If you've landed on this page, you're probably interested in figuring out what the best vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers are to be planting in Florida. In the Sunshine State, we're blessed with a unique subtropical climate that accommodates a wide range of plant life throughout the year. However, this also means we have a specific planting calendar. In this guide, we'll navigate through each month, highlighting the best plants for each season. If you're not sure where you can get seeds and soil building amendments, we've got you covered!

Our friends at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have made up some fantastic graphics to go with each month, which we'll be using in this article. Let's go!

January

In the colder month of January, cool-season vegetables reign supreme. It's an excellent time for planting broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. You can also cultivate leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and kale.

February

As we move into February, continue your cool-season vegetable planting. You can also start planting strawberries. It's a good time to put in annuals like pansies and snapdragons. For perennials, consider planting camellias, known for their winter blooms.

March

March signals the approach of spring. You can begin planting warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. It's also time to add bright annuals like petunias and marigolds to your garden. For a touch of native Florida, try planting wildflowers such as Black-eyed Susans and Coreopsis.

April

In April, continue your warm-season planting. It's the perfect time to plant okra, watermelon, and sweet potatoes. Flowers like zinnias, vinca, and salvia make great additions to any garden. Plant poinsettias indoors, ready to be displayed during the holiday season.

May

May is an ideal time for planting tropical and subtropical fruits like mangoes, avocados, and guavas. Vegetables like southern peas and sweet corn can also be planted now. Sun-loving perennials like daylilies and hibiscus are great options for your Florida garden.

June

As we head into the warmest part of the year, planting slows down a bit. Focus on heat-tolerant plants such as sweet potatoes and okra. It's also a good time to plant palms and summer annuals like pentas and lantana.

July

July is a challenging month for planting in Florida due to the heat. It's best to plant heat-tolerant vegetables like okra, southern peas, and sweet potatoes. It's also an excellent time for planting tropical plants like hibiscus and crotons.

August

Despite the heat, August is a great time to plant pumpkins for the fall. You can also plant heat-loving annuals like marigolds and zinnias. It's a good time to start your fall vegetable garden, planting crops like broccoli and cauliflower.

September

September brings relief from the summer heat. It's a perfect time to plant cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes. It's also an excellent time to plant Florida-friendly trees and shrubs, as they'll have time to establish their roots before the next growing season.

October

In October, continue with cool-season crops like kale, collards, and turnips. It's also time to plant perennials like salvia, African daisy, and lavender. Don't forget to plant strawberries for a sweet treat in the spring.

November

November is a perfect time to plant herbs like dill, parsley, and cilantro. You can also start cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, and peas. This is also a great month for planting roses.

December

As the year closes, it's time to plant cold-hardy vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and radishes. You can also plant beautiful winter annuals like pansies and petunias.

In Florida, every month offers unique planting opportunities. Remember, each plant has specific needs, so it's essential to consider soil, light, and water requirements. Our friends over at the IFAS Extension also made a really helpful guide specifically about growing herbs in Central Florida. Happy planting!

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