Diary of a Gardener - Fall Planting Season in Florida: What to Plant Now
Florida gardeners know—fall is our spring. While much of the country is winding down, we’re just getting started. Cooler temperatures, less humidity, and more comfortable days make this one of the best times to refresh your landscape and enjoy time outdoors. Whether you’re looking for instant color, pollinator-friendly perennials, or reliable shrubs that thrive here, fall is the perfect season to plant.
Annuals for Seasonal Color
Fall is when our garden centers are overflowing with vibrant annuals that just can’t survive the summer heat. These cool-season favorites will bring your beds and containers back to life:
Petunias – Long-lasting color and easy care.
Geraniums – Bright blooms that thrive in cooler weather.
Snapdragons – Tall spikes add height and cheer to borders.
Alyssum & Lobelia – Perfect for soft edging and containers.
Pansies & Violas – Classic fall favorites for rich, velvety color.
Perennials for Long-Term Beauty
Fall is also the ideal time to add perennials that will establish strong roots over winter and reward you with years of beauty:
Salvia – A pollinator magnet with repeat blooms.
Coneflowers – Heat- and drought-tolerant with bold color.
Coreopsis – Florida’s state wildflower, cheerful and reliable.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) – Bright blooms that thrive in sandy soils.
Shrubs for Structure & Curb Appeal
Shrubs anchor your landscape, add structure, and provide year-round interest. Planting in fall gives them time to establish before next summer’s heat arrives. Great Florida-friendly choices include:
Firebush (Hamelia patens) – Brilliant blooms loved by pollinators.
Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) – A native with fragrant blooms and berries for birds.
Silver Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus) – Silvery foliage that shines in coastal or modern designs.
Coontie (Zamia integrifolia) – A hardy native cycad with evergreen appeal.
Ixora – Adds tropical color nearly year-round.
Prep your soil with compost or organic matter for healthier roots.
Plant in the morning or evening when it’s cooler to reduce stress.
Water deeply after planting and keep soil evenly moist as roots establish.
Add mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
🍂 Final Thought: Fall in Florida is the season of possibilities. From instant color to long-term foundation plants, what you plant now sets the stage for a thriving, beautiful garden that will carry you through the cooler months and beyond.
