September in Florida offers a unique opportunity for gardeners to plant fruit seeds while the soil remains warm but the scorching summer heat begins to wane. Many newcomers to the Sunshine State are surprised to learn that fall planting can be even more productive than spring for certain tropical and subtropical fruits.
As someone who’s gardened in Central Florida for years, I’ve found September to be the perfect time to start seeds that will establish strong roots before winter’s mild chill arrives.
1. Papaya
Fresh papaya seeds scraped straight from the fruit germinate readily when temperatures hover around 80°F, making September ideal in Florida gardens. No need for special treatment—just rinse the seeds, let them dry overnight, and plant them about half an inch deep.
The seedlings emerge quickly, often within two weeks. Their rapid growth can surprise even experienced gardeners, with plants potentially reaching several feet tall by next summer.
I’ve had tremendous success starting papayas in containers before transplanting them to sunny spots with well-draining soil. The key is protecting young plants from any unexpected cold snaps that might arrive earlier than usual.
2. Passionfruit
September planting gives passionfruit vines a chance to establish before Florida’s mild winter arrives. Seeds need a bit of patience—soak them for 24 hours before planting to improve germination rates.
Unlike some tropical fruits, passionfruit actually appreciates the slightly cooler nights of early fall. The seeds typically take 10-20 days to sprout, so don’t give up too quickly.
My neighbor’s fence became a spectacular display after she planted just three seeds in September two years ago. The vines took off the following spring, creating a purple-flowered privacy screen that now produces more fruit than her family can eat.
3. Guava
Starting guava from seed in September takes advantage of Florida’s extended growing season. Simply scoop seeds from a ripe fruit, rinse them gently, and let them dry for a day before planting in well-draining soil.
Germination typically occurs within 2-8 weeks, depending on temperature and seed freshness. The seedlings develop slowly at first but accelerate once they reach about 6 inches tall.
Last September, I planted seeds from a particularly sweet pink guava purchased at a local farmers market. The resulting trees are now thriving in large containers on my patio, already showing the characteristic reddish new growth that promises future harvests.
4. Starfruit
Starfruit seeds should be planted immediately after extraction from fresh fruit for best results in September’s warm soil. The distinctive ribbed seeds germinate best when temperatures remain above 75°F—perfect for Florida’s extended summer conditions.
Seedlings emerge within 2-4 weeks and benefit from partial shade during their early development. Unlike some tropical fruits, young starfruit trees can handle Florida’s occasional temperature fluctuations quite well.
A local community garden near my home features three magnificent starfruit trees that all began as September-planted seeds. The garden coordinator swears that fall-planted seeds develop stronger root systems than those started in spring.
5. Loquat
September planting works wonderfully for loquat seeds in Florida, as they appreciate the gradually cooling temperatures of early fall. Extract seeds from ripe fruit, rinse thoroughly, and plant immediately for best results—loquat seeds lose viability quickly when dried out.
Germination happens within 2-4 weeks, producing sturdy seedlings with attractive foliage. Young trees develop surprisingly quickly, often reaching 3-4 feet within two years.
During a neighborhood garden exchange last year, a friend shared loquat seedlings she’d started the previous September. Their glossy, tropical-looking leaves made them instant landscape standouts, even before they were old enough to produce fruit.
6. Fig
While most gardeners propagate figs from cuttings, growing them from seed in September offers genetic diversity and adaptation to Florida’s climate. The tiny seeds require light to germinate—simply press them onto moist soil without covering.
Seedlings typically emerge within 2-3 weeks when temperatures remain in the 75-85°F range. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this critical period.
The master gardener at our local extension office maintains a collection of seed-grown figs started each September. She explains that while they take longer to fruit than cutting-propagated trees, seed-grown specimens often develop superior heat tolerance specifically suited to Florida conditions.
7. Mulberry
September’s combination of warm days and gradually cooling nights creates ideal conditions for mulberry seed germination in Florida gardens. Collect seeds from fully ripe berries, rinse thoroughly to remove pulp, and plant immediately in seed-starting mix.
The tiny seeds generally sprout within 10-30 days, producing delicate seedlings that strengthen quickly. Young trees benefit from regular watering through Florida’s dry fall months.
A retired teacher in my gardening club started a community fruit forest with mulberry trees grown from seeds planted each September. She maintains that fall-planted seeds produce trees with better drought resistance than those started in spring or purchased from nurseries.
8. Avocado
The cooling temperatures of September provide excellent conditions for starting avocado pits in Florida gardens. After cleaning the seed, insert three toothpicks around its middle and suspend it over water with the pointed end up.
Roots typically emerge within 2-6 weeks, followed by a central shoot. Once the stem reaches 6-7 inches with several leaves, it’s ready for transplanting into rich, well-draining soil.
An elderly neighbor shared his secret for successful avocado growing—he starts all his seeds in September. His yard boasts seven magnificent trees, each producing slightly different fruit, all grown from grocery store avocados he enjoyed years ago.
9. Mango
Starting mango seeds in September takes advantage of Florida’s extended warm season before winter arrives. Remove the hard husk surrounding the seed carefully, as the delicate embryo inside damages easily.
Plant immediately in well-draining soil with the slightly concave edge facing up and just barely covered. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks in Florida’s September heat.
The local botanical garden features a collection of seed-grown mangoes started by their head propagator each September. She insists that trees grown from seed, while variable in fruit quality, develop deeper taproots that make them more resilient during Florida’s occasional droughts.
10. Sapodilla
Sapodilla seeds benefit from September planting in Florida as they germinate best when soil temperatures remain consistently above 70°F. The dark, shiny seeds require no special treatment—simply clean off any fruit residue and plant about half an inch deep.
Germination typically takes 2-4 weeks, producing sturdy seedlings with attractive foliage. Young plants appreciate afternoon shade during their first year.
A fellow gardener at our community plot swears by September sapodilla planting. His six-year-old seed-grown tree now produces sweet, brown fruits with flavor reminiscent of brown sugar and root beer—perfectly adapted to our local growing conditions.
11. Surinam Cherry
September offers the perfect window for starting Surinam cherry seeds in Florida before winter’s cooler temperatures arrive. The seeds lose viability quickly, so plant them immediately after enjoying the fruit for best results.
Germination occurs surprisingly fast, often within 2-3 weeks, producing distinctive reddish new growth. The seedlings develop into attractive shrubs that can serve as edible hedges in Florida landscapes.
My first experience growing Surinam cherries began with seeds planted on a whim after a September farmers market visit. Those casual plantings have become beautiful specimen shrubs that provide both ornamental value and handfuls of tart-sweet fruits each spring.
12. Pomegranate
September planting gives pomegranate seeds time to establish before Florida’s mild winter arrives. Unlike many tropical fruits, pomegranates appreciate the gradual cooling that fall brings.
Extract seeds from ripe fruit, rinse away the juicy pulp, and allow them to dry overnight before planting about ¼ inch deep. Germination typically occurs within 30-45 days, producing distinctive seedlings with narrow leaves.
The demonstration garden at our county extension office features a stunning pomegranate hedge, all grown from seeds started in September five years ago. The plants flower abundantly each spring, creating a crimson display before setting their jewel-like fruits.