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!
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Planting in Florida in the colder month of January is an experience full of surprises due to its unpredictable weather, but it's a key period for planting a wide array of cool-season vegetables. South Florida, in particular, has an even broader variety of plants that can be added to the list. Some perennial vegetables are also ideal for year-round planting in Florida. It's an excellent time for planting broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. You can also cultivate leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and kale.
February can bring a shift towards warm-season crops when planting in Florida, but it depends on who you ask. Some people just choose to continue with cool-season vegetable planting and leave the warm-season crops for a bit later in the year. Either way, the weakening and less frequent cold fronts make it ideal for planting. Some gardeners in Central Florida are keen to introduce warm-season veggies early in the month, while others choose to hold off until the threat of frost has passed. In North Florida, several transplants can still be added, however, be ready for late frosts. 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 signals the approach of spring. Gardeners can commence the planting of tender perennial vegetables once the risk of frost has passed. 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 is a period of abundance for Central Florida with a variety of new plants ready to get started. So, continue the warm-season planting from March. 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.
As Summer starts to show its face in May, the focus for planting in Florida shifts towards much warmer weather crops. A few cool-season leafy crops can still mature before the hot weather kicks in. 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 day lilies and hibiscus are great options for your Florida garden.
June and July bring the heat in Florida, emphasizing the importance of keeping newly planted edibles well watered until they establish. We're starting to experience the warmest part of the year, so planting can slow 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 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.
Despite the hot and humid conditions in August, it's time to start planting your fall garden in Florida. With some parts of Florida experiencing below-normal rainfall, regular watering of new plantings is crucial. 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 is a peak month for hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida, but also one of the best months for planting. Since this is the month that really brings relief from the summer heat, it's the perfect time to start most of your cool-season crops from seed. It's the ideal time to plant 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 is the transition month for most Florida gardeners to move to cool-season crops. As most of Florida is entering the dry season, consistent watering of new plantings is necessary. Continue with 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.
Planting in Florida is ideal in November, thanks to above-normal temperatures and precipitation. It's the perfect time for most of the state to plant cool-season crops. November is also a perfect time to plant herbs like dill, parsley, and cilantro. You can also start vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, and peas. This is also a great month for planting roses.
December is a month of fluctuating temperatures in Florida. In South Florida, a frost-free area, a variety of plants can be added to the list. As the year closes, for most of the state, it's the ideal 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!
