Welcome to Sarasota! Whether a newcomer to Florida or just relocating within our beautiful state, there is definitely a difference in gardening among regions of the US as well as across Florida. Fortunately, understanding several key principles will enable you to quickly enjoy success in your new southwestern Florida flower beds.
ARE YOU IN AN HOA?
If you live in a community governed by a Homeowner’s Association, you will likely have restrictions on the types of flowers you may plant. These restrictions often prohibit invasive plants as well as those with root systems that may damage underground drain and utility lines. Height restrictions may also apply. Always refer to your HOA documents before purchasing your plants!
KNOW YOUR ZONE AND SOIL TYPE
The USDA has established Plant Hardiness Zones throughout the country with Florida sharing four (Zones 8-11). Our general area includes Zones 9b (inland), 10a (coastal) and 10b (spotted along coast and barrier islands). There are numerous online resources that will allow you to quickly determine your zone.
Equally important to knowing your zone is understanding your soil type. Soils range from low pH (acidic) to high pH (alkaline). Plants vary in pH tolerance, ranging from low to modestly higher pH levels. However, few thrive in fully alkaline soils. Have your soil tested to learn your pH level.
Knowing your zone, combined with awareness of your soil type(s), will allow you to purchase plants most likely to thrive in your flower beds. Both zone information and pH tolerance are typically identified on plant packaging at the time of purchase.
THE GROWING SEASON
Southwestern Florida offers gardeners a considerably longer growing season than northern climates. Likewise, we don’t experience routine freezing temperatures that normally kill off pests as in colder climates. As a result, gardeners must contend with higher pest populations, especially in the spring. While many organic solutions are available to manage these pests, choosing healthy, pest-resistant plants can be the first step.
Additionally, the longer growing season brings with it extended days of heat & humidity along with frequent, heavy rainfall. Such conditions promote fungal infestations and rapid weed growth. Depending on severity, both homemade and commercial fungicides are available to mitigate fungi. And ideally, weed growth can be controlled by layering several sheets of black and white newspaper below the mulch in flower beds. Hand removal of weeds may be needed.
THE RAINY AND DRY SEASONS
Unique to subtropical southwestern Florida and Sarasota are the seasons. By this we don’t necessarily mean spring, summer, fall and winter. Rather, in Florida you’ll experience the “Rainy” season and the “Dry” season, both creating challenges to gardeners. The rainy season typically runs mid-May through October while the dry season spans the opposite months.
With the rainy season comes, of course, excessive rainfall along with strong winds, erosion of soil & landscaping materials and waterlogged soils. Damaged leaves and stems from strong winds (and downpours) should be carefully removed. In some cases, vulnerable plants should be staked. Be sure to replace any soil covers that have washed away and cover any exposed roots with fresh soil. Aerate compacted and/or waterlogged soils around plants to prevent root rot, suffocation from the lack of oxygen and fungi growth. Additionally, mulching your flower beds with a 2-3” layer of mulch will slow weed growth and help to prevent soil erosion.
Consider fertilizing your flower beds. Note, however, Sarasota and surrounding areas ban the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus between June 1st and September 30th. Rather, add soil amendments, iron-rich supplements and compost to supplement the soil for lost nutrients.
For more information on the rainy season, refer back to our May blog (A Gardener’s Guide to Navigating Florida’s Rainy Season).
One of the best ways to prepare for the dry season is to initially choose drought-resistant and heat-tolerant plants. These include (but are certainly not limited to) plants such as Aloe, Bougainvillea (vine), Blanket Flower, Coreopsis, Saw Palmetto, Coontie, Blue Salvia and Firebush. Likewise, consider planting your flowers within groups of common moisture needs for more efficient watering.
And just like mulch can protect your flower beds from excessive rainfall, mulch will also help your soil retain moisture levels and regulate soil temperatures during hot and dry weather.
Importantly, manage your watering and irrigation systems in a common-sense manner. Provide all the water your plants need to grow and thrive. However, monitor settings to ensure that it doesn’t run during a rainy period or that it doesn’t waste water on driveways, patios, etc.
SAY YES TO NATIVE PLANTS
Choosing native plants is a win for both your flowerbeds and the environment as a whole. These plants naturally occur in Southwestern Florida and have adapted to environmental changes. Importantly, they balance the local ecosystem and are most likely to thrive with the least amount of effort. Plus, they attract native pollinators (read on)!
CHOOSE NATIVE POLLINATOR PLANTS
Who doesn’t love butterflies and hummingbirds? What about bees, flies and bats? All are important native pollinators to Florida’s beautiful flowering plants as well as the fruits & vegetables produced locally. Unfortunately, these pollinators are declining due to the loss of habitat, parasites, overuse of pesticides and disease.
We encourage everyone to choose native plants that attract native pollinators to your flowerbeds. Common native pollinators include Beautyberry, Coral Honeysuckle, Pentas, Sedum and of course, Sunflowers. Many others are also locally available.
For more information on pollinators, refer back to our July blog (We Should all Plant a Pollination Garden).
PLANTING SCHEDULE
The University of Florida/IFAS Extension provides the following detailed planting schedule for Southwest Florida. Be aware of how much direct sunlight your flower beds receive (i.e., full or partial) to ensure the best plant selection.
