May is the perfect time to think about what to plant in Florida in May before summer heat takes over completely. I love this month because it’s like the last hurrah for getting certain plants established before our scorching summer arrives. The weather is warm but not brutal yet, and your plants have time to develop strong root systems. What to Plant in Florida in May Before Summer Heat is a popular choice for gardeners.
This is when I do most of my summer prep work in the garden. You want to get heat-loving plants in the ground now so they can settle in and be ready to handle the intense Florida sun that’s coming our way.
Heat-Loving Vegetables to Plant in Florida in May
Okra is absolutely my favorite thing to grow during Florida summers, and May is the perfect time to get it started. This Southern staple thrives in our heat and humidity like nothing else. I plant mine directly in the garden because okra doesn’t like being transplanted. The seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, usually within a week.
Sweet potatoes are another winner for May planting in Florida. I start with slips (the little plants that grow from sweet potato tubers) rather than trying to grow from seed. Plant them in well-draining soil because they hate wet feet. These vines will spread like crazy once summer heat kicks in, so give them plenty of space.
Yard-long beans, also called snake beans, are incredible in Florida heat. I discovered these a few years ago and now I grow them every summer. They’re way more heat-tolerant than regular green beans and produce like crazy. Plant them near a trellis because they really do grow several feet long.
Hot peppers absolutely love being planted in Florida in May. Varieties like habaneros, serranos, and Thai chilies will produce all summer long once established. I always start with transplants rather than seeds because it gives them a head start before the real heat hits.
Best Flowers to Plant Before Florida Summer Heat
Related article: Chaos Gardening Explained
Zinnias are my go-to summer flowers, and May is the ideal time to get them established. These colorful annuals love heat and actually get better as temperatures rise. I direct sow the seeds because zinnias don’t like root disturbance. They’ll bloom continuously until the first frost, which in Florida might not be until December.
Marigolds are another heat champion that I plant every May. They’re practically indestructible once established and help keep pests away from my vegetables. The French marigolds do better in extreme heat than the African varieties, so I stick with those for summer plantings.
Sunflowers bring such joy to the garden, and May is perfect for planting them in Florida. I choose varieties that are bred for heat tolerance. The key is getting them established before the really intense summer sun arrives. Plant them in a spot where they’ll get morning sun but some afternoon protection if possible.
Vinca, also called Madagascar periwinkle, is absolutely perfect for Florida summers. These little flowers bloom nonstop in heat that would kill most other annuals. I plant them in May and they keep going strong until fall. They’re also drought-tolerant once established, which is a huge plus during our dry spells.
Herbs That Thrive When Planted in Florida in May
Basil is the herb I’m most excited to plant in May because it absolutely loves warm weather. I grow several varieties including sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil. The trick is to keep pinching off the flower buds so the plants keep producing leaves. In Florida heat, basil can grow into huge bushes if you take care of it properly.
Mexican mint marigold is a fantastic heat-loving herb that tastes like tarragon. I discovered this gem a few years ago and now it’s a staple in my herb garden. It handles Florida humidity better than French tarragon and has pretty yellow flowers that attract beneficial insects.
Rosemary loves being planted in May because it has time to establish before summer stress. This Mediterranean herb actually prefers our hot, dry conditions once it’s settled in. I plant it in well-draining soil and try to give it some afternoon shade during the hottest part of summer.
Cuban oregano is perfect for Florida gardens and much more heat-tolerant than regular oregano. The leaves are thick and succulent, which helps them handle humidity. I use it fresh in cooking and it adds a unique flavor that’s stronger than regular oregano.
Tips for Success with May Planting in Florida
Soil preparation is super important when planting in May because summer stress is coming. I always add plenty of compost to help retain moisture and improve drainage at the same time. Florida’s sandy soil needs all the organic matter it can get to support plants through our intense summers.
Mulching is absolutely critical for anything you plant in May. I use a thick layer of organic mulch around all my plants to keep the soil cool and retain moisture. This becomes even more important as temperatures climb into the 90s and beyond.
Watering deeply but less frequently helps plants develop strong root systems before summer heat arrives. I water early in the morning so plants have time to absorb moisture before the day gets hot. Shallow, frequent watering creates weak roots that can’t handle summer stress.
Consider the mature size of plants when deciding what to plant in Florida in May before summer heat. Some plants that seem small now will spread significantly once hot weather kicks in. I learned this lesson the hard way with sweet potato vines that completely took over a section of my garden.
Planning ahead is key to summer gardening success in Florida. I always have a backup watering plan and consider installing shade cloth for the most sensitive plants. Even heat-loving plants can benefit from some afternoon protection during the most brutal summer days.
May planting in Florida sets you up for a productive and beautiful summer garden. The plants you establish now will reward you with harvests and blooms throughout our long growing season. Don’t wait too long though because once June arrives, the planting window for many crops closes until fall!
