In the heart of the Sunshine State, gardeners are met with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Florida’s subtropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, calls for a careful selection of vegetable varieties that can thrive in these conditions. The key to a successful garden lies not just in green thumbs but in choosing the right vegetable varieties. In this guide, we’ll explore a curated list of my favorite Florida vegetable varieties, each selected for its adaptability and flavor in our sunny state.
Why Varieties Matter in a Subtropical Climate:
Florida’s climate presents a distinct set of challenges for gardeners. The intense heat, humidity, and occasional bouts of heavy rain demand plants that are resilient and well-suited to these conditions. Choosing the right vegetable varieties is crucial for successful gardening in this subtropical environment. Varieties selected for heat tolerance, disease resistance, and adaptability to the local soil can make all the difference between a thriving garden and a struggle against the elements.
Vegetable Varieties Perfect for Florida’s Gardens:
Beans (Snap) – Provider, Contender, Blue Lake: These snap beans are renowned for their productivity and ability to withstand Florida’s heat. The Provider variety consistently delivers bountiful harvests, making it a favorite among local gardeners.
Beans (Dry) – Puerto Rican Black, Jackson Wonder Lima, Light Red Kidney, Small Red: These dry bean varieties are well-suited for Florida’s warm climate. They offer a diverse range of colors and flavors, adding both nutritional value and improved soil fertility to your garden.
Broccoli – Arcadia, De Cicco: Broccoli can be a challenging crop in warmer climates, but Arcadia and De Cicco varieties are well-adapted for Florida. They produce tight heads and side shoots, ensuring a prolonged harvest.
Brussels – Jade Cross: Brussels sprouts enthusiasts will appreciate the Jade Cross variety, known for its compact size and resistance to heat. It’s an excellent choice for Florida gardeners seeking a Brussels sprout that can endure the warmth.
Cabbage – Early Jersey Wakefield, Golden Acre, Savoy Perfection: These cabbage varieties are chosen for their early maturity and ability to thrive in Florida’s climate. Early Jersey Wakefield and Golden Acre cabbage provide crisp heads that are perfect for coleslaw or stir-fries.
Carrots – Danvers, Nantes, New Kuroda, Purple Elite, Atomic Red: Carrots are a versatile root vegetable, and these varieties are selected for their adaptability to Florida’s soil and climate. From the classic Danvers to the vibrant Purple Elite, these carrots add color and nutrition to your garden.
Chinese Cabbage – Chijimisai, Tokyo Bekana: Well-suited for stir-fries and salads, these Chinese cabbage varieties are heat-tolerant and quick to mature, making them ideal for Florida’s growing season.
Corn – Silver Queen: A classic sweet corn variety, Silver Queen is well-adapted to Florida’s warm weather. Its sweet, tender kernels make it a favorite for summer meals.
Cucumbers – Ashley, Sweet Success, Boston Pickling, Spacemaster: Cucumbers are a staple in many gardens, and these varieties are chosen for their heat tolerance and productivity. Whether you prefer pickles or fresh slices, these cucumber varieties won’t disappoint.
Eggplant – Ichiban: With its slender shape and glossy skin, Ichiban is a Japanese eggplant variety well-suited for Florida’s climate. It’s a prolific producer, providing ample harvests throughout the growing season.
Garlic – Inchelium Red: Garlic is a must-have in any garden, and Inchelium Red thrives in Florida’s conditions. This softneck garlic variety boasts a mild flavor and stores well.
Kale – Red Russian, Lacinato, Prism, Ethiopian, Prism: Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, and these varieties are chosen for their ability to withstand Florida’s heat. Whether you prefer the mild Red Russian or the robust Lacinato, there’s a kale variety for every palate.
Kohlrabi – Purple Vienna, Early White Vienna: Kohlrabi’s unique flavor and texture make it a standout in Florida gardens. These varieties are selected for their adaptability and quick maturation.
Lettuce – Black Seeded Simpson, Romaine Parris Island, Oak Leaf, Buttercrunch, Freckles, Salanova: Lettuce varieties are essential for salads, and these selections are chosen for their heat resistance and crisp texture. From classic Romaine to the speckled beauty of Freckles, these lettuces add color and flavor to your garden.
Onion – Granex, Red Creole, Florida Finely Green Onion: Onions are a kitchen staple, and these short day varieties are chosen for their ability to thrive in Florida’s conditions. Granex and Red Creole onions are known for their sweet flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
Peas – Sugar Snap, Sugar Daddy, Giant Oregon Snow, Telephone Tall: Peas add a delightful sweetness to your garden, and these varieties are chosen for their adaptability to Florida’s warm climate. Sugar Snap and Sugar Daddy peas are particularly well-loved for their crunchy, edible pods.
Cow Peas – Pinkeye Purple Hull, Whippoorwill, Texas Cream: Cow peas, also known as Southern peas, are a Southern favorite. These varieties are chosen for their ability to thrive in Florida’s heat, providing a reliable source of protein in your garden.
Peppers – Cubanelle, Yolo, Anaheim Chili, Pimento, Lesya, Purple Cayenne, Mammoth Jalapeno: Peppers come in various shapes and heat levels, and these varieties are selected for their adaptability to Florida’s climate. From mild Cubanelle to the spicy Anaheim Chili, there’s a pepper variety for every taste.
Potatoes – Yukon Gold, Cal White, Golden Nugget: While potatoes may not be the first choice for many Florida gardeners, Yukon Gold is a versatile variety that can be successfully grown in containers or well-drained soil with a fast maturity.
Summer Squash – Early Prolific Straight Neck, Tromboncino: Summer squash can be difficult in Florida but these varieties are chosen for their productivity and taste. Whether you prefer the classic straight neck or the unique shape of Tromboncino, summer squash is a reliable addition to your garden.
