Discover the Joys of Winter Gardening in the Sunshine State
Now that the sweltering heat is behind us, it’s time to get out and garden, believe it or not! Many people may think that spring is the best time to begin planting, but by starting now with the right type of plants, they’ll become established and provide you with an explosion of color later in the year. Consider planting tubers, such as caladiums or dahlias now for some spring color. Crinum, ginger and gloriosa lily bulbs can also be planted in January. Looking for winter bloom? Plant fragrant tea olive, or native Chickasaw plum for sprays of white flowers to attract winter pollinators. Most trees and shrubs will thank you for planting them while the soil is still cool, and the roots can become established. Camellias can also be planted in January, so expect big, peony like blooms anytime between now and February. Citrus trees should also be heavy with fruit.
Chase away the winter blues.
This season embrace the blue spectrum of the color palette by planting any of these four flowers. North Central Florida’s mild winters are a perfect match for them.
Now is the perfect time to plant!
Plant winter veggies and herbs, roses, groundcovers, and Zone 8 perennials with confidence and remember to water them well before a freeze. A thick layer of organic mulch will keep roots from drying out. Now that the weather is cool, some overzealous gardeners may be tempted to prune their plants – but be warned: if you cut back your azaleas and camellias this late in the year, you will not get any flowers! The best time to prune your azaleas is within a three-week period after they finish blooming in spring. Prune your camellias before late summer, which is when the flower buds form for next year.