What to Plant in February in Central Florida: A Guide for Gardeners

What to Plant in February in Central Florida

The month of February is a time of transition in Central Florida. The days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up, but there can still be a few cold snaps. This makes it a great time to plant a variety of crops, both warm-season and cool-season.

In this article, we will discuss the best vegetables, fruits, and flowers to plant in February in Central Florida. We will also provide tips on how to prepare your soil and seeds, and how to care for your plants once they have been planted.

So if you’re looking to get your garden started this year, read on for all the information you need!

Vegetable	When to Plant	Tips
Beets	Early February	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Broccoli	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Cabbage	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Carrots	Early February	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Cauliflower	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Cucumbers	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Eggplant	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Kale	Early February	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Lettuce	Early February	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Melons	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Okra	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Peppers	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Pumpkins	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Radishes	Early February	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Spinach	Early February	Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.
Summer Squash	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Sweet Potatoes	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Tomatoes	Mid-February	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.

What to Plant in February in Central Florida

The weather in Central Florida in February is typically warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. This makes it a great time to start planting a variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs.

Here is a list of some of the best things to plant in February in Central Florida:

Vegetables

• Leafy greens: Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula can be planted in February in Central Florida. They will grow quickly and provide you with fresh greens all season long.
• Root vegetables: Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, potatoes, and turnips can also be planted in February. They will store well over the winter and provide you with a delicious wintertime treat.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes can be started indoors in February and transplanted outdoors in March. They will produce a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes throughout the summer.
• Peppers: Peppers can be started indoors in February and transplanted outdoors in March. They will produce a variety of sweet and hot peppers that you can enjoy all summer long.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers can be started indoors in February and transplanted outdoors in March. They will produce a delicious crop of cucumbers that you can enjoy fresh or pickled.
• Squash: Squash can be started indoors in February and transplanted outdoors in March. They will produce a variety of summer squash and winter squash that you can enjoy all season long.
• Melons: Melons can be started indoors in February and transplanted outdoors in March. They will produce a sweet and juicy crop of melons that you can enjoy all summer long.

Fruits

• Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons can be planted in February in Central Florida. They will produce a delicious crop of citrus fruits that you can enjoy all winter long.
• Berries: Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can be planted in February in Central Florida. They will produce a sweet and juicy crop of berries that you can enjoy all summer long.
• Grapes: Grapes can be planted in February in Central Florida. They will produce a delicious crop of grapes that you can enjoy fresh or make into wine.

Flowers

• Annuals: Annuals are flowers that bloom for one season and then die. They are a great choice for February planting in Central Florida because they will bloom quickly and provide you with beautiful flowers all season long. Some popular annuals for February planting include marigolds, petunias, and sunflowers.
• Perennials: Perennials are flowers that come back year after year. They are a great choice for February planting in Central Florida because they will provide you with beautiful flowers for many years to come. Some popular perennials for February planting include roses, lilies, and daylilies.
• Bulbs: Bulbs are flowers that grow from bulbs. They are a great choice for February planting in Central Florida because they will bloom in the spring. Some popular bulbs for February planting include tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

Herbs

• Basil: Basil is a great herb to plant in February in Central Florida because it is a warm-weather herb. It will grow quickly and provide you with fresh basil all season long.
• Mint: Mint is another great herb to plant in February in Central Florida because it is a hardy herb that can tolerate heat and humidity. It will spread quickly and provide you with fresh mint all season long.
• Oregano: Oregano is a great herb to plant in February in Central Florida because it is a drought-tolerant herb. It will grow well in the hot and dry conditions of Central Florida.
• Thyme: Thyme is a great herb to plant in February in Central Florida because it is a low-maintenance herb. It will grow well in the hot and dry conditions of Central Florida.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is a great herb to plant in February in Central Florida because it is a long-lived herb. It will provide you with fresh rosemary for many years to come.

When to Plant in February in Central Florida

The best time to plant in Central Florida in February is when the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically happens in late February or early March.

Here is a more detailed planting schedule for February in Central Florida:

Vegetables

• Leafy greens: February-March
• Root vegetables: February-April
• Tomatoes: February-March
• Peppers: February-March
• Cucumbers: February-March
• Squash: February-March
• Melons: February-March

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What to Plant in February in Central Florida?

