December in Florida means planting flowers that will bloom through the mild winter and into early spring. If you are looking for the best flowers to plant in december in florida, you have come to the right place. The Sunshine State offers unique gardening opportunities because of its warm climate. Unlike colder regions, Florida gardeners can enjoy color all winter long. This guide will help you choose the right blooms for your yard or containers.
Planting in December sets you up for success. The weather is cooler, which reduces stress on new plants. Plus, many flowers thrive in the mild temperatures. You can create a vibrant garden that lasts until summer heat arrives. Let’s explore the top choices and how to care for them.
Best Flowers To Plant In December In Florida
When you think about December flowers, think about plants that love cool weather. These flowers handle Florida’s mild winters well. They also provide long-lasting color. Here are the top picks for your garden.
Petunias
Petunias are a classic choice for Florida winters. They come in many colors, including pink, purple, white, and red. These flowers bloom continuously from December through spring. They need full sun to look their best. Plant them in well-draining soil. Water them regularly, but avoid wetting the leaves. Petunias work great in beds, borders, and hanging baskets.
One tip: deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. This simple step keeps your petunias looking fresh. They are also deer-resistant, which is a bonus for many Florida yards.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons add height and texture to your garden. Their tall spikes come in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and white. They love cool weather and bloom until late spring. Plant them in full sun or partial shade. They prefer rich, well-drained soil. Water them deeply once a week.
Snapdragons are great for cut flowers. You can bring them indoors for arrangements. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. For best results, pinch back the tips when plants are young. This makes them bushier and more floriferous.
Pansies
Pansies are a winter favorite in Florida. Their cheerful faces brighten any garden. They come in almost every color imaginable. Pansies thrive in cool weather and bloom from December through March. Plant them in full sun to partial shade. They need moist, fertile soil. Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Pansies are edible flowers, so you can use them in salads or as garnishes. They are also cold-tolerant, surviving light frosts. Remove faded flowers to keep them blooming. They work well in containers, window boxes, and garden beds.
Dianthus
Dianthus, also called pinks, offer spicy-scented blooms. They come in pink, red, white, and bi-colors. These flowers are low-growing and perfect for borders. They bloom from December through May. Dianthus needs full sun and well-drained soil. Water them moderately, as they don’t like wet feet.
These flowers are deer-resistant and attract butterflies. They are also great for cutting. Trim them back after the first flush of blooms to encourage reblooming. Dianthus is a reliable choice for Florida winters.
Calendula
Calendula, or pot marigold, is a cheerful winter flower. Its bright orange and yellow blooms add warmth to the garden. Calendula blooms from December through spring. It prefers full sun but can handle some afternoon shade. It grows well in average soil. Water it regularly, but don’t overwater.
Calendula has medicinal uses. You can use the petals in salves and teas. It also repels some garden pests. Deadhead regularly to extend the blooming period. This flower is easy to grow from seed, making it a budget-friendly option.
Lobelia
Lobelia is a trailing plant that works well in containers and hanging baskets. Its small blue, purple, or white flowers create a cascading effect. Lobelia blooms from December through May. It prefers cool weather and partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist. Fertilize every few weeks with a liquid fertilizer.
Lobelia is a great filler plant. It pairs well with taller flowers like snapdragons. It also attracts hummingbirds. Be careful not to let it dry out, as it wilts quickly. Trim it back if it gets leggy.
Alyssum
Alyssum is a low-growing ground cover with tiny, fragrant flowers. It comes in white, pink, purple, and yellow. Alyssum blooms from December through spring. It prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs well-drained soil. Water it regularly, but avoid overhead watering to prevent rot.
Alyssum is excellent for edging beds or filling gaps. Its sweet scent attracts beneficial insects. It is also deer-resistant. Shear it back after blooming to keep it compact. It self-seeds readily, so you may get volunteers next year.
Stocks
Stocks are known for their spicy fragrance. They produce tall spikes of flowers in pink, purple, white, and red. Stocks bloom from December through April. They need full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water them deeply once a week. Fertilize monthly with a bloom booster.
Stocks are excellent cut flowers. Their fragrance fills a room. They also attract butterflies. Plant them in groups for the best visual impact. They are somewhat frost-tolerant, but protect them if a hard freeze is expected.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are climbing vines with beautiful, fragrant flowers. They come in many pastel shades. Sweet peas bloom from December through spring. They need full sun and support like a trellis or fence. Plant them in rich, well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
Sweet peas are a bit more challenging but worth the effort. Soak the seeds overnight before planting to speed germination. Pinch out the tips when plants are 6 inches tall to encourage branching. They make wonderful cut flowers with a lovely scent.
Violas
Violas are smaller cousins of pansies. They have similar flowers but in a more compact size. Violas come in many colors and patterns. They bloom from December through May. They prefer full sun to partial shade. They need moist, fertile soil. Fertilize every two weeks.
