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North Florida Gardening Calendar

Sydney Park-Brown andLarry Williams

January

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plants that can be added to the garden during the coolest months include alyssum, dianthus, pansy, petunia, viola, and snapdragon. See

Bulbs: Crinum, agapanthus, and gloriosa lily can be planted now. Mulch to protect from cold temperatures. See

Camellias: Select and plant camellia this month. Visit local nurseries now for the best selection of colors and forms. See

Figure 1. Camellia
Figure 1. Camellia
Credit: UF/IFAS

Vegetables: Irish potatoes can be planted now. Start with healthy seed pieces purchased from a local nursery or online seed catalog. Continue planting cool-season crops, including broccoli, kale, carrots, and lettuce. See

What to Do

Deciduous fruit: Plant deciduous fruit trees now to give their roots time to develop before the warm, dry spring months. Prune and fertilize existing trees. See

Cold protection: Be ready to cover tender plants to minimize damage. Frost or freezes are likely this month and next. See

Irrigation: Water plants if temperatures remain higher than normal and rainfall is scarce. See

Shrubs and trees: Prune non-spring flowering shrubs and trees this month to improve form. See

Arbor Day: Celebrate Florida Arbor Day (the third Friday of January) by planting a tree in your yard or community. Consider a hurricane-resistant tree, such as live oak, bald cypress, cabbage palm, or crapemyrtle. See

Crapemyrtle: Remove seed pods, crossing branches, and small twiggy growth to improve the appearance and form of the plant, if desired. Hard pruning is not required. See

Pests: Control persistent scale insects on citrus, shrubs, camellias, and deciduous fruit trees; apply horticultural oil while plants are dormant. See

February

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plants that can take a chill include dianthus, pansy, viola, and dusty miller. See

Bulbs: Try dahlia, crinum, and agapanthus. Provide adequate water for establishment and protect them from cold with mulch. See

Flowering plants: Many trees and shrubs will be in bloom, including red maple (Acer rubrum) and star magnolia (Magnolia kobus var. stellata). See

Vegetables: Plant potatoes now. Start with healthy seed pieces purchased from a local nursery or online seed catalog. Continue to plant cool-season crops. See

What to Do

Palms: Give cold-damaged palms proper care to encourage their recovery. See

Citrus: Avoid pruning until spring. Cold temperatures may still injure citrus. See

Roses: Prune roses this month to remove damaged canes and improve the overall form. After pruning, fertilize and apply a fresh layer of mulch. Blooming will begin 8–9 weeks after pruning. See

Figure 2. Rose
Figure 2. Rose
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Eric Zamora

Shrubs: Make certain that you know the height and spread of any shrub you plan to install. Not all shrubs are suitable for planting next to homes or under windows. See

Lawn: Apply a preemergence weed killer (not a "weed and feed" fertilizer) when temperatures rise to 65°F for 4–5 days to prevent warm-season weeds. Timing is important for good control. See

Citrus and other fruit trees: Fertilize now if not done in January. Frequency and amount of fertilization depend on the age of the tree. See

March

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Dianthus and other cool-season annuals continue to flourish. Consider planting warm-season annuals such as angelonia, wax begonia, vinca, and zinnia at the end of the month. See

Bulbs: Plant dahlia, canna, and gloriosa bulbs for spring and summer flowering. Provide stakes as needed to support growth. See

Herbs: Consider growing edible ginger. Plant rhizomes in well-drained soil in full to part sun. See

Vegetables: Begin planting warm-season crops, such as beans, tomatoes, squash, and corn, early in the month for late spring harvest. Protect from frost. See

Figure 3. Tomato
Figure 3. Tomato
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Sally Lanigan

What to Do

Azaleas: Prune azaleas when they have finished blooming to reduce their size and improve their form. See

Shrubs and trees: Prune when the dormant season ends and new growth begins. See

Palms and shrubs: Fertilize palms, azaleas, camellias, and other ornamental shrubs if needed. Choose a fertilizer in which at least 30% of its nitrogen is slow release. See

Irrigation: Check your sprinkler system for problems such as broken or misaligned spray heads. See

April

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: New varieties of coleus do well in sun or shade and provide vivid colors and patterns for months. See

