The Best Time to Plant Wildflower Seeds in North Florida

Wildflowers such as black-eyed Susan perform best when planted in fall.

Those hoping to plant wildflower seeds in North Florida should be aware that wildflowers grown under garden conditions "may differ in appearance, flowering time, and pest susceptibility compared to that same species as it grows in the wild," according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension.

Hardiness Zones

The USDA hardiness zones found in the region include zones 8A and 8B in the panhandle and zones 8B and 9A in North Florida. Along the east coast, zone 9A stretches to the northern border of the state. A small part of the south central and southeastern portions of North Florida transition to zone 9B.

Planting Dates

The best planting time for wildflowers in North Florida occurs from late August to mid-October, before the dry weather period for the growing region, advises the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This includes the panhandle and North Florida areas.

Alternative Dates

Wildflowers may be planted in November or December. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services warns that cold or wet weather can cause seeds to lie dormant and fail to sprout during those planting dates.

References

• Grow It: Florida USDA Hardiness Zone Map
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Native Florida Wildflowers
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Common Native Wildflowers of North Florida

Resources

• Broward College/Florida Atlantic University Library: Florida Native Wildflowers