Violas are edible and great for garnishes. They are also cold-hardy. They work well in containers and as ground covers. Deadhead regularly to keep them blooming. Violas are a reliable choice for winter color.
Planting Tips For December In Florida
Planting in December requires some specific steps. Follow these tips to ensure success.
Prepare The Soil
Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Test your soil pH if possible. Most flowers prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter. This improves drainage and adds nutrients. Remove any weeds or debris before planting.
Choose The Right Location
Most winter flowers need full sun. That means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Observe your garden to find the sunniest spots. Some flowers like lobelia and violas can handle partial shade. Read the plant tags for specific needs.
Water Properly
Water new plants thoroughly after planting. Then water regularly, but don’t overwater. Florida winters can be dry, so check soil moisture often. Water in the morning to allow leaves to dry. This prevents fungal diseases.
Mulch Your Beds
Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like pine straw or bark. Keep mulch away from plant stems to prevent rot. Mulch also suppresses weeds.
Fertilize Regularly
Winter flowers need nutrients to bloom well. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Then supplement with liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Follow package directions. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leggy growth.
Protect From Frost
While Florida winters are mild, frost can occur. Cover sensitive plants with frost cloth or old sheets on cold nights. Remove covers in the morning. Potted plants can be moved indoors or under a porch. Water plants before a frost, as moist soil holds heat better.
Container Gardening For Winter Flowers
If you have limited space, containers are a great option. Many winter flowers thrive in pots. Here are some tips for container gardening.
Choose The Right Container
Use pots with drainage holes. Size matters: larger pots hold more soil and moisture. Terracotta pots dry out quickly, while plastic retains moisture. Choose a container that matches your style and needs.
Use Quality Potting Mix
Don’t use garden soil in containers. Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. Add perlite or vermiculite for better aeration. You can also mix in slow-release fertilizer.
Select Compatible Plants
Group plants with similar needs. For example, combine petunias, alyssum, and lobelia for a colorful display. Use thriller, filler, and spiller plants for visual interest. Thrillers are tall plants like snapdragons. Fillers are medium plants like dianthus. Spillers trail over the edge, like lobelia.
Water Containers More Often
Pots dry out faster than garden beds. Check soil moisture daily. Water when the top inch feels dry. In hot, windy weather, you may need to water twice a day. Use a saucer to catch excess water, but empty it to prevent root rot.
Fertilize Containers Regularly
Container plants need more frequent feeding. Use a liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks. Follow the label instructions. Slow-release fertilizer pellets can also be mixed into the soil at planting time.
Common Pests And Problems
Winter flowers can face some issues. Here are common problems and solutions.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck plant sap. They can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Wash them off with a strong spray of water. Use insecticidal soap if needed. Ladybugs are natural predators.
Slugs And Snails
These pests chew holes in leaves and flowers. They are active at night. Handpick them in the evening. Use beer traps or copper tape barriers. Diatomaceous earth can also help.
Powdery Mildew
This fungal disease appears as a white powder on leaves. It thrives in humid conditions. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Water at the base to keep leaves dry. Use a fungicide if necessary.
Root Rot
Overwatering can cause root rot. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and wilting. Ensure good drainage. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Remove affected plants to prevent spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flowers bloom all winter in Florida?
Many flowers bloom all winter in Florida. Petunias, pansies, snapdragons, and dianthus are reliable choices. They start blooming in December and continue through spring with proper care.
Can I plant flowers in December in Florida?
Yes, December is an ideal time to plant flowers in Florida. The cooler weather reduces transplant shock. Many flowers thrive in mild winter temperatures. You can plant annuals, perennials, and even some bulbs.
What are the best winter flowers for Florida shade?
For shady spots, consider impatiens, begonias, and coleus. These plants bloom well with less sun. Lobelia and violas also tolerate partial shade. Check the light requirements before planting.
How often should I water winter flowers in Florida?
Water frequency depends on weather and soil. Generally, water deeply once or twice a week. Check soil moisture regularly. In dry periods, you may need to water more often. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Do I need to fertilize winter flowers in Florida?
Yes, fertilizing helps winter flowers bloom well. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time. Then apply liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Follow package directions for best results. Over-fertilizing can harm plants.
Final Thoughts On Winter Gardening
Planting the best flowers to plant in december in florida is a rewarding experience. You get to enjoy color and fragrance during the cooler months. With the right choices and care, your garden will thrive. Remember to prepare the soil, water properly, and protect from frost. Container gardening is also a great option for small spaces.
Don’t be afraid to try new varieties. Visit local nurseries for advice on what grows well in your area. Gardening is a learning process, and each season brings new lessons. Enjoy the process and the beauty your garden brings.
December in Florida is a wonderful time to get outside and plant. The weather is pleasant, and the flowers are eager to grow. With a little effort, you can have a vibrant garden that lasts through winter and into spring. Happy planting!