University of Florida

Planting in April

Spring is in full swing during April, and Florida gardeners can continue to grow warm-season crops. Follow these suggestions to find out what you can plant in your region this month. (You can find your Florida region using the gardening region map.)

North Florida

Annuals: Gardeners in North Florida can plant new coleus varieties, which will do well in both the sun and shade.

Bulbs: April is a great month to plant many bulbs, including blood lily and canna. You can also try Louisiana iris—a bulb that thrives in many soil types (although, they prefer moist soils with high organic matter).

Herbs: Opt for herbs that prefer heat, such as basil, sage, and rosemary.

Vegetables: You can continue to plant warm-season crops, but remember to mulch well to prevent weeds and provide moisture if there’s low rainfall.

Central Florida

Annuals: New varieties of coleus can grow well in either the shade or sun, and they provide Central Florida gardens with vivid colors.

Bulbs: Consider planting daylily (early-, mid-, and late-blooming varieties) for months of color.

Herbs: Try nasturtiums in your herb garden—the leaves and flowers add a pepper-like taste to salads.

Vegetables: Gardeners in Central Florida can continue to plant warm-season crops, including cantaloupe and okra, and use mulch to provide water and to prevent weeds.

South Florida

Annuals: Stick to vinca, portulaca, and other heat-tolerant annuals.

Bulbs: Plant cannas, which thrive in summer heat. (New varieties of cannas have colorful flowers and leaves.)

Herbs: Nasturtiums can be great in your garden, as well as salads.

Vegetables: Continue planting warm-season vegetables, such as eggplant and sweet potato, in your South Florida garden. Be sure to watch irrigation in case of dry weather.

 

Adapted and excerpted from:

“Florida Gardening Calendar,” UF/IFAS Florida Gardening Calendar (Accessed 04/2014).

basil

Related Sites & Articles

Popular Stories