Sun-Loving Superstars: 10 Best Vegetables to Grow During a Hot Philippine Summer

Top 10 heat-tolerant veggies that won’t quit on you when the sun is blazing!

Let’s face it — Philippine summers can feel like we’re all just living inside a turbo broiler. But while some plants wave the white flag under the blazing sun, others, like our top 10 heat-tolerant veggies, become absolute rockstars! They not only survive but thrive in the tropical heat, inspiring us with their resilience.

If you're wondering what vegetables to grow during a hot Philippine summer, here’s a list of 10 heat-loving crops that won’t let you down. Plus, they're all commonly used in Filipino dishes. So you can literally grow what you eat, taking control of your food source and feeling empowered in your gardening journey!

🌶️ 1. Silí (Chili Peppers)

Spicy and pungent, silí is a summer warrior! Whether it's labuyo (native chili) or green siling haba, these plants love the heat and full sun. Perfect for sinigang, bicol express, or sawsawan. Water regularly and keep in well-drained soil.

🍆 2. Talong (Eggplant)

Talong thrives in warm weather and grows best when exposed to full sun. It's a staple in tortang talong, pinakbet, and inihaw na talong. Plant it in deep containers or garden beds with good air circulation and support it as it grows.

🍅 3. Kamatis (Tomatoes)

Tomatoes are summer favorites but need consistent watering to prevent fruit cracking. Use varieties suited for tropical climates. Great for ensaladang kamatis, sarsa, or even sun-dried! Mulch to protect roots from extreme heat.

🧄 4. Labanos (Radish)

Labanos grows quickly and doesn’t mind the heat if appropriately watered. Perfect for sinigang, ginisang labanos, and even as an add-on to atchara. Choose native or tropical varieties that mature fast.

🫑 5. Ampalaya (Bitter Gourd)

Ampalaya is your best friend during summer! A true sun-lover, it climbs and flourishes under hot conditions. Rich in nutrients and used in ginisang ampalaya and pinakbet, it also helps regulate blood sugar. Just make sure it has a sturdy trellis.

🥬 6. Kangkong (Water Spinach)

Kangkong grows lightning-fast and loves both land and water. It’s a heat-tolerant leafy green perfect for adobong kangkong, sinigang, or even crispy kangkong! You can grow it in containers, ponds, or even recycled buckets.

🌿 7. Saluyot (Jute Leaves)

Saluyot is underrated but super resilient in hot weather. Known for its slimy texture (like okra), it’s packed with nutrients and used in dinengdeng, laswa, and other Ilocano dishes. It’s easy to grow and rarely gets pests!

🌱 8. Okra (Lady’s Finger)

Okra thrives in scorching sun and is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in the tropics. Plant seeds directly in the soil, water regularly, and you'll harvest quickly. Use it for pinakbet or sinigang, or steam it and dip it in bagoong!

🥒 9. Upo (Bottle Gourd)

Upo is a summer superstar climber. It loves full sun and warm soil and grows into big, beautiful gourds. It is a key ingredient in ginisang upo, tinola, and even some lutong probinsya dishes. Provide a trellis for support and space to sprawl!

🍠 10. Kamote (Sweet Potato Leaves & Tuber)

Kamote is a double-winner — you get delicious kamote tops (talbos) for salads and soups, and the tuber later for snacks or dessert. Talbos ng kamote is perfect as blanched for salads, while the roots can be boiled or turned into kamote cue.

🌞 Tips for Growing Vegetables in the Philippine Summer:

• Water Deeply, Not Frequently
• Give your plants a good soaking early in the morning. This encourages deep root growth and reduces evaporation.
• Use Mulch or Organic Covering
• Dry leaves, coconut husk, or rice hulls can help protect the soil, retain moisture, and regulate temperature.
• Grow in Raised Beds or Containers
• This improves drainage and prevents root rot — especially after summer downpours.
• Space Plants Well
• Good airflow reduces the risk of fungal diseases, which can be triggered by high humidity and heat.
• Feed Your Plants
• Use compost or natural fertilizers like vermicast or fermented plant juice (FPJ) to keep your plants strong and productive.
• Use Heat-tolerant Variants
• Check the seed packet if the variety is heat tolerant. While they may tolerate summer heat, some plants (like eggplant and tomatoes) may not be able to set fruit yet during extreme hot weather conditions. Just be patient, wait until the summer months are over.

🥗 Grow What You Eat, Eat What You Grow!

There’s nothing more satisfying than harvesting veggies from your backyard or balcony—especially when you know they were grown with love (and lots of sweat during summer!). These sun-loving vegetables are not only easy to grow but also deeply rooted in Filipino cuisine, culture, and comfort.

So, ready to turn up the heat in your garden and kitchen?

Which of these veggies are growing in your garden? Share your summer plantitas and plantitos moments with me @UrbanGardeningMom! Your experiences and tips are valuable to our community of fellow gardeners.