Like every month, I come again with the January Planting Guide for Florida gardeners. The charts I have created will include what vegetables, flowering plants, herbs, and berries you can plant in January in Florida.
January is cold but Florida is comparatively warmer than other states. This is why you can plant seeds and plants outdoors in January (especially in South and Central Florida).
As this article is for the whole Florida state, I will separate the charts into three major categories:
- North Florida
- Central Florida
- South Florida
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Most gardeners are usually confused about whether to start the seeds indoors or outdoors. I have received some feedback regarding this and this helped me to make the charts more useful.
I have added two additional columns for planting method and transplanting time (if applicable).
In North Florida, I will consider starting seeds indoors and outdoors both but for South Florida you can start most of the seeds outdoors.
Want to get a full-year planting calendar? You can check: Florida Planting Calendar - Full year
Those who are growing fruit trees or planning to have an orchard can check: Best fruit trees to grow in Florida ( You may like the pictures )
North Florida January Planting Guide
If you want to get ready for warmer months from now, you can consider starting seeds indoors. Later on you can transplant those outdoors.
Keep checking the weather forecast. This chart might save your plants: when to cover plants in Winter (based on temperature)
Vegetables to start
Usually, I separate leafy greens, vegetables, and roots into different categories but this makes the article too long. This is a combined chart. ( If you want separate charts do let me know in the comment section )
| Vegetable | Planting Method | Transplanting Time (if applicable) | Variety Recommendations | Expected Harvesting Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Sets or Transplants | - | Granex, Texas SuperSweet | 4-5 months |
| Broccoli | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4-6 weeks after indoor seeding | Green Magic, Waltham 29 | 60-90 days |
| Carrots | Direct Sow | - | Nantes, Danvers Half-Long | 70-80 days |
| Lettuce | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4 weeks after indoor seeding | Buttercrunch, Black Seeded Simpson | 45-60 days |
| Kale | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4-6 weeks after indoor seeding | Lacinato, Red Russian | 60-90 days |
| Spinach | Direct Sow | - | Bloomsdale Long Standing, Baby Leaf | 40-60 days |
| Radishes | Direct Sow | - | Cherry Belle, French Breakfast | 20-30 days |
| Cauliflower | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4-6 weeks after indoor seeding | Snowball Y, Amazing | 60-90 days |
| Tomatoes | Start Seeds Indoors | 6-8 weeks after indoor seeding (after last frost) | Better Boy, Cherokee Purple | 70-85 days |
| Peppers | Start Seeds Indoors | 6-8 weeks after indoor seeding (after last frost) | California Wonder, Banana Pepper | 70-85 days |
| Collards | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4 weeks after indoor seeding | Georgia Southern, Champion | 60-75 days |
| Beets | Direct Sow | - | Detroit Dark Red, Golden | 50-60 days |
| Parsley | Start Seeds Indoors or Direct Sow | 6-8 weeks after indoor seeding | Italian Flat-Leaf, Curly Leaf | 70-90 days |
Flowering plants - North Florida
| Flowering Plant | Fragrance | Flowering Season | Annual or Perennial | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragons | Lightly Fragrant | Late Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Pansies | Mild Sweet | Winter to Spring | Annual | Transplants |
| Sweet Alyssum | Sweet, Honey-Like | Winter to Early Spring | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Calendula | Mild Herbal | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Petunias | Mild Sweet | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Violas | Lightly Fragrant | Winter to Early Spring | Annual | Transplants |
| Dianthus | Spicy, Clove-Like | Winter to Early Summer | Perennial | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Foxgloves | None | Late Winter to Early Summer | Biennial | Transplants |
| Hellebores | None | Winter to Early Spring | Perennial | Transplants |
| Geraniums | Light Citrus | Winter to Early Summer | Annual | Transplants |
| Verbena | Sweet | Late Winter to Summer | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Hollyhocks | None | Spring to Summer | Biennial | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Impatiens | None | Spring to Fall | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Zinnias | None | Spring to Fall | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Jasmine | Intense Sweet | Spring to Summer | Perennial | Transplants |
Berries - North Florida