Bulbs: This is an ideal time to plant many bulbs. Consider blood lily, caladium, or canna. Louisiana iris and others make beautiful cut flowers. See

Figure 4. Yellow canna
Figure 4. Yellow canna
Credit: UF/IFAS

Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, oregano, sage, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary. See

Vegetables: Continue planting warm-season crops. Mulch well to prevent weeds and provide irrigation if rainfall is lacking. See

What to Do

Pests: Monitor landscape plants for aphids that feed on tender new growth. See

Beneficials: Identify and conserve beneficial insects. These insects should be encouraged in your yard! See

Perennials and bulbs: Divide clumps of bulbs, ornamental grasses, or herbaceous perennials to expand or rejuvenate garden beds or to pass along to friends. See

Lawn insects: Rule out cultural problems, such as lack of water, that resemble insect damage before applying a pesticide. See

Lawns: Apply fertilizer after new growth has started—usually early April in north-central Florida and mid-April for north Florida and the panhandle. See

Shrubs: Choose from a wide variety of shrubs to add to the landscape now. See

Trees: Consider planting a spring-blooming tree, such as fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina), or redbud (Cercis canadensis). See

Mulch: Add mulch to minimize weeds and conserve moisture during dry weather. Organic mulches break down and add nutrients to the soil. See

May

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers Plants that can take summer heat include salvia, angelonia, wax begonia, ornamental pepper, vinca, pentas, beach sunflower. See

Bulbs: Planting early-, mid-, and late-blooming varieties of daylily ensures months of color from these low-maintenance plants. See

Herbs: Continue to plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, oregano, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary. See

Vegetables: Swiss chard will take the heat as well as okra, southern pea, and sweet potato. See

What to Do

Pests: Insects become more active in warm weather. Watch for thrips, scales, and mites on ornamental plants. See

Gardenias: Yellowing of older leaves is usually normal; yellowing of new growth usually indicates a micronutrient deficiency. See

Oleanders: Inspect chewed or ragged leaves for oleander caterpillars at work. See

Lawn insects: Watch for damage from chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass and begin scouting for newly hatched mole crickets in bahiagrass lawns. See

Tomatoes: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on tomato plants. See

New plants: Produce more plants by air layering, grafting, division, or cuttings. See

Figure 5. Hibiscus
Figure 5. Hibiscus
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Marisol Amador

Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. Hire an ISA-certified arborist. See

Lawn Mowing: Encourage healthy growth and discourage insects, weeds, and diseases by mowing correctly. See

June

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Annuals that can take full sun during hot summer months include celosia, portulaca, vinca, and some coleus. See

Palms: Summer's warm, rainy weather is the perfect time to plant palms. Make sure not to cover the trunk with soil. See

Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary. Pinch back regularly to prevent flowering and enhance branching. See

Vegetables: Plant okra, southern pea, and sweet potato. See

Figure 6. Eggplant
Figure 6. Eggplant
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

What to Do

Pests: Monitor the landscape weekly for harmful insects. Knowing which insects commonly attack a plant can aid in identification and treatment. See

Irrigation: If rainfall has been lacking, watch for drought stress and water as needed. See

Palms and cycads: Watch for nutrient deficiencies or environmental problems with palms and correct using an appropriate treatment. See

Summer-flowering shrubs: Prune lightly during the warmer months to encourage more branching and blooming. Azaleas can still be pruned in June without removing next spring's flower buds. See

Fertilizer Bans: Certain municipalities in north Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area. See

Lawns: Yellow and brown patches in St. Augustinegrass can be caused by chinch bugs, disease, or lack of water. Take time to determine the cause so your remedy is effective. Rejuvenate areas where grass does not grow well by replacing it with a more adapted turf or groundcover. See

July

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: As the heat continues, water when needed to keep the soil evenly moist. See

Figure 7. Mexican sage
Figure 7. Mexican sage
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

Bulbs: Butterfly lily, gladiolus, and society garlic can be planted during the middle of summer. See

Palms: Continue planting palms while the rainy season is in full swing. Support large palms with braces for 6–8 months after planting. Nails should not be driven directly into a palm trunk. See

