Guide for Planting Vegetables & Flowers in Florida During March
Florida is known for its year-round growing season, but part of that year includes the long summers that bring searing heat and heavy rainfalls. These conditions limit the types of flowers and vegetables that can be grown during the summer. By February or March all danger of frost has passed. Because the state is so large, planting times may be slightly different in the northern, central and southern portions of the state. Does this Spark an idea?
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March Vegetables for South Florida
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March brings warmer weather and lots of sunshine in Florida. Gardeners start planting crops such as bush beans, eggplant, sweet corn, onions, radishes, peppers and tomatoes. This period is still Florida's dry season, so additional water must be provided to plants. Soils in South Florida may not offer support for plants with heavier crops. Staking of plants may be necessary in that area.
March Flowers for South Florida
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Temperatures can be quite warm in South Florida in March. Flowering plants that prefer cooler temperatures will not do well in Florida heat. Instead, try plants such as amaranthus, salvia, balsam, sweet William, marigolds, phlox, geraniums and zinnia. Most bulb plants are not recommended due to intense heat and heavy rain conditions. Voodoo lily and walking iris are two bulbs that can be planted in South Florida in the spring.
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March Vegetables for Central Florida
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Central Florida's temperatures in March will favor planting of bush and pole beans, carrots, beets, squash, collard, cucumbers, lettuce, peas and pumpkin, according to the University of Florida Extension Planting Guide.
March Flowers for Central Florida
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According to the University of Florida gardening calendar for Osceola County, annuals for March planting include aster, geraniums, ageratum, hollyhocks, lobelia, verbena, marigolds, penta and zinnia. Bulbs recommended for March planting include canna, dahlia, African iris, tuberose, spider lily, zephyr lily and watsonia.
March Vegetables for Northern Florida
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Northern Florida can be quite cool in March. Vegetables that will grow well in these conditions include beans, carrots, endive, okra, lettuce, peas, potatoes, celery, squash and watermelon. Additional moisture will be necessary as the summer days lengthen.
March Flowers for Northern Florida
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Because of March's cool temperatures, it is best to wait to plant very cold-sensitive flowers. Recommended flowers for March planting include alyssum, impatiens, dahlias, pentas, cosmos, begonias, asters, lobelia, ageratum and vincas. You can even grow tulips in northern Florida if they are stored at cold temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit for 120 days before planting in the ground.
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References
- Photo Credit vegetables image by cherie from Fotolia.com
