November is a unique time for Florida gardeners. As the weather cools, it shifts from the sweltering heat of summer, presenting an ideal opportunity for planting a variety of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and landscape plants. With its mild climate, split into several USDA zones across the state, Florida offers a remarkable range of planting options.
Vegetables To Plant
Gardening in Florida in November allows for a diverse array of vegetable options. As summer transitions to cooler temperatures, assess the average frost dates in your area to ensure the selected vegetables have enough time to establish before any freezing temperatures arrive, especially in the northern parts of the state.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season crop that thrives in Florida’s November climate. This vegetable prefers temperatures between 60°F and 70°F, making November ideal, particularly in USDA Zones 9b to 10. Plant transplants or seeds approximately 18 inches apart to provide adequate space for growth.
Care Tip: Regularly monitor soil moisture, ensuring it doesn’t dry out completely. A layer of mulch can help retain moisture and regulate temperature. A side-dressing of nitrogen every few weeks can boost growth.
Carrots
Carrots grow well in the cooler months of November. Preferring sandy, well-draining soil, they are typically planted in USDA Zones 8 through 10. They need full sun and can be sown directly into the garden.
Planting Method: Sow carrot seeds in rows about 12 inches apart, covering them lightly with soil. Thin out seedlings once they sprout to allow sufficient space.
Care Tip: Ensure consistent moisture for optimal growth. Carrots develop best in consistent weather with little fluctuation.
Kale
Kale is another fantastic cool-season vegetable, showing resilience against frost. In Florida, November is the perfect time to plant Kale in USDA Zones 9 and 10.
Varietal Selection: Consider choosing curly or flat-leaf types, each offering unique textures and flavors.
Care Tip: For maximum flavor, harvest leaves gradually, starting with larger ones first. Kale can be left in the garden longer as it sweetens after a frost.
Lettuce
Various types of lettuce flourish during fall, and November is a prime time for planting in all USDA Zones in Florida. Leaf and romaine lettuce are particularly resilient to temperature variations.
Planting Method: Seeds can be sown directly in rows or containers, ensuring they are spaced appropriately to prevent overcrowding.
Care Tip: Regular watering is crucial, and using shade cloth during warmer days can help maintain lower temperatures for better growth.
Peas
Peas prefer the cooler temperatures of fall and certainly thrive in Florida’s November climate. They are ideally suited for Zones 8-10.
Planting Method: Snap peas can be sown directly in the garden about two inches apart and then thinned out. Keeping trellis systems handy promotes vertical growth, optimizing garden space.
Care Tip: Regular checks for pests, particularly aphids, are advised, as these can affect yields.
Radishes
Fast-growing radishes are perfect for quick harvests. They germinate quickly and offer a delightful crunch to salads. November planting in USDA Zones 9 and 10 is highly recommended.
Planting Tip: Sow seeds directly into well-prepared soil, about half an inch deep, offering about an inch between seeds for optimal growth.
Care Tip: Watering consistently ensures the roots stay tender and crisp.
Spinach
Spinach is another cool weather favorite. Rich in iron and vitamins, it can be grown in all USDA zones in Florida.
Planting Method: Spinach seeds should not be sown too deep; a shallow approach of half an inch is ideal.
Care Tip: For continuous harvests throughout the growing season, sow seeds in intervals every two weeks.
Turnips
Turnips, with their hearty roots and greens, are an excellent choice for November planting. They grow well in the cooler climates of USDA Zones 8-10.
Planting Method: Space seeds about 4 inches apart in well-drained soil.
Care Tip: Consistent watering encourages the desirable bulbous growth.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard thrives in cooler weather and makes an attractive addition to your garden. Its vibrant colored stems add aesthetic value. Suitable for all zones in Florida, it’s easy to cultivate in November.
Planting Method: Seeds can be planted about an inch apart, as chard leaves can be harvested continually.
Care Tip: Swiss chard loves nitrogen-rich soil, so be sure to amend the soil with compost.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens bring a peppery flavor to dishes and are incredibly resilient to frost. These greens are perfect for November planting across all zones in Florida.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden, spacing them about 6 inches apart.
Care Tip: As they mature, regular harvesting will promote leaf growth and sustain the plant.