February is a great time to plant a variety of crops in Central Florida. The weather is still mild, and there is plenty of time for plants to grow before the summer heat arrives.

Here are some of the best crops to plant in February in Central Florida:

• Vegetables:
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Fruits:
• Grapes
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Pears
• Strawberries
• Herbs:
• Basil
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Mint
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

When planting in February, it is important to choose varieties that are suited for the climate. For example, choose cold-hardy vegetables and fruits that can withstand the occasional frost. It is also important to start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse if you live in an area with a short growing season.

Once your seedlings are established, you can transplant them outdoors. Be sure to harden off your seedlings before transplanting them by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few weeks.

February is also a good time to plant trees and shrubs. Choose trees and shrubs that are native to your area and that will thrive in your climate. Be sure to plant them in a location that gets full sun or partial shade.

How to Plant in February in Central Florida

To plant in February in Central Florida, you will need to prepare the soil, plant your seeds or seedlings, and water them regularly.

Preparing the Soil

The first step is to prepare the soil by tilling or digging it up to a depth of 12 inches. This will help to loosen the soil and improve drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, you may need to add compost or sand to improve drainage.

Planting Seeds or Seedlings

Once the soil is prepared, you can plant your seeds or seedlings. Be sure to plant them at the proper depth. For example, most vegetable seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep.

When planting seedlings, be sure to gently loosen the roots and plant them at the same depth that they were growing in the nursery pot.

Watering

Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. The amount of water you need to give your plants will depend on the weather conditions. In general, you should water your plants until the soil is moist but not soggy.

Care for Plants in February in Central Florida

In addition to watering your plants regularly, you will also need to care for them by weeding, fertilizing, and protecting them from pests and diseases.

Weeding

Weeds compete with your plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. It is important to remove weeds regularly to give your plants the best chance of growing well.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing your plants will help them to grow strong and healthy. You can fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can damage your plants and reduce their yield. It is important to monitor your plants for pests and diseases and treat them as needed.

Protecting from Frost

If you live in an area with a short growing season, you may need to protect your plants from frost. You can do this by covering your plants with a frost cloth or plastic sheet.

February is a great time to plant a variety of crops in Central Florida. By following these tips, you can help your plants to grow strong and healthy.

Here are some additional tips for planting in February in Central Florida:

• Choose varieties that are suited for the climate.
• Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse if you live in an area with a short growing season.
• Harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outdoors.
• Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Weed, fertilize, and protect your plants from pests and diseases.
• Be patient! It takes time for plants to grow.

With a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden in Central Florida.

What to Plant in February in Central Florida?

• Vegetables:
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Fruits:
• Grapefruit
• Oranges
• Kumquats
• Mandarin oranges
• Limes
• Lemons
• Flowers:
• Begonias
• Marigolds
• Petunias
• Pansies
• Snapdragons
• Zinnias

How do I prepare my soil for planting?

• Remove any weeds or debris from the area where you plan to plant.
• Dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the roots of the plant.
• Mix compost or fertilizer into the soil.
• Water the soil thoroughly.

When should I plant my seeds?

• The best time to plant seeds in Central Florida is in February or March.
• The soil should be warm and moist, and the weather should be mild.
• Be sure to harden off your seedlings before planting them outdoors.

How much water do my plants need?

• Water your plants deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.
• Water early in the morning or late in the evening, when the sun is not as intense.
• Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture.

What pests and diseases should I watch out for?

• Aphids, thrips, and whiteflies are common pests in Central Florida.
• To control pests, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil.
• Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust can also be a problem.
• To prevent fungal diseases, you can prune your plants to improve air circulation, water your plants at the base, and avoid overhead watering.

How do I harvest my vegetables?

• Harvest vegetables when they are ripe and tender.
• For leafy vegetables, cut the leaves off at the base of the plant.
• For root vegetables, dig them up carefully so as not to damage the roots.
• Store your vegetables in a cool, dry place.

  February is a great time to plant a variety of vegetables, flowers, and herbs in Central Florida. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your plants get off to a healthy start and produce a bountiful harvest. So what are you waiting for? Get started planting today!