What to Plant This Summer in Toronto: A Complete Seasonal Guide

In Toronto, early summer is a great time to plant heat-loving flowers, vegetables, herbs, and shrubs. Choosing the right plants suited for Toronto's climate ensures a vibrant, low-maintenance garden through the hottest months. Make sure to plant before the temperatures are consistently above 20 degrees as the higher the temperature, the more stress is placed on many plants. This ensures they have a chance to get established to withstand the dog days of Summer!

Gardening in Toronto during the summer can be incredibly rewarding if you know what plants thrive best in our unique climate. Whether you're looking to add colour to your garden beds, start a vegetable harvest, or refresh your outdoor space, summer is the perfect season to get planting. According to the Toronto Botanical Garden, local plant sales in June and July have risen by 35% over the past five years, showing a growing interest in summer gardening (Toronto Botanical Garden, 2023).

In this complete guide, we’ll cover:

• Best flowers to plant in summer

• Heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs

• Shrubs and perennials perfect for summer planting

• Seasonal care tips for success

Let’s dive into what you should be planting right now.

Best ANNUALS to Plant in Toronto This Summer

Summer is a great time to add bursts of colour and attract pollinators to your garden. These annual flowers, or plants that live for just the one season, love sun, tolerate heat, and offer long blooming periods. A few are listed below but you can also try Geraniums, Impatiens (for sun and shade), Begonia’s, Lobelia, Snapdragon, Cosmos and many others! Consult your local garden centre for options to fill in garden beds or add instant colour to pots on your deck, patio or front porch!

Marigolds

Marigolds are hardy, cheerful flowers that thrive in full sun and poor soil. They're known for repelling pests naturally, making them a favourite companion plant for vegetables.

Zinnias

Zinnias offer bold, bright colours and are incredibly drought-tolerant once established. They’re ideal for sunny borders and cut flower gardens.

Petunias

Petunias bloom non-stop from summer into fall if deadheaded regularly. Choose wave petunias for sprawling containers or bedding displays.

Vegetables and Herbs to Plant in Toronto During Summer

While spring is peak planting season for some crops, summer is ideal for warm-season vegetables and second sowings.

Tomatoes

If you find mature plants at local nurseries, tomatoes can still be planted in early summer. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like "Roma" or "Celebrity."

Peppers

Peppers love heat and will flourish if planted in June. Bell peppers, banana peppers, and hot peppers are all great choices.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers grow quickly in warm soil and are perfect for trellising in smaller gardens.

Beans

Bush and pole beans can be planted through mid-July for a late-summer harvest.

Basil

Basil thrives in hot weather and pairs beautifully with summer tomatoes. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.

Dill and Cilantro

Dill loves heat but bolts quickly, so sow seeds successively every few weeks for a continuous harvest. Cilantro can struggle with Toronto heat but will grow in partial shade.

Shrubs and Perennials Ideal for Summer Planting

Contrary to popular belief, summer is a great time to plant hardy shrubs and perennials, provided they’re watered well during establishment.

Hydrangeas

Mid-sized varieties like 'Little Lime' or 'Bobo' are excellent choices for adding summer interest to shaded areas.

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

These native plants are extremely drought-tolerant and bloom reliably through summer and into fall.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

Planting a butterfly bush in early summer will ensure blooms by late summer, drawing butterflies and hummingbirds.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis produces masses of daisy-like flowers and is one of the most reliable summer bloomers for Toronto gardens.

Russian Sage

A tall, airy perennial with silvery foliage and purple blooms, Russian sage thrives in hot, dry conditions.

Seasonal Care Tips for Summer Planting in Toronto

Successful summer gardening isn’t just about what you plant—it’s about how you care for your plants during the hot months.

Water Wisely

• Water early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

• Deep watering once or twice a week is better than frequent shallow watering.

• Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilize Gently

• Use slow-release fertilizers to avoid burning roots during hot weather.

• Organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion work well for summer feedings.

Monitor for Pests

• Check leaves for signs of aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

• Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs if needed.

Shade Tender Plants

• If possible, provide temporary shade for new transplants during extreme heat waves.

Deadhead and Prune

• Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

• Lightly prune shrubs after their first flush of growth to maintain shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant perennials in Toronto during summer?

Yes! If you water them thoroughly and mulch well, many perennials establish beautifully when planted in early to mid-summer.

What vegetables can I still start from seed in June or July?

You can still direct-sow beans, cucumbers, carrots, beets, lettuce, and radishes throughout much of the summer.

How often should I water newly planted flowers and shrubs?

New plantings typically need watering 2–3 times per week during the first month, depending on rainfall and soil type.

Can I still plant trees in summer?

It’s possible, but it’s more stressful for trees. If planting trees, choose smaller container-grown specimens and be diligent about watering.

Why Choose Master in the Field?

As a Landscape Designer specializing in Toronto gardens, I help homeowners choose the right plants for each season and ensure their long-term success. From front or backyard transformations to seasonal container designs, my goal is to create thriving, beautiful spaces that you will love and change the way you enjoy your outdoor spaces!

Need help planning your summer garden? Contact me or explore more seasonal ideas on our Inspiration Page.