Last Updated on January 9, 2025 by Homegrown Florida
January might be a slow time for gardeners in colder climates, but here in Florida, it’s prime growing season. With our mild winters and longer days, this is the best time to grow a wide variety of vegetables. If you’re wondering what vegetables to plant in Florida in January, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, I’ll share 30 vegetables that thrive in Florida’s winter weather, along with insights into what’s growing in my garden and how you can plan for success. For those who like to stay organized, be sure to check out my Florida planting schedule.
January is hands-down my favorite time to garden in Florida, and I can’t wait to help you make the most of it.
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Why January is Perfect for Florida Gardens
January is a special time for gardening in Florida. While summer brings heat, heavy rains, and pest challenges, winter provides the perfect environment for cool-season crops. Florida’s mild winters, especially in Zone 9 and similar zones (8-11), make it possible to grow outdoors with little to no protection.
In colder zones like 8A thru 9A, you may need to use frost blankets or low tunnels on particularly chilly nights, but most vegetables can grow uncovered throughout the season. If you’ve ever wondered what vegetables to plant in Florida in January, the answer is surprisingly broad—greens, root crops, brassicas, and even some warm-season vegetables if you’re feeling adventurous.
30 Vegetables to Plant in Florida in January
If you’re looking for vegetables to plant in Florida in January, you have plenty of options. Whether you’re starting seeds or transplanting starts, this is the time to fill your beds with cool-season crops.
Greens
Greens are some of the most rewarding vegetables to grow in Florida’s January weather. They thrive in the cool temperatures and are ready to harvest quickly. Some of the best options include:
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Arugula
- Endive
- Escarole
- Mustard greens
- Collards
- Spinach
If you’ve struggled with traditional spinach in Florida (like I have), consider growing tropical spinaches like Malabar spinach, which can handle Florida’s climate year-round.
Brassicas (Cold-Loving Crops)
Brassicas love the cool weather and are some of the hardiest vegetables to plant in Florida in January. They can withstand lows in the mid-20s with little more than some cosmetic leaf damage. Great options include:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kohlrabi
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
Brussels sprouts, in particular, thrive in cooler winters, and this year’s slightly lower-than-average temperatures have been perfect for them.
Root Crops
Root crops are excellent vegetables to plant in Florida in January because they love cool soil and grow quickly. Some of the best choices include:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Rutabagas
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
Potatoes are less cold-tolerant than other root crops, so if temperatures dip into the 20s, you may need to provide some protection. However, they generally do well as long as the weather stays above freezing.
Alliums
Alliums are versatile and can handle Florida’s winter climate well. They’re some of the most dependable vegetables to plant in Florida in January, especially if you missed planting them earlier in the season.
- Garlic: Typically planted in the fall, but you can experiment with spring garlic.
- Onions: If planting now, use starts rather than seeds for better results. Keep in mind that onions planted this late may produce smaller bulbs.
- Green Onions: Green onions grow year-round in Florida and are perfect for continuous harvesting. Perennial varieties, like Florida Finley multiplier onions, are particularly rewarding as they keep multiplying for years.
Peas
Peas love Florida’s cool winters and grow quickly, making them an ideal crop for this time of year. Options include:
- Sugar snap peas
- Snow peas
- Shelling peas
These are some of my favorite vegetables to plant in Florida in January because they provide consistent harvests and are easy to grow on trellises.
Warm-Weather Veggies (for the Risk-Takers)
If you’re willing to take a risk, you can start warm-season vegetables early. Starting them in trays or large pots allows you to get a head start on the season.
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Squash
- Cucumbers
- Beans
- Corn
These vegetables need careful management, including frost protection and large containers to reduce transplant shock. Tomatoes and peppers, in particular, thrive when started early because they need a long growing season to produce before Florida’s summer heat arrives.
My Florida Planting Schedule
If you’re serious about gardening in Florida, having a planting schedule is essential. Florida’s unique climate requires careful planning to maximize your growing season. I follow a Florida planting schedule that outlines what to plant each month based on the season, temperature, and crop requirements.
Click here for my Florida planting schedule
Whether you’re planting in January or planning for the months ahead, this schedule will keep your garden on track.
Final Thoughts
January is the best time to grow a garden in Florida, offering the perfect conditions for cool-season crops and even a few adventurous warm-season vegetables. With so many vegetables to plant in Florida in January, there’s no shortage of options to fill your garden with healthy, delicious produce.
Take advantage of this prime growing season to fill your beds with greens, brassicas, root crops, and more. And don’t forget to use my Florida planting schedule to stay organized and make the most of your growing season. Happy gardening!