| Berry | Fruiting Season | Variety Recommendations | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberries | May to June | Southern Highbush Varieties: 'Emerald', 'Jewel', 'Star' | Transplants |
| Strawberries | March to May | 'Sweet Charlie', 'Festival', 'Florida Radiance' | Transplants |
| Blackberries | June to July | 'Natchez', 'Ouachita', 'Freedom' | Transplants |
| Raspberries | June to August | 'Dorman Red', 'Heritage' | Transplants |
| Elderberries | July to September | 'Adams', 'York', 'Nova' | Transplants |
| Mulberries | April to June | 'Everbearing', 'Hicks', 'Shangri-La' | Transplants |
| Goji Berries | Summer to Fall | 'Crimson Star', 'Phoenix Tears' | Transplants |
| Cranberries | Fall | 'Pilgrim', 'Stevens' | Transplants in Raised Beds |
| Huckleberries | Late Summer | 'Evergreen Huckleberry' | Transplants |
| Wineberries | July to August | 'Rubus phoenicolasius' | Transplants |
Herbs - North Florida
| Herb | Flavor | Perennial or Annual | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Sweet, peppery | Annual | Direct sow or transplants |
| Cilantro | Fresh, citrusy | Annual | Direct sow |
| Mint | Cool, refreshing | Perennial | Transplants |
| Thyme | Earthy, savory | Perennial | Transplants |
| Rosemary | Piney, herbal | Perennial | Transplants |
| Parsley | Herbal, slightly peppery | Biennial | Direct sow or transplants |
| Oregano | Spicy, warm | Perennial | Transplants |
| Chives | Onion-like, mild | Perennial | Transplants |
| Lavender | Floral, sweet | Perennial | Transplants |
| Sage | Earthy, savory | Perennial | Transplants |
What to plant in January in Central Florida
Winter months are less prone to plant pests and diseases. Those who are from Zone 9 can check my separate charts made specifically for Zone 9 gardeners.
Vegetables - Central Florida
| Vegetable | Planting Method | Transplanting Time (if applicable) | Variety Recommendations | Expected Harvesting Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrots | Direct Sow | - | Nantes, Danvers Half-Long | 70-80 days |
| Onions | Sets or Transplants | - | Granex, Texas Early Grano | 4-5 months |
| Radishes | Direct Sow | - | Cherry Belle, White Icicle | 20-30 days |
| Lettuce | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4 weeks after indoor seeding | Buttercrunch, Romaine | 45-60 days |
| Kale | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4-6 weeks after indoor seeding | Lacinato, Siberian | 60-90 days |
| Spinach | Direct Sow | - | Bloomsdale Long Standing, Baby Leaf | 40-60 days |
| Broccoli | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4-6 weeks after indoor seeding | Green Magic, Marathon | 60-90 days |
| Cauliflower | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4-6 weeks after indoor seeding | Snowball Y, Cheddar | 60-90 days |
| Tomatoes | Start Seeds Indoors | 6-8 weeks after indoor seeding (after last frost) | Florida 91, Better Boy | 70-85 days |
| Peppers | Start Seeds Indoors | 6-8 weeks after indoor seeding (after last frost) | California Wonder, Jalapeño | 70-85 days |
| Collards | Transplants or Direct Sow | 4 weeks after indoor seeding | Georgia Southern, Top Bunch | 60-75 days |
| Beets | Direct Sow | - | Detroit Dark Red, Cylindra | 50-60 days |
| Swiss Chard | Direct Sow | - | Bright Lights, Fordhook Giant | 50-60 days |
| Parsley | Start Seeds Indoors or Direct Sow | 6-8 weeks after indoor seeding | Flat Leaf, Curly Leaf | 70-90 days |
Flowering plants - Central Florida
| Flowering Plant | Fragrance | Flowering Season | Annual or Perennial | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petunias | Mild Sweet | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Snapdragons | Lightly Fragrant | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Marigolds | Earthy Aroma | Winter to Summer | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Sweet Alyssum | Sweet, Honey-Like | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Geraniums | Light Citrus | Winter to Summer | Annual | Transplants |
| Impatiens | None | Winter to Fall | Perennial | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Calendula | Mild Herbal | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Verbena | Sweet | Winter to Summer | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Zinnias | None | Winter to Summer | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Salvia | None | Winter to Fall | Perennial | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Jasmine | Intense Sweet | Winter to Spring | Perennial | Transplants |
| Hibiscus | None | Year-Round | Perennial | Transplants |
| Begonias | None | Winter to Fall | Annual | Transplants |
| Butterfly Bush | Sweet, Floral | Spring to Fall | Perennial | Transplants |
| Gardenias | Intense Sweet | Spring to Summer | Perennial | Transplants |
If you have enough time for your flowering plants you can go for Gerbera (Transvaal daisy). It needs some extra care but it will be worth caring this plant.