Flowers To Plant
Flowers can illuminate your garden during the cooler months of November. Selecting the right varieties is key to maintaining vibrant blooms throughout winter, especially in Florida’s unique climate.
Pansies
Pansies offer a burst of color and are versatile in landscaping. They thrive in cool weather and can be planted in November within all USDA zones.
Planting Approach: Space them 6 to 8 inches apart in well-draining soil. Pansies love full to part sunlight for optimal growth.
Care Tip: Regular deadheading promotes growth, and water lightly.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons can handle Florida’s mild winter temperatures beautifully, making them an excellent November flower choice.
Colors and Care: Available in many colors, they prefer full sun and should be spaced about 12 inches apart.
Care Tip: Snapdragons require consistent moisture but should not be over-watered; ensure good drainage.
Marigolds
Marigolds are not only colorful but also act as excellent pest repellents in gardens. They are suited for planting in November in all Florida zones.
Varietal Selection: Choose from single or double blooms, and plant them 12 inches apart to allow for air circulation.
Care Tip: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers, and mulch around plants to maintain soil moisture.
Calendula
Fabulous for attracting pollinators, Calendula provides reliable blooms from fall through winter. They do well in all USDA zones if planted in November.
Planting Instructions: Sow seeds directly into the soil, about a quarter-inch deep. Space them about 6 inches apart.
Care Tip: Water consistently but avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Dianthus
Known for their spicy fragrance and colorful petals, Dianthus make a great cool-weather flower. November planting is ideal in USDA Zones 8-10.
Spacing: Space plants about 12 inches apart to allow for air circulation and growth.
Care Tip: Regularly remove faded flowers to promote continued blooming.
Ornamental Cabbage
These unique plants showcase vibrant colors and textures throughout winter. Plant ornamental cabbages in November across all zones of Florida.
Planting Note: Space them about a foot apart. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sun.
Care Tip: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, ensuring healthy development.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum adds charming fragrance to gardens while attracting beneficial insects. Plant it in November across the state.
Planting Instructions: Sow seeds close together in full sun; they can be thinned out as necessary.
Care Tip: Regular watering helps them thrive but avoid overly saturated soil to prevent root rot.
Foxglove
Foxglove is a perennial that can be planted in November for wonderful blooms in spring. It prefers the cooler climates of USDA Zones 8-10.
Planting Method: Seeds should be sown directly in the garden, lightly covering them. Space plants about 12 inches apart.
Care Tip: Foxglove prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Fuchsia
Fuchsias are a wonderful choice for hanging baskets or shaded gardens, blooming beautifully during the cooler months. Suitable for all zones, they thrive well if planted in November.
Planting Method: Ensure they receive indirect sunlight and plant in well-draining soil.
Care Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist without becoming soggy for optimal growth.
Violas
Violas are hardy; they bloom brightly from fall through spring, making them ideal for a colorful winter garden in November.
Planting Tips: Space them about 6 inches apart and plant under partial to full sunlight for the best results.
Care Tip: Regularly deadhead to promote ongoing blooms.
Herbs To Plant
The milder temperatures of November provide an excellent opportunity to establish a fragrant herb garden. These herbs not only enhance culinary dishes but can also have ornamental value.
Cilantro
Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures, making November the perfect time for planting. Suitable for all USDA zones in Florida, cilantro is a quick-growing herb.
Planting Approach: Sow seeds directly into the soil in rows, about a quarter-inch deep.
Care Tip: Regular watering is crucial; keep the soil moist but not overly wet.
Basil
Basil can still flourish if planted in November, especially in the warmer southern regions of Florida.
Spacing: Sow seeds about 12 inches apart in well-draining soil.
Care Tip: Pinch back the growing tips regularly to promote bushier growth and prevent flowering.
Parsley
Parsley is a biennial herb that can thrive in Florida’s mild climates. It can be planted in Zones 8-10 during November.
Planting Method: Sow seeds about an inch deep, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart.
Care Tip: Keep the soil evenly moist to promote even germination.
Chives
Chives are hardy perennials, making them ideal for planting in November in USDA Zones 8-10. They can survive light frost and can be grown in containers or directly in the garden.
Planting Approach: Sow seeds or divide existing plants, spacing them around a foot apart.
Care Tip: Keep the soil well-drained and water regularly, especially as they begin to sprout.
