What can I grow in Mexico City?

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 63°F (17°C) · Ideal: 54–72°F (12–22°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 42°F (6°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 1.9 in (47 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm) · covered by irrigation

In mild-winter climates spring wheat is sown in autumn and grows through the cool season.

Triticum aestivum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Triticum aestivum; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 63°F (17°C) · Ideal: 54–70°F (12–21°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 42°F (6°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 1.9 in (47 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–22 in (250–550 mm) · covered by irrigation

Heat over ~30 °C at flowering cuts yield; a cool-season crop in warm climates.

Brassica napus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Brassica napus; Canola Council of Canada: Canola Encyclopedia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 63°F (17°C) · Ideal: 55–68°F (13–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 42°F (6°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 1.9 in (47 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm) · covered by irrigation

Tubers form best with cool nights; above ~25 °C tuber growth stalls. In the tropics it's a highland or cool-season crop.

Solanum tuberosum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum tuberosum; FAO Crop Water Information: potato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 63°F (17°C) · Ideal: 52–68°F (11–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 42°F (6°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 1.9 in (47 mm) · Ideal: 7.9–20 in (200–500 mm) · covered by irrigation

The most cold- and drought-tolerant small grain; malting barley wants a cool, dry finish.

Hordeum vulgare. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Hordeum vulgare; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 61°F (16°C) · Ideal: 57–75°F (14–24°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 42°F (6°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 1.1 in (28 mm) · Ideal: 5.9–18 in (150–450 mm) · covered by irrigation

Grown as a short-season crop in most commercial systems; day-neutral types fruit through summer.

Fragaria × ananassa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Fragaria × ananassa; UC ANR: Strawberry production. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Average temperature100

  Here: 64°F (18°C) · Ideal: 61–77°F (16–25°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 14°F (-10°C)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 59–118 in (1,500–3,000 mm) · covered by irrigation

• Dry-season length100

  Here: 6 months · Ideal: at most 2 months · covered by irrigation

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 10 days

Needs acidic soil and steady rain; the finest teas come from cool highlands.

Camellia sinensis. Sources: Carr 1972, The climatic requirements of the tea plant: a review (Experimental Agriculture); FAO ECOCROP: Camellia sinensis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Average temperature100

  Here: 64°F (18°C) · Ideal: 61–75°F (16–24°C)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 10 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 39–71 in (1,000–1,800 mm) · covered by irrigation

Most commercial orchards are irrigated. Needs free-draining soil; root rot in waterlogged ground. Hot dry winds at flowering cut fruit set.

Persea americana. Sources: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: avocado production guidance; FAO ECOCROP: Persea americana. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 67°F (20°C) · Ideal: 64–81°F (18–27°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 51°F (11°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 14 in (360 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm)

Fruit set fails when nights drop below ~10 °C or days top ~35 °C. Wet seasons bring blight.

Solanum lycopersicum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum lycopersicum; FAO Crop Water Information: tomato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 67°F (20°C) · Ideal: 64–86°F (18–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 51°F (11°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 14 in (360 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm) · covered by irrigation

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 5,092 °F·days (2,829 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,980 °F·days (1,100 °C·days)

Hybrids are matched to season length by relative maturity. Heat over ~35 °C at silking hurts pollination.

Zea mays. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Zea mays; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979, Yield response to water). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 65°F (19°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 45°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 43°F (6°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 3.4 in (86 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm) · covered by irrigation

Deep roots make it fairly drought tolerant.

Helianthus annuus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Helianthus annuus; FAO Crop Water Information: sunflower. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winkler index (Apr–Oct degree days)100

  Here: 3,463 °F·days (1,924 °C·days) · Ideal: 2,610–3,510 °F·days (1,450–1,950 °C·days)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 3°F (-16°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 365 days · Ideal: at least 180 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

Winkler regions: I < 1389, II 1389–1667, III 1667–1944, IV 1944–2222, V > 2222 °C·days (Apr–Oct, base 10 °C). Wet summers mean mildew pressure.

Vitis vinifera. Sources: Amerine & Winkler 1944, Composition and quality of musts and wines of California grapes (Hilgardia); Jones et al. 2010, Spatial analysis of climate in winegrape growing regions in the western United States (American Journal of Enology and Viticulture). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 64°F (18°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 45°F (7°C) · Ideal: at least 41°F (5°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 1.5 in (39 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm) · covered by irrigation

Grain and fibre cultivars bred at high latitudes flower too early under the short days of the tropics. Licensing rules vary by country. Autoflowering: Day-neutral: flowers on age, not day length, so it suits low latitudes and short seasons.

Cannabis sativa. Sources: Amaducci et al. 2015, Key cultivation techniques for hemp in Europe and China (Industrial Crops and Products); FAO ECOCROP: Cannabis sativa. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 30°F (-1°C)

• Average temperature91

  Here: 64°F (18°C) · Ideal: 64–77°F (18–25°C)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 5 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 47–98 in (1,200–2,500 mm) · covered by irrigation

Subtropical: best in frost-free, humid coastal climates. Strong winds break limbs.