JANUARY FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Begonia (Wax), Calendula, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Petunia, Snapdragon, Verbena, Viola |
| Partial Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Begonia (Wax), Calendula, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Petunia, Snapdragon, Verbena, Viola |
FEBRUARY FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Begonia (Wax), Calendula, Calibrachoa, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Gazania, Geranium, Gomphrena, Impatiens, Marigold, Melampodium, Pentas, Periwinkle, Petunia, Snapdragon, Strawflower, Milkweed, Tropical Sage, Verbena, Viola, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Begonia (Wax), Calendula, Calibrachoa, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Gomphrena, Impatiens, Marigold, Melampodium, Pentas, Periwinkle, Petunia, Snapdragon, Milkweed, Tropical Sage, Verbena, Viola, Zinnia |
MARCH FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Ageratum, Amaranthus, Begonia (Wax), Celosia, Cosmos, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gazania, Geranium, Gomphrena, Lobelia, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Moss Rose, Pentas, Periwinkle, Phlox, Rudbeckia, Scarlet Sage, Sunflower, Torenia, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Ageratum, Amaranthus, Begonia (Wax), Celosia, Cosmos, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Geranium, Gomphrena, Lobelia, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Pentas, Periwinkle, Scarlet Sage, Torenia, Zinnia |
APRIL FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Ageratum, Amaranthus, Celosia, Cosmos, Crossandra, Dusty Miller, Gaillardia, Gazania, Gomphrena, Impatiens, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Moss Rose, Pentas, Periwinkle, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Scarlet Sage, Sunflower, Torenia, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Ageratum, Amaranthus, Celosia, Cosmos, Crossandra, Dusty Miller, Gaillardia, Gomphrena, Impatiens, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Pentas, Periwinkle, Salvia, Scarlet Sage, Torenia, Zinnia |
MAY FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Ageratum, Amaranthus, Begonia (Wax), Celosia, Cosmos, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gazania, Gomphrena, Impatiens, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Moss Rose, Pentas, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Scarlet Sage, Torenia, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Ageratum, Amaranthus, Begonia (Wax), Celosia, Cosmos, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gomphrena, Impatiens, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Pentas, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Scarlet Sage, Torenia, Zinnia |
JUNE FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Amaranthus, Balsam, Begonia (Wax) Celosia, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gazania, Gomphrena, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Moss Rose, Pentas, Periwinkle, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sunflower, Torenia, Tropical Sage, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Amaranthus, Balsam, Begonia (Wax) Celosia, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gomphrena, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, New Guinea Impatiens, Pentas, Periwinkle, Salvia, Sunflower, Torenia, Tropical Sage, Zinnia |
JULY FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Amaranthus, Begonia (Wax) Celosia, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gomphrena, Melampodium, Milkweed, Moss Rose, Pentas, Periwinkle, Torenia, Tropical Sage, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Amaranthus, Begonia (Wax) Celosia, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gomphrena, Melampodium, Milkweed, New Guinea Impatiens, Pentas, Periwinkle, Torenia, Tropical Sage, Zinnia |
AUGUST FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Amaranthus, Begonia (Wax) Celosia, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gazania, Gomphrena, Melampodium, Milkweed, Moss Rose, Pentas, Periwinkle, Torenia, Tropical Sage, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Amaranthus, Begonia (Wax), Celosia, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gomphrena, Melampodium, Milkweed, Pentas, Periwinkle, Torenia, Tropical Sage, Zinnia |
SEPTEMBER FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Begonia (Wax) Cosmos, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Gazania, Impatiens, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Moss Rose, Pentas, Periwinkle, Torenia, Tropical Sage, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Begonia (Wax), Cosmos, Crossandra, Gaillardia, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, New Guinea Impatiens, Pentas, Periwinkle, Torenia, Tropical Sage, Zinnia |
OCTOBER FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Balsam, Begonia (Wax) Calendula, Calibrachoa, Carnation, Cosmos, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Petunia, Strawflower, Verbena, Viola |
| Partial Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Balsam, Begonia (Wax), Calendula, Calibrachoa, Carnation, Cosmos, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Petunia, 87Verbena, Viola |
NOVEMBER FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Begonia (Wax) Calendula, Calibrachoa, Carnation, Cosmos, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Impatiens, Lavender, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, Pentas, Periwinkle, Petunia, Salvia, Snapdragon, Strawflower, Tropical Sage, Verbena, Viola, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Begonia (Wax) Calendula, Calibrachoa, Carnation, Cosmos, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Impatiens, Marigold, Melampodium, Milkweed, New Guinea Impatiens, Pentas, Periwinkle, Petunia, Salvia, Snapdragon, Strawflower, Tropical Sage, Verbena, Viola, Zinnia |
DECEMBER FLOWERS
| Full Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Begonia (Wax) Calendula, Calibrachoa, Carnation, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Impatiens, Lavender, Pentas, Periwinkle, Petunia, Snapdragon, Strawflower, Verbena, Viola, Zinnia |
| Partial Sun | Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Begonia (Wax) Calendula, Calibrachoa, Carnation, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Impatiens, Pentas, Periwinkle, Petunia, Snapdragon, Strawflower, Verbena, Viola, Zinnia |
You’ll quickly discover that gardening in Florida is a year-round adventure. And with a little research and dedication to Florida-friendly landscaping principles, you can have the most enviable flower beds on your street!