Dill
Dill is another herb that can handle the cooler temperatures in November. Plant it in all Florida USDA zones for a reliable crop.
Landscaping Use: Dill not only contributes to culinary dishes but also attracts beneficial insects.
Care Tip: Water lightly and avoid sweating the foliage.
Oregano
Oregano is a drought-tolerant perennial that thrives well in the warmer regions of Florida. November is suitable for planting in Zones 9 and 10.
Planting Method: Space plants about 12 inches apart for air circulation.
Care Tip: Minimal watering is needed once established; allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Thyme
Thyme is a resilient perennial herb that does well when planted in November. It is suitable for all USDA zones.
Planting Notes: Space thyme about 12 inches apart.
Care Tip: Water sparingly; thyme prefers drier conditions once established.
Sage
Sage is a hardy herb that flourishes in partial sun to full sun conditions. It can be planted in November throughout Florida.
Planting Method: Set plants or seeds several feet apart; sage can grow quite large.
Care Tip: Sage requires occasional pruning to maintain bushiness, and watering should be kept to a minimum.
Mint
Mint is a vigorous grower that’s well-suited to cooler weather, making November planting ideal in Zones 8-10.
Care Tips: It’s wise to plant mint in containers as it can spread quickly.
Watering Notes: Water consistently but avoid saturating the soil.
Lemon Balm
This fragrant herb is perfect for planting in the cooler months and thrives in most of Florida’s USDA zones.
Planting Instructions: Space plants about 18 inches apart to provide ample room for growth.
Care Tip: Moderate watering and well-drained soil will keep the leaves fresh and vibrant.
Landscape Plants To Plant In November
In addition to edible plants, establishing landscaping during November can enhance the visual appeal of your garden while taking advantage of the ideal growing conditions.
Camellias
Camellias bloom richly during the winter and are excellent evergreen plants suited for addition in November. They perform well across all USDA zones in Florida.
Planting Notes: Plant in partially shaded areas and amend the soil with organic matter for ideal growth.
Care Tip: Regular watering while keeping the roots cool will support optimal growth.
Azaleas
Azaleas are a favorite in Florida gardens, offering stunning blossoms. November is a prime planting month, especially in USDA Zones 9 and 10.
Planting Instructions: Sow in fertile, well-drained soil, allowing spaces of about 3 feet for mature growth.
Care Tip: Mulching helps retain soil moisture and protects the roots.
Holly
Holly plants offer more than aesthetic appeal; they provide winter berries that attract wildlife. They are suitable for planting in all zones during November.
Spacing Notes: Give them ample space, about 6 to 15 feet apart, depending on the variety.
Care Tip: Ensure the soil is well-drained; these plants do best with consistent watering.
Juniper
The versatility and hardiness of junipers make them a great landscaping choice. In Florida, planting them in November is practical across all zones.
Care Tips: Once established, they are drought-resistant and require minimal maintenance.
Planting Method: Space them adequately to account for their mature size, typically about 3 feet apart.
Lantana
Known for attracting butterflies, lantana thrives in sunny areas and adds vibrant colors to your garden. These can be planted in November across all zones.
Planting Notes: Space them about 3 feet apart to provide adequate air circulation.
Care Tip: Once established, lantana can withstand drought, but they will appreciate regular watering.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants are tropical beauties that manage well in Florida’s climate. November planting in USDA Zones 9 and 10 is ideal.
Spacing Notes: Allow about 4 feet between plants for ample room.
Care Tip: Regular watering and fertilization will promote abundant blooming.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is perfect for adding a splash of color in gardens and landscapes. Ideal for planting in the warmer southern regions of Florida.
Care Instructions: Ensure well-drained soil and provide support for climbing varieties.
Watering Notes: Once established, bougainvillea prefers to be on the drier side.
Daylilies
Daylilies thrive well across all zones in Florida, providing beautiful blooms and hardiness. November planting is suitable for best results.
Spacing Notes: Allow space of about 12 to 18 inches for optimal growth.
Care Tip: These plants do well in a variety of soil types as long as water drainage is superb.
Butterfly Bush
These shrubs attract butterflies, offering both beauty and ecological benefits. November is suitable for planting across all zones.
Planting Instructions: Space about 3 to 5 feet apart for mature growth.
Care Tip: Regular watering and pruning will keep these bushes healthy and blooming throughout the season.
