As the vibrant greens of summer fade and cooler breezes sweep across the Sunshine State, November marks the perfect transition into Florida’s fall gardening season. With average temperatures dipping to a comfortable 60–75°F and the end of hurricane season in sight, it’s prime time to sow cool-season crops that thrive in our mild winters. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just dipping your toes into Florida soil, this guide covers everything from vegetables and herbs to flowers, bulbs, trees, and shrubs. We’ll break it down by Florida’s key climate zones—North (USDA 8a–9a), Central (9b–10a), and South (10b–11)—to help you plan a bountiful harvest. Discover the best fall vegetable garden ideas for Florida, November planting calendars, and tips for sustainable cool-weather crops that boost your homegrown bounty.
Florida’s Climate Zones: Tailoring Your November Plantings
Florida’s diverse geography means your planting choices depend on your location. Northern Florida experiences occasional frosts, making hardy cool-season varieties essential, while Central and South Florida enjoy balmier conditions for a wider range of transplants. Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to confirm your zone, and adjust for microclimates like coastal breezes or inland chills. No matter where you are, November’s lower humidity and reduced rainfall create ideal conditions for root establishment before winter’s chill.
Vegetables to Plant in November: Cool-Season Stars
November is the kickoff for Florida’s cool-season vegetable garden, where leafy greens and brassicas shine. Focus on direct seeding or transplants that mature in 40–90 days, ensuring fresh picks through spring. Amend soil with compost for nutrient-rich beds, and space plants according to square-foot gardening principles to maximize yield.
Here’s a region-specific breakdown:
North Florida Vegetables
In the Panhandle and north-central areas, prioritize frost-tolerant crops. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun.
| Vegetable | Planting Method | Days to Harvest | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | Direct seed | 35–60 | Quick-growing; harvest young leaves for salads. |
| Beets | Direct seed | 50–70 | Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches; roots and greens are edible. |
| Broccoli | Transplant | 75–90 (50–70 from transplant) | Protect from light frosts with row covers. |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant | 90–120 | Stake tall plants; harvest from the bottom up. |
| Cabbage | Transplant | 85–110 | Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Stonehead’. |
| Carrots | Direct seed | 65–80 | Sow in loose soil; thin to 2 inches apart. |
| Collards | Transplant/Direct seed | 70–90 | Southern staple; cook like kale for hearty dishes. |
| Kale | Transplant/Direct seed | 50–70 | Curly varieties like ‘Lacinato’ add texture. |
| Lettuce (all types: crisp, butterhead, leaf, romaine) | Transplant/Direct seed | 50–90 | Succession plant every two weeks for continuous supply. |
| Mustard Greens | Direct seed | 40–50 | Spicy flavor; great for stir-fries. |
| Onions (bunching, bulbing) | Transplant/Direct seed | 50–75 (bunching); 120–160 (bulbing) | Plant sets for faster growth. |
| Turnips | Direct seed | 40–60 | Dual-purpose: tender roots and greens. |
Central Florida Vegetables
Central zones bridge north and south, allowing a mix of seeds and transplants. Expect yields of 5–15 pounds per 10-foot row with proper care.
| Vegetable | Planting Method | Days to Harvest | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beans (bush, pole, lima) | Direct seed | 45–80 | Choose disease-resistant types; support poles. |
| Beets | Transplant | 50–65 | Harvest at golf-ball size for tenderness. |
| Broccoli | Transplant | 75–90 | Mulch to retain moisture. |
| Cabbage (including Chinese) | Transplant | 70–110 | Space 12–18 inches; watch for cabbage loopers. |
| Carrots | Direct seed | 65–80 | Cover with burlap until germination. |
| Cauliflower | Transplant | 75–90 | Blanch heads by tying leaves over curds. |
| Celery | Transplant | 115–125 | Needs consistent moisture; celery hearts are the prize. |
| Collards | Transplant | 70–80 | Heirloom ‘Georgia’ variety thrives here. |
| Kale | Transplant | 80–95 | Massage leaves to soften for salads. |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant | 70–80 | Bulb-like stems; harvest at tennis-ball size. |
| Lettuce | Transplant | 50–90 | Shade cloth prevents bolting in warmer spots. |
| Peas (English, Southern) | Direct seed | 50–90 | Inoculate seeds for better nitrogen fixation. |
| Peppers | Transplant | 80–100 | Extend season with black plastic mulch. |
| Potatoes | Direct seed (seed potatoes) | 85–110 | Hill soil around stems as they grow. |
| Radish | Direct seed | 20–30 | Fast crop; interplant with slower growers. |
| Spinach | Transplant | 80–110 | Bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’. |
| Tomatoes (stake, ground, container) | Transplant | 90–110 | Select determinate types for compact spaces. |
| Turnips | Direct seed | 40–60 | Roots sweeten after light frost. |
South Florida Vegetables
Southern Florida’s warmer microclimate supports heat-loving cool crops like beans and tomatoes alongside classics.
