Florida gardeners know that September is a golden opportunity to get a head start on spring blooms. While northern states prepare for frost, our warm climate allows us to sow seeds that will establish strong root systems before winter’s mild chill.
Planting now means spectacular flowers when spring arrives, taking advantage of our unique growing conditions and sandy soils.
1. Snapdragons For Early Spring Impact
These classic spires add height and charm to any Florida garden bed. Start them now for the strongest stems and most prolific blooming cycle.
In my experience, snapdragons get a tremendous advantage when planted in September rather than waiting until cooler weather. The seedlings develop slowly at first but build strong root systems during our mild fall months.
Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Rocket’ or ‘Liberty’ for best results in Florida’s unpredictable spring temperatures. They’ll reward you with months of color while northern gardens are still under snow.
2. Sweet Alyssum For Fragrant Ground Cover
September planting gives these tiny beauties time to spread into luxurious carpets by spring. The honey-scented blooms attract beneficial insects that help control garden pests naturally.
I’ve found that alyssum self-seeds readily in Florida gardens, coming back year after year if you let a few plants go to seed. The white varieties seem most heat-tolerant for our climate and bloom the longest.
Sow seeds directly where you want them to grow, as alyssum dislikes transplanting. Just sprinkle them over prepared soil and barely cover – they need light to germinate and will pop up within days in our warm September soil.
3. Calendula For Edible Garden Brightness
Often called pot marigold, calendula thrives in our cooler months after a September start. The edible petals add color to salads and have been used medicinally for centuries.
For me, calendula has been one of the most reliable cool-season flowers in my north Florida garden. The seeds germinate quickly even when temperatures still reach the high 80s during the day.
Plant them near vegetables to help deter nematodes, a common problem in Florida soils. Their bright orange and yellow blooms will continue from early spring through April, fading only when summer heat intensifies.
4. Larkspur For Cottage Garden Charm
September-sown larkspur develops deeper roots than those planted later, resulting in taller plants with more flower spikes. The blue, pink, and white blooms bring vertical interest to spring gardens.
Larkspur seeds need a period of cold to germinate properly. In Florida, our mild winter nights provide just enough chill without the freezing temperatures that would kill young seedlings.
I’ve learned to press the seeds into the soil without covering them completely. Water gently until established, then let Florida’s regular rainfall take over. They’ll reward you with a spectacular show that fills the gap between winter annuals and summer perennials.
5. Dianthus For Long-Lasting Color
Fall-sown dianthus produces stronger plants that bloom earlier and longer than spring-planted ones. Their spicy clove scent is a delightful surprise in the garden.
Many gardeners don’t realize that dianthus can be perennial in Florida if planted in the right location. Mine have returned for three years in a partially shaded bed with good drainage.
Look for heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Telstar’ or ‘Corona Cherry Magic’ that won’t fade when spring temperatures climb. A light haircut after the first flush of blooms will encourage a second showing that can last well into early summer.
6. Bachelor’s Buttons For Effortless Beauty
The iconic blue flowers of bachelor’s buttons (cornflowers) need cool weather to thrive, making September ideal for sowing in Florida. They’re among the easiest flowers to grow from seed.
Last year, I scattered seeds in a neglected corner of my yard with minimal soil preparation. Despite my laziness, they produced a stunning display by March that lasted for weeks.
The cut flowers last remarkably well in arrangements, and pollinators absolutely love them. Plant extra if you have beehives nearby – you’ll notice increased honey production when these simple but beautiful flowers bloom in your spring garden.
7. Poppies For Dramatic Spring Impact
Florida gardeners often miss out on poppies because they don’t realize September is the perfect time to sow these seeds. The papery blooms create a spectacular but fleeting spring show.
The tiny seeds should barely be covered with soil – just a light dusting is enough. I’ve had success mixing the seeds with sand to help distribute them more evenly across prepared beds.
Choose California poppies for reliable performance in our climate. They’re more heat-tolerant than their Oriental cousins and will often self-seed moderately. Their ferny foliage looks attractive even before the flowers appear.
8. Cleome For Architectural Interest
Also called spider flower, cleome offers dramatic height and unusual blooms that appear in late spring. September planting allows them to develop the strong root systems needed to support their tall stems.
These unique flowers have become a staple in my Florida garden. The seeds germinate readily in our warm soil, and the plants grow slowly through winter before shooting up dramatically in early spring.
Despite their delicate appearance, cleome handles our spring thunderstorms remarkably well. Place them toward the back of beds where their 4-5 foot height creates a perfect backdrop for shorter spring bloomers. They’ll continue flowering into summer when many spring annuals have faded.
9. Nasturtiums For Edible Trailing Beauty
September-sown nasturtiums establish strong roots before flowering, producing more abundant blooms than spring-planted ones. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery flavor similar to watercress.
I’ve found nasturtiums perform best in Florida when given afternoon shade and regular watering. The trailing varieties make excellent spill-overs for containers or hanging baskets on a shaded porch.
Unlike many flowers, nasturtiums actually prefer poor soil. Don’t amend your sandy Florida soil too much – excessive nitrogen produces lush leaves but fewer flowers. Their bright blooms in shades of orange, yellow and red will brighten your garden from March through May.
10. Sweet Peas For Fragrant Climbing Vines
Few flowers match the intoxicating fragrance of sweet peas, which need our cooler months to develop properly. September planting ensures they’ll flower before summer heat arrives.
Sweet peas can be challenging in Florida but are worth the effort. Soak seeds overnight before planting and provide a trellis or support for these climbers right from the start.
My best results have come from growing them along a north-facing fence where they receive morning sun but afternoon shade. For true success in Florida, look for heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Winter Elegance’ that can handle our unpredictable late-winter warm spells.
11. Nigella For Unusual Texture
Often called love-in-a-mist, nigella produces star-shaped flowers followed by decorative seed pods that add interest to both gardens and dried arrangements. September sowing is essential in Florida.
The ferny foliage emerges quickly but the plants develop slowly through our mild winter. By spring, they’re ready to burst into bloom just when the garden needs fresh color.
I’ve noticed that nigella does best for me in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade. The delicate blue flowers look particularly striking when planted near yellow or orange companions. Once established, they’ll often self-seed modestly, returning year after year with minimal effort.
12. Phlox Drummondii For Florida Native Appeal
This annual phlox is actually native to parts of the southern United States, making it well-adapted to our growing conditions. September planting allows it to develop strong roots during our mild winter.
Unlike some fussy flowers, annual phlox thrives in Florida’s sandy soils with minimal amendments. The star-shaped blooms come in shades of pink, purple, red and white, often with contrasting centers.
My patches of phlox have become pollinator magnets each spring. Butterflies especially love the flat landing pads these flowers provide. For the most impressive display, mass them together rather than planting in single rows – they create a beautiful carpet of color.
13. Petunias For Reliable Container Color
Growing petunias from seed saves money and offers varieties not found in garden centers. September sowing produces stockier plants that bloom earlier and longer than store-bought spring specimens.
The seeds are tiny and need light to germinate, so press them onto moist soil without covering. Place containers in a bright spot protected from heavy rain until seedlings develop true leaves.
I start mine in small cells then transplant to larger containers in November. By February, they’re already flowering while nursery plants are just hitting the shelves. Choose wave or spreading types for best heat tolerance as we transition from spring into early summer.