up on shade cloth (50%) to protect sensitive plants from intense afternoon sun.
