Gardening in Florida — Planting Guide
Everything you need to grow a successful garden in Florida. Local climate data, USDA zones, frost dates, and month-by-month planting calendars for 3 cities.
Climate Overview for Florida
Florida spans USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, reflecting multiple climate types including Tropical monsoon and Humid subtropical. Growing seasons range from 290 to 365 frost-free days, and annual rainfall varies from 1170 to 1575mm across the state.
Best Plants for Florida
These plants are rated easy across every city we track in Florida
Basil
Herb50-75 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Lettuce
Vegetable30-60 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Mint
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Green Bean
Vegetable50-60 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Sunflower
Flower70-100 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Radish
Vegetable22-30 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Arugula
Vegetable21-40 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Swiss Chard
Vegetable50-60 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Green Onion
Vegetable20-30 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Marigold
Flower45-50 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Zinnia
Flower60-70 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Pansy
Flower55-80 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Cosmos
Flower50-60 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Aloe Vera
Herb365-730 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Chive
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Calendula
Flower45-65 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Catnip
Herb60-80 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Clover
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Cress
Vegetable7-14 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Dandelion
Vegetable45-60 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Nasturtium
Flower35-52 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Yarrow
Flower60-90 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Borage
Herb50-60 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Mizuna
Vegetable21-40 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Tatsoi
Vegetable21-45 days to harvest
easy in Florida
Buckwheat
Grain30-45 days to harvest
easy in FloridaCities in Florida
| City | USDA Zone | Frost-Free Days | Rainfall (mm) | Climate | Plantable Crops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 11 | 365 | 1575 | Tropical monsoon | 207 crops |
| Tampa | 10 | 340 | 1170 | Humid subtropical | 207 crops |
| Jacksonville | 8 | 290 | 1319 | Humid subtropical | 207 crops |
Planting Guides by City
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardening in Florida
What grows well in Florida?
Plants that grow easily across all Florida cities include: Basil, Lettuce, Mint, Green Bean, Sunflower, Radish. These are rated "easy" in every city we track in Florida. Your specific growing success will also depend on local microclimate and soil conditions.
What USDA hardiness zone is Florida?
Florida spans USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11. The specific zone for your area depends on elevation, latitude, and proximity to the coast.
When is the best time to plant a garden in Florida?
The best planting time in Florida varies by city. Growing seasons range from 290 to 365 frost-free days. Cities like Miami with 365 frost-free days can plant nearly year-round. Click on any city below for month-by-month planting calendars.