What To Plant In Florida In February

If you’re wondering what to plant in Florida in February, you’re in the right place. This month is a prime planting window for many of our favorite crops, offering a sweet spot between winter chills and summer heat.

Florida’s unique climate, split between north, central, and south regions, means your specific planting list will vary. But February generally provides cool, dry weather that’s perfect for establishing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers before the humidity returns. Let’s get your garden planned.

Your February planting guide is divided into three main categories: vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This list focuses on plants that thrive when started this month.

Vegetables for Your Florida February Garden

This is the last call for many cool-season crops and the perfect time to start warm-season ones. Focus on transplants for a head start, but many can be sown directly from seed.

Tomatoes: Get transplants in the ground now. Choose heat-set varieties like ‘Celebrity’ or ‘Solar Fire’ for better summer performance.
Peppers: Both sweet and hot pepper transplants do well planted in February. They need warm soil, so if a cold snap hits, be ready to cover them.
Eggplant: Another heat-lover that benefits from an early start. Transplants are the way to go.
Beans: Bush beans and pole beans can be sown directly. They grow rapidly in the warming soil.
Cucumbers: Direct sow or transplant. Consider vining varieties for vertical space savings.
Sweet Corn: Plant seeds directly in blocks (not single rows) for better pollination.
Summer Squash & Zucchini: Direct sowing works fine. Plant a few seeds per hill and thin later.

Don’t forget these cool-season holdovers, especially in North and Central Florida:

Lettuce & Greens (leaf lettuce, romaine)
Carrots & Radishes (direct sow only)
Broccoli & Cauliflower (from transplants)
Potatoes (plant seed potatoes early in the month)

Herbs to Plant Now

Many herbs flourish in Florida’s February conditions. You can plant most from small pots found at your local nursery.

Basil: A must-have for summer. It hates cold, so plant now but protect if temps drop.
Oregano & Marjoram: Perennial herbs that establish well now.
Parsley: Both curly and flat-leaf types do good in cooler spring weather.
Dill & Cilantro: These tend to bolt quickly in heat, so planting them now gives you a longer harvest window.
Rosemary & Thyme: Established plants will thrive. Ensure they have excelent drainage.

Flowers That Thrive

Add color and attract pollinators to your vegetable garden. These annuals are perfect for February planting.

Marigolds: A classic companion plant that can help deter some pests.
Zinnias: Easy to grow from seed and provide constant blooms.
Sunflowers: Kids love them. Choose dwarf or giant varieties based on your space.
Pentas & Salvia: Great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds all season long.
Coleus: For stunning foliage color in shaded or partly shaded areas.

Regional Considerations: North, Central, & South Florida

Florida is not one gardening zone. Your success depends on understanding your region.

North Florida

You still face a real risk of frost in early February. Focus on cool-season crops (potatoes, broccoli, lettuce) for the first half of the month. Begin planting warm-season transplants (tomatoes, peppers) towards the end of February, but keep frost blankets handy. Hold off on super heat-loving plants like okra or southern peas until March.

Central Florida

This is your ideal planting time. You can confidently plant almost all the warm-season vegetables and herbs listed. The risk of frost is very low, but not impossible in some inland areas. Soil temperatures are warming nicely.

South Florida

You’re already in full warm-season mode. Plant all heat-loving crops now. You can also start tropical perennials and fruits like bananas or papayas if you have space. Your main challenge will be irrigation as the dry season continues.

Essential February Gardening Tasks

Planting is just one part of the job. Here’s your quick task checklist for the month.

Soil Preparation: Amend planting beds with 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. It improves drainage and fertility.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when you plant. For established citrus trees, this is a key feeding month.
Irrigation: Water new plantings daily for the first week. Then, switch to deep watering 2-3 times a week if rain is lacking. Early morning is best.
Pest Watch: Aphids and caterpillars become active. Inspect plants regularly. Use a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap for mild infestations.
Weed Control: Mulch heavily around plants with pine straw, leaves, or bark to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. A few inches is plenty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls to ensure a succesful season.

Planting Too Deep: This is especailly crucial for tomatoes. Plant them deep, but most other crops should be planted at the same depth as their nursery pot.
Overcrowding: Follow spacing guidelines on seed packets. Good air flow prevents disease.
Ignoring Soil Temperature: Warm-season crops like peppers will stall in cool soil. If in doubt, wait a week or two.
Forgetting to Harden Off Transplants: If you started plants indoors, acclimate them to full sun over 5-7 days before planting them out permanantly.

FAQ: Your Florida February Gardening Questions

What can I plant in Florida in February?
As listed above, focus on tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, cucumbers, squash, herbs like basil, and flowers like zinnias and marigolds.

Is February too late to plant a garden in Florida?
Not at all! For warm-season crops, February is actually an ideal time in most of the state to get plants established before the intense summer heat.

What vegetables grow best in Florida in winter?
While February is a transition, cool-season crops like carrots, lettuce, broccoli, and radishes can still be planted, especially in northern parts of the state.

Can you plant tomatoes in February in Florida?
Yes, planting tomato transplants in February is highly recommended for a spring harvest before the summer heat and humidity sets in.

By following this guide, you’ll make the most of Florida’s fantastic February gardening weather. With a little planning and these tips, your garden will be off to a strong and productive start for the season ahead.