What You Should Plant in Florida Right Now

The Best Plants to Grow in Florida's Unique Climate

Florida's year-round growing season and subtropical climate create incredible opportunities for gardeners. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting your gardening journey, knowing what to plant and when can make all the difference in your garden's success.

Top Vegetables for Florida Gardens

Cool Season Crops (October - February):

• Tomatoes - Plant cherry varieties like 'Sweet 100' or determinate types like 'Celebrity' for best results
• Peppers - Both sweet bell peppers and hot varieties thrive in Florida's climate
• Leafy Greens - Lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula grow beautifully in cooler months
• Root Vegetables - Carrots, radishes, and beets are perfect for winter gardens

Warm Season Favorites (March - September):

• Okra - A heat-loving vegetable that produces abundantly in summer
• Sweet Potatoes - Plant slips in late spring for fall harvest
• Eggplant - Thrives in Florida's hot, humid summers
• Herbs - Basil, oregano, and rosemary flourish year-round

Beautiful Flowers for Year-Round Color

Florida gardeners can enjoy continuous blooms with the right plant selection:

• Pentas - Attract butterflies while providing constant color
• Marigolds - Natural pest deterrents that bloom prolifically
• Zinnias - Heat-tolerant annuals perfect for cutting gardens
• Bougainvillea - Stunning perennial vines with vibrant bracts

Native Plants: The Smart Choice

Incorporating native Florida plants into your garden offers numerous benefits:

• Firebush - Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
• Coontie - Florida's only native cycad, perfect for shady areas
• Beautyberry - Produces stunning purple berries that birds love
• Wild Coffee - Excellent understory plant with attractive berries

Essential Planting Tips for Florida Success

Timing is Everything: Florida's planting calendar differs significantly from northern states. Plan your garden around our two main growing seasons.

Soil Preparation: Most Florida soils are sandy and benefit from organic matter. Add compost regularly to improve water retention and nutrient content.

Water Wisely: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root systems. Water early morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.

Pest Management: Use integrated pest management techniques, including beneficial insects and companion planting.

Monthly Planting Guide

September - October: Perfect time to start cool-season vegetables and establish new perennials.

November - February: Continue planting cool-season crops and prepare beds for spring planting.

March - May: Transition to warm-season plants and start summer vegetable gardens.

June - August: Focus on heat-tolerant varieties and maintain existing gardens with proper watering.

Need help planning your garden? Get our free interactive plant guide to discover the perfect plants for your specific Florida location and growing conditions.

Essential Gardening Supplies for Florida Gardens

Having the right tools and supplies makes all the difference in your gardening success. From quality seeds and soil amendments to proper watering equipment and pest control solutions, investing in good gardening supplies will help your Florida garden thrive.

Shop our curated selection of gardening essentials - we've hand-picked the best tools, seeds, and supplies specifically for Florida gardeners.

Start Your Florida Garden Today

Florida's unique climate offers gardening opportunities year-round. By choosing the right plants for each season and following proper planting techniques, you'll create a thriving garden that provides fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and habitat for local wildlife.

Remember to check your specific hardiness zone within Florida, as the state spans zones 8b through 11, each with slightly different optimal planting times.