Vegetables: Start your tomato and Halloween pumpkin seeds! Cucumbers, peppers, and southern peas can also be planted now. Watch for insects and disease symptoms. See

What to Do

Lawns: Determine the cause of any lawn problems before taking action. If an insect is the culprit, treat only the affected area. Rule out disease or sprinkler malfunction. See

Fertilizer Bans: Certain municipalities in north Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area. See

Vegetable garden: Use summer heat to solarize garden soil for fall planting. It takes 4–6 weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start now. See

Azaleas: Flower buds have formed. Prune no later than mid-July to protect next spring's bloom. See

Irrigation: Install an inexpensive rain shutoff device to conserve water and save money. If one is already installed, check that it is operating properly. See

Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. Hire an ISA-certified arborist. See

Pests on ornamental plants: Inspect for caterpillars on trees and shrubs. Large trees can normally withstand caterpillar feeding, but specimen shrubs may need treatment if damage is extensive. See

Peach and nectarine trees: Consider planting one of the many new peach and nectarine cultivars that grow well in North Florida. Newly planted trees should be fertilized now. Apply 1/2 lb. per tree of 8-8-8 fertilizer. See

August

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: The hottest days of summer limit planting now to heat-tolerant vinca, gaillardia, bulbine, coleus, and vinca. See

Figure 8. Vinca
Figure 8. Vinca
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

Bulbs: Aztec lily, butterfly lily, walking iris, and spider lily can be planted any time of the year, even late summer. See

Herbs: Herbs that can be planted from plants (not seeds) include bay laurel, ginger, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary. See

Vegetables: Many cool-season crops can be started now as well as a final crop of warm-season vegetables such as lima beans, cucumbers, eggplant, and peppers. Tomatoes can also be planted for the fall garden. See

What to Do

Lawns: Determine the cause of any damage to the lawn so the proper remedy is used. Damage from insects, disease, or irrigation failure can produce similar symptoms. Use a sharp mower blade and only remove a third of the grass blade to reduce stress on the lawn. See

Fertilizer Bans: Certain municipalities in north Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area. See

Palms: Check older palm fronds for yellowing as it may indicate a magnesium or potassium deficiency. Apply an appropriate palm fertilizer. See

Poinsettias: Pinch back poinsettias and mums before the end of the month to allow time for buds to form for winter bloom. See

Ornamental plants: Rapid growth and leaching rains may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants. See

Annuals and Perennials: Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering annuals and perennials to extend the season into the fall months.

September

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Try ageratum, celosia, zinnia, and wax begonia for color into fall. See

Bulbs: Add color, texture, and pattern to the garden with the many varieties of elephant's ear (Alocasia spp.), calla, narcissus, and zephyr lily. See

Herbs: Plant Mexican tarragon, mint, rosemary, and basil. See

Vegetables: It is time to establish strawberry plants. Other veggies to plant now are broccoli, carrot, cabbage, collards, and many others. See

Figure 9. Hydroponic lettuce and herbs
Figure 9. Hydroponic lettuce and herbs
Credit: UF/IFAS

What to Do

Lawn insects: Continue to monitor the lawn for signs of insect damage. Fall armyworms, chinch bugs, mole crickets, and sod webworms are still active this month. See

Perennials and bulbs: Divide and replant those that have grown too large or need rejuvenation. Add organic matter to new planting areas and monitor soil moisture during establishment. See

Lawns: The last fertilizer application should be around the middle or end of September in north Florida. Choose a fertilizer with no or very little phosphorus unless a soil test indicates a need for it. A fertilizer containing controlled-release nitrogen yields longer-lasting results. See

Fertilizer Bans: Certain municipalities in north Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area. See

Lawn weeds: Maintain healthy grass because it is the best defense against weeds. Avoid "weed and feed" products; only apply herbicides to areas with weed infestations. See

Garden for hummingbirds: Plant firebush, firespike, russelia, and other plants to supply nectar for visiting hummingbirds. See

Vegetable garden: Prepare the fall vegetable garden if not done in August. Using transplants from your local garden center will get the garden off to a fast start, but seeds offer more varieties to choose from. For a list of Florida-proven performers. See

October

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Fall is a good time to plant native wildflowers from seed. See

