“Why You Should Grow Annuals in Florida This Winter: A Complete Guide”

In Florida, when winter comes, we do not need to hang up our tools and look out on bare gardens. We grow flowerful annuals all winter. Our winter is not for planning spring gardens and leisurely perusal of seed catalogs! In November, December, and January, we’re still digging. We weed in March and harvest in April and May.

October through May are our best growing seasons. In South Florida, it’s absolutely our best time. In Central Florida, some plants last longer than they do in our more southern climes because their summers are less steamy. North Florida, while chillier, is still productive in the cool season.

Why Pick Annuals?

Annual plants lead their entire lives in one growing season. If you love the wall-to-wall color you get from annuals; winter is your best time to get it. In Florida’s cool season (and the best month will vary by region), you will plant and enjoy the bright blooms you loved all summer in your northern gardens.

Use all the annuals you loved in northern summers, as well as cool-season plants like petunias, pansies, and snapdragons, and add begonias, geraniums, and impatiens. We like the sun-loving varieties, as they grow anywhere. (See the plant list included.)

When do we grow annuals in Florida? All twelve months of the year but the actual plants will change. Most plants are best from October through May, but read the more limited list of plants that grow from June through September in the hot and wet season.

Understanding Florida’s Winter Climate and Growing Zones.

Think of Florida as having three, related, but progressively warmer zones to grow in.

North Florida

Your North Florida garden will be within Hardiness Zones 9a and b. North Florida is also defined as north of State Road 40. You can grow colorful annual blooms for all twelve months of the year, but your greatest plant choices will be available in the summer.

The newest version of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Guide (11-15-23) updates the hardiness zones and like the rest of the nation, Florida is trending warmer.

Central Florida

If your garden is within Central Florida, it will be in Hardiness Zone 9a and b and located between State Roads 40 and 70. You will have a good selection of annual blooms to use in both winter and summer. Some annuals (tropical perennials) will survive several years in the absence of a significant drop in temperature. For example, we and all our neighbors in Central Florida kept impatiens and other annuals for several years. Our hot summers in South Florida prevent that in our newest garden.

The updated version of Central Florida now shows the hardiness zones as follows: 9b, and 10a.

South Florida

South Florida primarily encompasses Zones 10b, 11a, and 11b (the Florida Keys). South Florida is the most tropical climate in North America; you will have a wide range of annual flower choices in the winter, with a smaller but reasonable number to choose from in summer. Also, as many plants we consider to be annual are tropical perennials, some will bloom in your garden for several years, winter and summer.

The 2023 zones are now from 10a to 11b.

The map and descriptions are from Florida Regiona Gardens, North, Central and South.

Making The Best Annual Plant Choices

Choosing the Right Annual Plants

We will choose annual plants for appearance of course; annuals are our outdoor decor elements and we can select for color, size and shape, first.

Then we will select plants for their ability to accept our seasonal growing conditions. The easiest way to do this is to use Table lll in this publication. The table will show you, flower by flower, the light and temperature requirements and the months to plant it. This is separated by region, so just follow the directions for the region of Florida you garden in.

How To Choose The Healthiest Plants At The Garden Center

When it’s time to select plants for your project, make sure to include these steps when you are at your garden center.

• First, does your garden center show overall healthy plants? Is the general appearance green and healthy?
• Next, select plants of a compact shape. A healthy, young plant, is compact, with even color, shiny leaves and short internodes, (the space between the nodes on a stem).
• The plant will have lots of buds, ready to open.
• Look for green foliage without holes or discoloration. These can indicate insect damage.
• Check the soil. It should feel moist but never soggy. Don’t accept dried out soil, the plants have been stressed.
• Is the plant showing even growth all around?
• There should be no weeds or moss in the pot.
• You should not see roots growing out of the pot. This indicates a plant that has been in the pot for too long and may have caused stress.
• Avoid plants with yellow or spotted leaves.

Florida’s Perfect Tool For Selecting Annuals

“Gardening With Annuals In Florida”

An expert at the University of Florida has published this article regarding growing annuals in Florida. Its key helpful points are as follows: Please use Table lll when buying annuals and planning your beds and containers.