| Vegetable | Planting Method | Days to Harvest | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beets | Transplant | Not specified | Sandy soils work best; thin early. |
| Broccoli | Transplant | Not specified | Quick-maturing hybrids for humidity. |
| Cabbage (regular & Chinese) | Transplant | Not specified | Round up for compact heads. |
| Carrots | Direct seed | Not specified | Short varieties like ‘Paris Market’ for heavy soils. |
| Cauliflower | Transplant | Not specified | Self-blanching types save time. |
| Collards | Transplant | Not specified | Evergreen in mild winters. |
| Cucumbers | Direct seed | Not specified | Trellis to save space and reduce disease. |
| Eggplant | Transplant | Not specified | ‘Black Beauty’ for reliable yields. |
| Endive/Escarole | Transplant | Not specified | Blanch for milder flavor. |
| English & Southern Peas | Direct seed | Not specified | Shelling varieties for fresh eating. |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant | Not specified | Cool temps enhance bulb formation. |
| Lettuce | Transplant | Not specified | Loose-leaf for heat tolerance. |
| Lima, Pole, & Bush Beans | Direct seed | Not specified | Succession sow for steady pods. |
| Mustard | Direct seed | Not specified | Asian greens add variety. |
| Onions | Transplant | Not specified | Long-day types for bulbs. |
| Peppers | Transplant | Not specified | Sweet bells or mild chilies. |
| Potatoes | Direct seed | Not specified | ‘Red Pontiac’ for colorful spuds. |
| Radish | Direct seed | Not specified | Daikon for longer roots. |
| Spinach | Transplant | Not specified | Malabar spinach for vine growth. |
| Strawberries | Transplant | Not specified | ‘Florida Brilliance’ for local adaptation. |
| Tomatoes (larger fruit) | Transplant | Not specified | Cherry types if space is limited. |
| Turnips | Direct seed | Not specified | Purple-top for pretty plates. |
Flowers and Ornamentals: Adding Fall Color
Brighten your landscape with cool-season bloomers that attract pollinators. Plant in sunny spots with good drainage.
- North Florida: Pansy, viola, chrysanthemum for vibrant fall displays; alyssum and dianthus for edging.
- Central Florida: Carnations, baby’s breath, hollyhocks, marigolds, verbenas, forget-me-nots, sweet peas, pansies.
- South Florida: Impatiens, geranium, begonia, dianthus, dusty miller, verbena, petunia, salvia, cape daisy.
Pro Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming, and use them in containers for instant curb appeal.
Herbs: Flavorful Additions for Your Kitchen Garden
Herbs love November’s drier air. Plant in pots or borders for easy harvesting.
Common across regions: Cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, sage, thyme. North/Central additions: Anise, basil, chives, coriander, lavender, lemon balm, mint, oregano, rosemary. South: Focus on heat-tolerant like Mexican tarragon.
Pro Tip: Harvest leaves regularly to promote bushiness; rosemary and sage are perennials here.
Trees, Shrubs, and Bulbs: Long-Term Investments
- Trees and Shrubs: North: Cold-hardy like dogwood, redbud, fringetree, Taiwan cherry, camellias, azaleas. Central/South: Citrus trees, plumeria (watch for rust).
- Bulbs: Amaryllis, crinum, daylily, spider lily (partial shade), African iris, bulbine, rain lily, daffodils.
Pro Tip: Plant bulbs 2–4 inches deep in loamy soil; water sparingly until established.
Essential Planting Tips for November Success
- Soil Preparation: Test pH (aim for 6.0–6.5) and incorporate organic matter. Raised beds prevent waterlogging.
- Watering and Mulch: Irrigate deeply but infrequently; mulch with pine straw to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pest Management: Scout for aphids, cutworms, and cabbage worms—use neem oil or hand-pick. Avoid chemicals near edibles.
- Frost Protection: North gardeners, cover tender plants during dips below 32°F. South folks, minimal worry but prep for rare chills.
- Fertilizing: Use balanced, slow-release formulas; side-dress with compost mid-season.
- Sustainability: Rotate crops to build soil health, and companion plant (e.g., marigolds with brassicas) for natural pest control.
Harvest the Rewards of Your November Garden
November planting in Florida isn’t just about filling your plate—it’s about creating a resilient, colorful oasis that carries you through winter. From crisp lettuce salads to blooming petunias, your efforts will yield months of joy. Start small if you’re new, and remember: gardening is as much about the process as the produce. What’s your first November plant? Share in the comments, and happy digging!
Sources: University of Florida IFAS Extension guides for North, Central, and South Florida.