Winter Squash – Tahitian Melon, Seminole Pumpkin, Waltham Butternut, Tivoli Spaghetti, Burgess Buttercup: Winter squash varieties are chosen for their ability to withstand Florida’s pest pressure and provide a bountiful harvest. From the creamy texture of butternut to the sweet flavor of Burgess Buttercup, these winter squash varieties are a delightful addition to your garden.
Spinach – Egyptian, Red Malabar, Sissoo: Spinach can be challenging in Florida’s heat, but these varieties are chosen for their adaptability. Egyptian and Red Malabar spinach offer unique flavors and thrive in warm climates.
Sweet Potatoes – Beauregard, Hayman: Sweet potatoes are a Southern classic, and Beauregard is a reliable variety for Florida gardens. With its sweet flavor and versatile uses, Beauregard sweet potatoes are a staple in many households.
Swiss Chard – Red Ruby, Fordhook: Swiss chard is a nutritious and visually appealing addition to any garden. Red Ruby Swiss chard is chosen for its vibrant color and ability to thrive in Florida’s conditions.
Tomatoes – Yellow and Red Pear, Super Sweet 100, Everglades, San Marzano, Neptune, Floradade, Heatwave, Red Currant, Kewalo, Heart of Somboro, Large Red Cherry: Tomatoes are a staple in Florida gardens, and these varieties are carefully chosen for their ability to thrive in our warm climate with high humidity. From the bite-sized delight of Super Sweet 100 to the rich flavor of San Marzano for sauces, each variety brings its own unique characteristics to your garden. Floradade and Heatwave varieties are known for their heat tolerance, ensuring a reliable harvest even in the peak of summer. Red Currant tomatoes add a burst of sweetness to salads, while the Yellow and Red Pear varieties bring a visually appealing touch to your garden.
Turnips – Purple Top White Globe: Turnips are a versatile and quick-growing root vegetable, and the Purple Top White Globe variety is well-suited for Florida gardens. With its crisp texture and mildly sweet flavor, these turnips are perfect for both fresh salads and cooked dishes.
Fruit Varieties Perfect for Florida’s Gardens:
Apple – Anna, Golden Dorsett: Apples are a delightful addition to any Florida garden, and the Anna and Golden Dorsett varieties are particularly suited to warmer climates. These apples are known for their crisp texture and sweet flavor, making them perfect for fresh eating, baking, and cider-making.
Avocado – Day: Avocados thrive in Florida’s warm climate, and the Day variety is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a high-yield, flavorful fruit. Known for its creamy texture and rich flavor, the Day avocado is ideal for both guacamole and slicing.
Banana – Dwarf Cavendish, Ice Cream: Bananas are a tropical staple, and the Dwarf Cavendish and Ice Cream varieties grow well in Florida’s humid conditions. These bananas are known for their sweetness and creamy texture, making them perfect for smoothies, baking, and fresh eating.
Blackberry – Apache, Chickasaw: Blackberries are robust and fruitful, and the Apache and Chickasaw varieties are well-adapted to Florida gardens. These blackberries are prized for their deep flavor and plump berries, perfect for jams, desserts, or eating straight from the vine.
Blueberry – Southern Highbush: Blueberries are a superfood and garden favorite, and the Southern Highbush variety is particularly well-suited to Florida’s climate. These blueberries offer a sweet and slightly tart flavor, ideal for baking, preserves, or snacking.
Citrus – SugarBelle: Citrus trees are synonymous with Florida, and the SugarBelle Tangerine variety stands out with its exceptionally sweet and tangy flavor as well as the added bonus that it is resistant to HLB (citrus greening disease). This citrus is perfect for juicing, fresh eating, and culinary uses, making it a versatile choice for any garden.
Mulberry – Thai Dwarf, Worlds Best, Pakistani: Mulberries are a versatile and quick-growing fruit, and the Thai Dwarf variety is well-suited for Florida gardens. With its sweet flavor and prolific production, these mulberries are perfect for fresh eating, jams, and desserts.
Peach – Tropical Beauty Florida Prince, Tropical Snow: Peaches thrive in Florida, and the Tropical Beauty, Florida Prince, and Tropical Snow are low chill varieties that are excellent for the region. These peaches are known for their juicy, sweet flesh, making them ideal for fresh eating, canning, or baking.
Plum – Gulf Series: Plums are a delightful addition to any Florida garden, and the Gulf Series varieties are designed to thrive in this hot climate, with low chill hours. These plums are known for their sweet and juicy flavor, perfect for eating fresh or transforming into preserves.
Strawberries – Chandler, Brilliance: Meet the summer stars of your garden: strawberries! While Florida’s climate can be challenging, don’t stress. These strawberry varieties are chosen for resilience and flavor. Whether you fancy classic sweetness or unique heirloom varieties, strawberries promise a fruitful yield.
Watermelon – Moon and Stars, Sugar Baby: Watermelons are a quintessential summer fruit, and the Moon and Stars and Sugar Baby varieties are excellent choices for Florida gardens. Known for their sweet and refreshing taste, these watermelons are perfect for hot summer days, picnics, and gatherings.
In the vibrant tapestry of Florida’s diverse climate, selecting the right vegetable and fruit varieties is a crucial step towards a thriving garden. The carefully curated list above encompasses a wide range of vegetables and fruits, each chosen for its adaptability and flavor in our subtropical environment. From the crisp heads of cabbage to the sweet crunch of snap peas, these varieties are a testament to the resilience and diversity of Florida’s gardens. As you embark on your gardening journey, remember that experimentation and observation are key. Florida’s climate may pose challenges, but with the right vegetable and fruit varieties and a bit of gardening know-how, you can cultivate a bountiful harvest that not only survives but thrives in the Sunshine State. Happy gardening!