Bulbs: Fragrant daffodil varieties for North Florida include 'Carlton', 'Fortune', 'Silver Chimes', 'Thalia', and 'Sweetness'. See

Herbs: Some to try from plants or seed include dill, fennel, oregano, and sage. See

Vegetables: Plant bulbing onions, salad crops such as arugula, lettuce, and spinach, as well as numerous other cool-season crops. See

What to Do

Lawns: Control winter weeds in lawns before they appear. Preemergent herbicides must be applied at the right time to be effective. Apply when nighttime temps are 55°F–60°F for 4–5 days. Avoid "weed and feed" products. See

Winter landscapes: Plant evergreen hollies; their bright berries add color to the landscape when other plants have died back for the winter. Water well when planting and mulch to minimize weeds. See

Pine needles: Gather pine needles that are dropping and use them as natural mulch. See

Strawberries: This is the last month to set strawberry plants in the garden or in large containers. Either way, water daily until plants are established. See

Figure 10. Strawberry
Figure 10. Strawberry
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Thomas Wright

Lawns: Lawns start to lose color as the weather cools. If a green winter lawn is desired, overseed with annual ryegrass when daytime temps are in the low 70s, but keep in mind that watering and mowing will be required.

Lawn disease: Watch for brown patch and large patch, fungal diseases that cause areas of grass to turn brown. Since treatment is difficult, prevention with proper cultural practices is key. The disease becomes active when the soil temperature, measured 2–4 in. deep, is between 65°F and 75°F and goes dormant when the weather warms in May. See

November

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Pansy, viola, and chrysanthemum create great fall color. See

Bulbs: Bulbs to plant include amaryllis, crinum, and daylily. Plant spider lily in partial shade. Plants produce foliage in winter, and beautiful red flowers emerge in late summer. See

Figure 11. Crinum lily
Figure 11. Crinum lily
Credit: UF/IFAS

Herbs: A wide variety of herbs like cooler, dryer weather, including cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, sage, and thyme. See

Vegetables: A long list of cool-season crops can be planted now including broccoli, cabbage, kale, and lettuce. See

What to Do

Citrus: Protect small citrus trees if freezing temperatures are predicted by watering well at least a day before the freeze. You may also use covers that extend to the ground for protection. See

Scale insects: Apply dormant oil sprays to control scale insects on trees and shrubs. See

Irrigation: Lawns and most plants do not need frequent irrigation in winter. Turn off irrigation systems and water as needed. See

Flowering trees: Consider planting cold-hardy flowering trees, such as dogwood, redbud, fringetree, and Taiwan cherry, that bloom in late winter and/or spring. See

Birds: Make a small brush pile from plant debris in the back of the yard for birds. See

Camellias: Add some of the new cultivars for bright spots of color in winter. Disbudding, or removing some buds now, ensures larger blooms later. See

December

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Masses of petunia, pansy, snapdragon, lobelia, alyssum, and viola add color in winter. See

Bulbs: Amaryllis can be forced to bloom now or planted outdoors for spring blooms. See

Herbs: Some examples of cool-weather herbs include parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, garlic, comfrey, and cilantro. See

Vegetables: Reliable cool-season vegetables include cabbages, collards, beets, and broccoli. See

What to Do

Poinsettias: Enjoy one of the most popular indoor holiday plants. With proper care, this colorful plant gives weeks of color. See

Figure 12. Poinsettia
Figure 12. Poinsettia
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

Cold damage: Wait until warm weather returns to cut back cold-damaged plants. See

Vegetable garden: Make sure that seeds and transplants are properly spaced for good development of tubers and vegetables. See

Houseplants: Inspect regularly for pests on indoor plants. Keep in mind that adequate light is a key factor to ensuring that indoor plants thrive. See

Soil test: Consider performing a soil test if plants do not perform as desired or if new plantings are planned. See

Compost/mulch: Fallen leaves provide the carbon ingredient needed for successful composting and also make a good mulch. See

Garden pests: Continue monitoring and treat pests as needed. While cooler weather generally means fewer pests, some populations actually increase at this time of year. See

What to Do Every Month

UF Resources for Gardeners

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Carolyn Wildes and Mary Derrick for their time and dedication to the Florida Gardening Calendar project.