What To Plant In February In Florida

If you’re wondering what to plant in February in Florida, you’re in the right place. This month marks the exciting start of Florida’s prime planting season, offering a golden opportunity to get your hands dirty. The cooler, drier weather is perfect for establishing a wide variety of crops and ornamentals before the intense summer heat arrives.

Let’s get your garden planned for a successful and productive year.

February is a transitional month, but in Florida, it’s a powerhouse for planting. You can focus on two main categories: cool-season vegetables that will finish strong and warm-season starters that need a head start. The key is knowing your specific Florida region—North, Central, or South—as frost dates vary.

Vegetables to Plant in February

Your vegetable garden can be incredibly diverse this month. Focus on these reliable performers:

Tomatoes: Start transplants now for an early summer harvest. Choose heat-set varieties like ‘Solar Fire’ or ‘Celebrity’ for better success later on.
Peppers: Both sweet and hot pepper transplants do well when planted in February. They establish roots in the mild weather.
Eggplant: Another heat-lover that benefits from an early start. Transplants are the way to go.
Potatoes: Plant seed potatoes early in the month. They thrive in the cool spring weather.
Beans: Bush beans and pole beans can be sown directly into the soil. They germinate quickly in warming soils.
Cucumbers: For an early crop, plant seeds or transplants now. Consider trellising them to save space.
Sweet Corn: Plant seeds in blocks for good pollination. Succession plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
Herbs: Basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley can be sown directly or planted as transplants. Many herbs actually prefer this time of year.

Don’t Forget These Cool-Season Crops

In North and Central Florida, you can still plant quick-maturing cool-season veggies, especially in the first half of February. These include:

Lettuce and other leafy greens
Radishes
Carrots
Broccoli and cauliflower (transplants only)

Fruits to Plant Now

February is an excellent month for establishing fruit trees and bushes. They have time to develop roots before the stress of summer.

Blueberries: Perfect planting time. Choose varieties suited to Florida, like ‘Emerald’ or ‘Jewel’.
Blackberries & Raspberries: Plant bare-root or container-grown plants. They’re easy to grow in Florida.
Citrus Trees: A great time to plant oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes. Ensure you buy from certified disease-free sources.
Fig Trees: They establish beautifully when planted in late winter. You might even get a small crop this first year.
Strawberries: If you didn’t plant in fall, you can still put in transplants for a late spring harvest.

Flowers and Ornamentals for February

Add color and life to your landscape. These flowers thrive when planted now:

Marigolds: A classic, pest-repelling annual.
Zinnias: Easy from seed and provide fantastic cut flowers.
Pentas: A butterfly and hummingbird magnet that loves Florida heat.
Salvia: Drought-tolerant and comes in many colors.
Sunflowers: Kids love them, and they grow remarkably fast.
Perennials: It’s a ideal time to plant perennial shrubs and flowering plants like plumbago, firebush, and bulbine.

Regional Considerations Across Florida

Florida is not one climate. Your planting schedule should adjust based on your location.

North Florida

Watch for late frosts. Focus on cool-season crops early in the month and begin warm-season transplants indoors or under protection. Hold off on planting extremely heat-sensitive things like okra until March or April.

Central Florida

This is the sweet spot. You can confidently plant almost all the warm-season vegetables and fruits listed. The risk of frost is very low, but still possible in early February for some areas.

South Florida

You’re already in full summer-like conditions. Plant all warm-season crops directly. You can also start thinking about tropical fruits like mangoes and avocados, if you have the space for them.

Essential February Gardening Tasks

Planting is just one part of the job. Here’s your to-do list for the month:

Soil Preparation: Amend your garden beds with 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to established plants as they begin there new spring growth.
Weed Control: Tackle weeds early while they’re small and the soil is moist. A layer of mulch helps tremendously.
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of pine straw, bark, or leaves around plants. This conserves water, suppresses weeds, and cools roots.
Pest & Disease Watch: Keep a eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Use insecticidal soap or Bt (for caterpillars) as needed. Good airflow prevents fungal diseases.
Irrigation: Water new plantings regularly. As rains become less frequent, establish a deep watering routine for your garden.

Step-by-Step: Planting a Tomato Transplant

Let’s walk through planting Florida’s favorite garden vegetable:

Choose a Sunny Spot: Select a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
Dig a Deep Hole: Dig a hole deeper than the pot the transplant is in.
Amend the Soil: Mix some compost into the soil you removed from the hole.
Plant Deeply: Remove the lower leaves and bury the stem up to the remaining top leaves. This encourages a stronger root system.
Water Thoroughly: Soak the soil around the plant immediately after planting.
Add Support: Place a cage or stake next to the plant to support it as it grows.
Mulch: Apply mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the stem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Early: In North Florida, rushing warm-season crops can lead to frost damage. Know your average last frost date.
Overcrowding: Follow spacing guidelines on seed packets. Good airflow prevents disease.
Overwatering: Check soil moisture with your finger. Water only when the top inch feels dry.
Ignoring Soil Health: Florida’s sandy soil needs organic matter. Don’t skip adding compost.
Forgetting to Harden Off: If you started plants indoors, acclimate them to outdoor sun and wind over a week before planting them out permanantly.

FAQ: Your February Planting Questions Answered

What can I plant in February in Central Florida?

In Central Florida, you can plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, cucumbers, squash, sweet corn, and most herbs. It’s also a great time for citrus trees and blueberries.

Is February too late to plant strawberries in Florida?

For a full harvest, fall planting is best. However, you can plant strawberry transplants in February for a smaller, late spring picking. Choose everbearing varieties.

What flowers bloom in February in Florida?

Many flowers planted earlier will be blooming, including petunias, pansies, and snapdragons. For flowers you plant in February that will bloom soon, try marigolds, zinnias, or sunflowers.

Can I plant potatoes in February in Florida?

Yes! February is actually a prime month for planting seed potatoes in most of Florida. They need the cool spring weather to develop before summer heat arrives.

When should I start my seeds for a Florida garden?

For warm-season crops, many gardeners start seeds indoors in December or January. In February, you can still start seeds for fast growers like cucumbers and beans directly in the ground, or start seeds indoors for crops you’ll transplant in March.

February is a month of action in the Florida garden. By getting your plants in the ground now, you set the stage for months of abundant harvests and beautiful blooms. Take advantage of the pleasant weather, prepare your soil well, and choose the right plants for your region. Your efforts this month will be rewarded many times over as your garden flourishes in the coming seasons.