Which Fruits & Vegetables Grow in Florida?

Gardening in Florida is possible year round. Florida's climate is appropriate for growing just about any vegetable, depending on what time of the year it is planted. Many fruits are suitable to grow in Florida as well, depending on the region. South Florida has a subtropical climate, where the temperatures rarely fall below freezing, however, in the north and central areas of Florida, freezing temperatures during the winter have the potential to destroy many crops. Paying attention to planting dates and hardiness zones is crucial to achieving the best garden crops.

Vegetables

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The list of vegetable that grows well in Florida is almost endless. Spring gardens often contain tomatoes, summer squash, cucumbers, peppers, beans, peas, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, eggplant and okra. Early-bearing varieties of some vegetables are also suitable for planting after the harshness of summer has waned, providing a late fall crop. Cool-season vegetables in Florida include broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, lettuce, mustard, onions, white potatoes, English peas, spinach and turnips.

Fruits

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Many small fruits, like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, dewberries, loganberries, huckleberries and grapes grow in Florida, as well as fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew melon and watermelon. Tree fruits, like persimmon, avocado, many varieties of citrus, pears and peaches will grow throughout the state, depending on the location and variety. South Florida, with its more tropical climate, will support a wide variety of crops not possible further north in the state. Bananas, coconut, mango, papaya, carambola and passion fruit are all tropical fruits that will grow in southern Florida.

Nuts

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In addition to fruits and vegetables, tree nuts are another crop successfully grown in Florida. Pecan and chestnut trees are popular, as well as walnut in the northern part of Florida. Macadamia is also sometimes grown in the southern part of the state.