Berries - Central Florida
| Berry | Fruiting Season | Variety Recommendations | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberries | April to May | Southern Highbush Varieties: 'Emerald', 'Jewel', 'Windsor' | Transplants |
| Strawberries | February to April | 'Florida Radiance', 'Sweet Sensation', 'Festival' | Transplants |
| Blackberries | May to June | 'Natchez', 'Ouachita', 'Freedom' | Transplants |
| Raspberries | June to July | 'Dorman Red', 'Heritage' | Transplants |
| Elderberries | June to August | 'Adams', 'York', 'Nova' | Transplants |
| Mulberries | March to May | 'Everbearing', 'Shangri-La', 'Pakistan' | Transplants |
| Goji Berries | Summer to Fall | 'Crimson Star', 'Phoenix Tears' | Transplants |
| Wineberries | June to July | 'Rubus phoenicolasius' | Transplants |
| Huckleberries | Late Summer | 'Evergreen Huckleberry' | Transplants |
| Surinam Cherries | May to June | 'Black Star', 'Zill Dark' | Transplants |
Never get confused between blackberries and mulberries. If you want to see the differences you can see the pictures here: diff. between blackberry and mulberry.
Herbs - Central Florida
| Herb | Flavor | Perennial or Annual | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Sweet, peppery | Annual | Direct sow or transplants |
| Cilantro | Fresh, citrusy | Annual | Direct sow |
| Mint | Cool, refreshing | Perennial | Transplants |
| Thyme | Earthy, savory | Perennial | Transplants |
| Rosemary | Piney, herbal | Perennial | Transplants |
| Parsley | Herbal, slightly peppery | Biennial | Direct sow or transplants |
| Oregano | Spicy, warm | Perennial | Transplants |
| Chives | Onion-like, mild | Perennial | Transplants |
| Lavender | Floral, sweet | Perennial | Transplants |
| Sage | Earthy, savory | Perennial | Transplants |
Ever faced difficulty in growing rosemary? Maybe this might be a helpful resource for you: how to grow rosemary in Florida.
South Florida January Planting Guide
South Florida region has a warmer climate we are eliminating the indoor seed starting from the below charts. All of the plants mentioned can be planted or started outdoors.
I have made a full year planting calendar for South Florida gardeners.
