seeds & such

Tis the season to get planting. ›

By Laurel Gillum

Annual plants are typically divided into warm and cool-season categories. Annuals di er from perennials because they bloom for one season only. Perennials, on the other hand, will bloom year after year with proper care. While in season, annuals will provide a burst of color to your yard to your yard. Thankfully, in Florida, we can have flowers in bloom all season long. Check out this great guide for when to plant and what blooms when. Let’s get started.

Angelonia

SEASON: MARCH

THROUGH DECEMBER*

This grape-scented sprout thrives in the sunniest spots of your garden. Keep angelonias in moist soil and this plant is likely to exceed its life expectancy well into wintertime.

baby’s breath

SEASON: OCTOBER

THROUGH JUNE cosmos

Baby’s breath grows best in direct sunlight but can survive on a minimum of four hours of sunlight a day. Well-drained soil is preferred.

SEASON: FEBRUARY

THROUGH MAY

Cosmos’ longevity depends on their full exposure to sunlight and dry soil conditions. Avoid overwatering these wildflowers.

Dusty Miller

Petunia

SEASON: OCTOBER THROUGH MAY

Petunias are best kept indoors until they have three leaves each. After this growth, they can move to the great outdoors in partial sunlight and mostly dry soil.

Kale

SEASON: OCTOBER THROUGH SEPTEMBER

Don’t let their frosted appearance fool you—these plants love the sun and well-drained soil. Fun fact: Dusty Miller plants are resistant to insects and diseases.

Marigold

SEASON: MARCH & SEPTEMBER THROUGH 3 TO 4 MONTHS LATER

You guessed it—marigolds need direct sunlight to grow in Florida. For best results, keep fertilized and in damp soil.

Lavender

SEASON: MARCH

THROUGH JUNE

Geranium

SEASON: OCTOBER & MARCH

THROUGH WHEN DECLINED viola

Geraniums are to be thoroughly watered and planted in an area that receives up to eight hours of sunlight. Space geraniums approximately 8 to 12 inches apart.

Another vitamin D-loving plant, lavender blooms in well-drained soil. Water plant well, and then wait until soil is almost completely dry to water again.

SEASON: OCTOBER THROUGH APRIL pansy

Finally, an annual that tastes as good as it looks in your garden. Keep in partial shade and moist soil. If you have a vegetable garden, keep kale away from beans, strawberries and tomatoes.

SEASON: DECEMBER THROUGH MAY

Water pansies daily. If your pansies look weak (pun intended), water them more often. Plant in full or partial sunlight.

SEASON: OCTOBER

THROUGH MAY

Much like pansies, violas grow in partial to full-sun conditions. Water twice weekly or as needed. Soil should be damp at all times.

Sun Ower

SEASON: MARCH THROUGH MAY

Sunflowers require fertilized, alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Hence the name, these flowers bloom best in direct sunlight.