Month by Month Guide to 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 made some fantastic recommendations that helped us get started with this planting guide. Let’s go!
August
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.
Edibles to Plant in August
North Florida: Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Eggplant, Kale, Peppers, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Tropical Spinaches
Central Florida: Eggplant, Endive, Peppers, Sugarcane, Tomatoes, Tropical Spinaches
South Florida: Eggplant, Ginger, Peppers, Sugarcane, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Tropical Spinaches
September
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.
Edibles to Plant in September
North Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Strawberry, Swiss Chard
Central Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Lettuce, Peppers, Sugarcane, Strawberry, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Tropical Spinaches
South Florida: Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Eggplant, Endive, Ginger, Kale, Lettuce, Peppers, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Tropical Spinaches
October
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.
Edibles to Plant in October
North Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Strawberry, Swiss Chard
Central Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Strawberry, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard, Tropical Spinaches
South Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Peppers, Strawberry, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Tropical Spinaches, Amaranth, Calabaza, Celery, Long Squashes, Luffa, Mustard, Pineapple, Potatoes, Seminole Pumpkin, Spinach
November
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.
Edibles to Plant in November
North Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard, Celery, Mustard, Spinach
Central Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard
South Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Peppers, Strawberry, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Tropical Spinaches, Amaranth, Calabaza, Celery, Long Squashes, Luffa, Mustard, Pineapple, Potatoes, Seminole Pumpkin, Spinach
December
December is a month of fluctuating temperatures in Florida. In South Florida, a frostfree 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.
Edibles to Plant in December
North Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard, Celery, Mustard, Spinach
Central Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard
South Florida: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Peppers, Sugarcane, Swiss Chard, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Tropical Spinaches
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!
Article Courtesy: Revival Gardening - Orlando, FL 32837 - 407.538.7343
To read the full artiicle and learn other gardening tips, please visit : https://www.revivalgardening.com/post/your-comprehensive-guide-to-planting-in-florida-a-month-by-month-breakdown