Vegetables - South Florida
| Vegetable | Planting Method | Variety Recommendations | Expected Harvesting Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrots | Direct Sow | Nantes, Chantenay | 70-80 days |
| Onions | Sets or Transplants | Texas Sweet, Granex | 4-5 months |
| Radishes | Direct Sow | Cherry Belle, White Icicle | 20-30 days |
| Lettuce | Direct Sow | Black Seeded Simpson, Romaine | 45-60 days |
| Kale | Direct Sow | Red Russian, Blue Curled Scotch | 60-90 days |
| Spinach | Direct Sow | Bloomsdale Long Standing, Baby Leaf | 40-60 days |
| Broccoli | Direct Sow or Transplants | Green Magic, Waltham 29 | 60-90 days |
| Cauliflower | Direct Sow or Transplants | Snowball Y, Self-Blanching | 60-90 days |
| Peppers | Direct Sow | California Wonder, Sweet Banana | 70-90 days |
| Tomatoes | Direct Sow | Heatmaster, Florida 91 | 70-85 days |
| Beans | Direct Sow | Blue Lake, Contender | 50-60 days |
| Beets | Direct Sow | Detroit Dark Red, Golden | 50-60 days |
| Swiss Chard | Direct Sow | Bright Lights, Fordhook Giant | 50-60 days |
| Parsley | Direct Sow | Italian Flat Leaf, Curly Leaf | 70-90 days |
| Collards | Direct Sow | Georgia Southern, Vates | 60-75 days |
Do you know that beets can be grown under shades? It's better to plant something in shades rather than wasting the area.
You can go through this list: Plants to Grow in Shades in Florida
Flowering plants - South Florida
We usually plant most annual flowering plants in November or early December here in South Florida. If you missed planting you can still follow the below chart. It's not too late.
| Flowering Plant | Fragrance | Flowering Season | Annual or Perennial | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petunias | Mild Sweet | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Snapdragons | Lightly Fragrant | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Marigolds | Earthy Aroma | Winter to Summer | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Salvia | None | Winter to Fall | Perennial | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Sweet Alyssum | Sweet, Honey-Like | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Geraniums | Light Citrus | Winter to Summer | Annual | Transplants |
| Impatiens | None | Winter to Fall | Perennial | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Pentas | None | Year-Round | Perennial | Transplants |
| Calendula | Mild Herbal | Winter to Spring | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Begonias | None | Winter to Fall | Annual | Transplants |
| Verbena | Sweet | Winter to Summer | Annual | Direct Sow or Transplants |
| Zinnias | None | Winter to Summer | Annual | Direct Sow |
| Jasmine | Intense Sweet | Winter to Spring | Perennial | Transplants |
| Hibiscus | None | Year-Round | Perennial | Transplants |
Berries - South Florida
| Berry | Fruiting Season | Variety Recommendations | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberries | March to April | Southern Highbush Varieties: 'Emerald', 'Jewel', 'Star' | Transplants |
| Strawberries | February to March | 'Florida Radiance', 'Sweet Sensation', 'Festival' | Transplants |
| Blackberries | May to June | 'Natchez', 'Ouachita', 'Kiowa' | Transplants |
| Raspberries | May to June | 'Heritage', 'Caroline' | Transplants |
| Mulberries | March to May | 'Everbearing', 'Shangri-La', 'Pakistan' | Transplants |
| Goji Berries | Summer to Fall | 'Crimson Star', 'Phoenix Tears' | Transplants |
| Surinam Cherries | May to June | 'Black Star', 'Zill Dark' | Transplants |
| Wineberries | June to July | 'Rubus phoenicolasius' | Transplants |
| Elderberries | June to July | 'Adams', 'York', 'Nova' | Transplants |
| Huckleberries | Late Summer | 'Evergreen Huckleberry' | Transplants |
Herbs - South Florida
| Herb | Flavor | Perennial or Annual | Planting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Sweet, peppery | Annual | Direct sow or transplants |
| Cilantro | Fresh, citrusy | Annual | Direct sow |
| Mint | Cool, refreshing | Perennial | Transplants |
| Thyme | Earthy, savory | Perennial | Transplants |
| Rosemary | Piney, herbal | Perennial | Transplants |
| Parsley | Herbal, slightly peppery | Biennial | Direct sow or transplants |
| Oregano | Spicy, warm | Perennial | Transplants |
| Chives | Onion-like, mild | Perennial | Transplants |
| Lavender | Floral, sweet | Perennial | Transplants |
| Sage | Earthy, savory | Perennial | Transplants |
Growing rosemary in South Florida is harder than in Central and North Florida.
Did you find it helpful? Share with other Florida gardeners.
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