Macadamia integrifolia / M. tetraphylla. Sources: Hort Innovation / Australian Macadamia Society growing guides; FAO ECOCROP: Macadamia integrifolia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average93

  Here: 67°F (20°C) · Ideal: 68–86°F (20–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 51°F (11°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 14 in (360 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm) · covered by irrigation

Maturity groups are matched to latitude because flowering is triggered by shortening days.

Glycine max. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Glycine max; FAO Crop Water Information: soybean. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 3°F (-16°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 68°F (20°C) · Ideal: 66–82°F (19–28°C)

• Coldest-month average57

  Here: 58°F (15°C) · Ideal: at most 54°F (12°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 365 days · Ideal: at least 120 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 14–33 in (350–850 mm)

Dislikes wet winters and humid summers more than cold. Needs sharp drainage.

Lavandula angustifolia / L. × intermedia. Sources: University extension lavender production guides (e.g. Oregon State, Washington State); FAO ECOCROP: Lavandula angustifolia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 18°F (-8°C)

• Warmest-month average56

  Here: 68°F (20°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 365 days · Ideal: at least 200 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–39 in (250–1,000 mm)

Tops die back around −10 °C but roots often regrow. Rain at ripening splits fruit.

Ficus carica. Sources: UC ANR: Fig production; FAO ECOCROP: Ficus carica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 18°F (-8°C)

• Chill hours (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 299 hours · Ideal: at least 300 hours

• Warmest-month average31

  Here: 68°F (20°C) · Ideal: 73–86°F (23–30°C)

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 5,092 °F·days (2,829 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 3,240 °F·days (1,800 °C·days)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

Needs a mild winter chill to flower well, and long warm summers to ripen. Humid summers bring olive knot and peacock spot.

Olea europaea. Sources: Connor & Fereres 2005, The physiology of adaptation and yield expression in olive (Horticultural Reviews); FAO ECOCROP: Olea europaea. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest-month average57

  Here: 58°F (15°C) · Ideal: at most 54°F (12°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 5°F (-15°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 68°F (20°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 16–39 in (400–1,000 mm)

Planted in autumn and harvested in early summer; cloves need weeks below ~10 °C to form bulbs (hardnecks more than softnecks).

Allium sativum. Sources: UC ANR: Garlic production in California; FAO ECOCROP: Allium sativum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average61

  Here: 67°F (19°C) · Ideal: 72–91°F (22–33°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)97

  Here: 53°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 19 in (495 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm)

Handles heat and drought better than maize.

Sorghum bicolor. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Sorghum bicolor; FAO Crop Water Information: sorghum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average54

  Here: 67°F (19°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)77

  Here: 51°F (11°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 26 in (656 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 365 days · Ideal: at least 190 days

Needs a long, hot season and dry weather when bolls open.

Gossypium hirsutum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Gossypium hirsutum; FAO Crop Water Information: cotton. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average55

  Here: 67°F (19°C) · Ideal: 72–88°F (22–31°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)54

  Here: 53°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 59°F (15°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 19 in (495 mm) · Ideal: 28–79 in (700–2,000 mm) · covered by irrigation

Paddy rice is usually flooded from irrigation or monsoon rain; nights below ~15 °C at flowering cause empty grains.

Oryza sativa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Oryza sativa; FAO Crop Water Information: rice. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 1°F (-17°C)

• Coldest-month average8

  Here: 58°F (15°C) · Ideal: 30–50°F (-1 to 10°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 68°F (20°C) · Ideal: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

• Dry-season length100

  Here: 6 months · Ideal: at least 2 months

• Yearly rain86

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–28 in (250–700 mm)

Corms rest through a hot, dry summer and flower in autumn. Wet summers rot them.

Crocus sativus. Sources: Gresta et al. 2008, Saffron, an alternative crop for sustainable agricultural systems (Agronomy for Sustainable Development); Kafi et al. 2006, Saffron (Crocus sativus): Production and Processing. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 28°F (-2°C)

• Average temperature91

  Here: 64°F (18°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Warmest-month average6

  Here: 68°F (20°C) · Ideal: 75–90°F (24–32°C)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 35–79 in (900–2,000 mm) · covered by irrigation

Freezes are the deciding risk: a few hours below −3 °C damage fruit and young trees. Our cold-snap estimate is weakest in subtropical climates.

Citrus spp.. Sources: UF/IFAS Extension: citrus cold hardiness; FAO ECOCROP: Citrus sinensis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average43

  Here: 66°F (19°C) · Ideal: 72–86°F (22–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)63

  Here: 53°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 57°F (14°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 25 in (637 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm)

Needs warm, light soil for pods to develop underground.

Arachis hypogaea. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Arachis hypogaea; FAO Crop Water Information: groundnut. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Average temperature91

  Here: 64°F (18°C) · Ideal: 64–72°F (18–22°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)15

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 39°F (4°C)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 30 in (772 mm) · Ideal: 55–91 in (1,400–2,300 mm) · covered by irrigation

• Dry-season length100

  Here: 6 months · Ideal: at most 4 months · covered by irrigation

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 0 days · Ideal: at most 2 days

A short dry season (2–3 months) helps flowering happen all at once. Above ~23 °C average, quality and yield fall; frost kills.

Coffea arabica. Sources: DaMatta & Ramalho 2006, Impacts of drought and temperature stress on coffee physiology and production (Brazilian Journal of Plant Physiology); FAO ECOCROP: Coffea arabica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.