• Find your region of the state
• Select annuals you like
• Use the planting dates and removal dates

Here is the article, I think this tool will save you time and money, it did for me. We plant our own property throughout the year and we used the tool to plant a community wide planting using over 1600 plants per season.

You will see three tables in the article, the first shows annuals to use as cut flowers, the second shows annuals with good salt tolerance, and the third is of the most general use showing regions, light conditions and planting dates. I refer to this, as I add new plants and locations.

Sample Table

 

How to Prepare your Plot and Plant your Flowers

Start with a location that accepts the plants you like. In a partially shaded spot I can use Impatiens walleriana, but if my spot is sunny for all or most of the day, I’ll use the Sun version of the plant.

Prepare the Soil

Next, prepare your soil, here are the steps to take in preparing your soil for planting annuals. If your soil is ready, the planting process is vastly improved. I plant with a cranky back and preparation helps me enjoy the garden.

• Test the soil: Before digging, have your local Extension Service test the soil to determine what nutrients are missing and what amendments to add. Here is how to find your own extension office.
• Improve the drainage: Annuals prefer well-drained soil. You can add peat moss or compost to help build up organic matter and improve drainage. 
• Add organic materials: Organic matter like compost, manure, tree leaves, and cover crops can help the soil store nutrients and fight toxic substances. Preparing the soil before planting will save you time and money and make the planting job go easier. I plant long rows of annuals on a seasonal basis and the condition of the soil makes the job pleasant.
• Mulch: The addition of mulch can help suppress weeds, reduce water needs, control the temperature and prevent soil-borne diseases. Shredded hardwood mulch is fine enough to not overpower the small plants and will break down over time.

How To Plant Your Annuals With A Ruler!

• Measure the distances: Especially when planting in long rows, keeping the lines straight and distances even makes a big difference in the end result. I use an old folding ruler, moving it along as I go. When planting multiple rows side by side, I offset them. So, if the plants in the first row are 12″ apart, the next row starts 6″ away. This ensures that the plants will completely fill the space as they grow.
• When planting, dig holes that are slightly larger than the plant’s root ball, and space them according to the specific needs of each species. When you buy new plants they usually come in 4″ diameter pots and have recommended differences on the pot’s tag. Planting at the right depth ensures the roots are well-covered and can absorb moisture efficiently.
• Care and Maintenance
• Water your annuals regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Early morning watering is ideal, as it reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Fertilize every four to six weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Mulching around the plants can help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.
• Protect Plants from Cold Weather: While Florida’s winters are generally mild, occasional frosts can occur. Protect your annuals by covering them with frost cloths or row covers on cold nights. Use only fabric, never plastic sheeting. For annuals in containers it is important to wrap the container itself to protect the roots in cold nights. Mulching can also help insulate the soil and protect roots from freezing temperatures. Pay attention to weather forecasts and be ready to take action to safeguard your plants from unexpected cold snaps.
• Dealing with Common Pests and Diseases: Common pests affecting winter annuals include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants and take action at the first sign of infestation. Use organic or chemical control methods as needed, following label instructions carefully. To prevent diseases, practice good garden hygiene by removing dead or diseased plant material and avoiding overhead watering, which can encourage fungal growth.

Summary,

Growing annual plants in Florida’s cool season offers a unique opportunity to enjoy vibrant gardens while other regions are experiencing harsh winters. The mild temperatures and lower humidity during this season create ideal conditions for any annual plants. These plants thrive in cooler weather and can add a splash of color to your garden from late fall through early spring. To ensure success, it is crucial to select the right varieties that are well-suited to Florida’s climate and to plant them at the right time, typically from late October to early December.

Proper soil preparation is essential, given Florida’s sandy soil, which often requires amendments like organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Regular watering, fertilizing, and mulching are key maintenance practices that help support healthy growth and blooming throughout the season. Additionally, it’s important to monitor weather forecasts and protect your plants from unexpected frosts using frost cloths or row covers. By following these guidelines, gardeners can achieve a flourishing winter garden full of colorful annuals that brighten up the cooler months in Florida.

Enjoy your bright flowers and happy digging.