February Growing Guide: Planting & Preparing for a Thriving Season 🌿

February is an exciting time for gardeners! In Florida and other subtropical regions, it’s prime planting season for fruit trees, herbs, and greens before the heat of spring and summer arrives. Meanwhile, gardeners in colder climates are starting seeds indoors and preparing your garden for planting as temperatures begin to warm.

Whether you’re planting outdoors or prepping your indoor garden, here’s everything you need to know to grow successfully in February!

🌿 Growing in February: Florida & Subtropical Regions (Zones 8-10+)

For gardeners in warmer climates, February is an excellent month to establish fruit trees and perennials, ensuring strong root development before the heat and rainy season begin. The cooler temperatures of winter reduce transplant stress, making it a great time to plant!

Best Fruit Trees to Plant in February

Planting fruit trees in February allows them to establish deep roots before the intense summer heat arrives. These trees thrive in subtropical conditions and will produce fruit for years to come.

• Mango (Mangifera indica) – Loves full sun and warm weather; plant now for faster growth in spring.
• Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) – A drought-tolerant, slow-growing tree that produces sweet, caramel-flavored fruit.
• Starfruit (Carambola) – A fast-growing tree that bears crisp, juicy fruit multiple times per year.
• Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora) – A beautiful, fast-growing tree producing tangy-sweet fruit.
• Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata) – Packed with vitamin C, this fruit tree thrives in warm climates.

Greens, Herbs & Perennials to Plant

Herbs and leafy greens thrive when planted in cooler months, providing fresh harvests before temperatures get too hot.

• Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) – A perennial green that thrives in warm weather and provides a nutty, pea-like flavor.
• Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) – A medicinal and culinary herb that grows effortlessly in warm climates.
• Holy Basil (Rama Tulsi) (Ocimum sanctum) – A fragrant and medicinal herb valued for its stress-relieving benefits.
• Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) – A fast-growing shrub known for its clusters of immune-boosting berries.
• Okinawan Spinach (Gynura crepioides) – A heat-tolerant perennial leafy green with striking purple undersides.

🌱 Pro Tip: Apply mulch around newly planted trees and perennials to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots protected during unexpected temperature drops.

🏡 Growing in February: Cooler Climates (Zones 7 and Below)

For northern growers, February is an essential month to start plants indoors, continue overwintering tropicals, and prepare for early spring planting.

Start These Plants Indoors Now:

Starting indoors in February gives plants more time to grow strong before they’re transplanted outdoors in the spring.

• Everglades Tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium) – A small, hardy tomato that thrives in containers and gardens.
• Aji Charapita Pepper (Capsicum chinense) – A rare, flavorful hot pepper that benefits from an early start.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – A medicinal and pollinator-friendly perennial flower.
• Turmerics, Gingers, and Nutritious Root Crops – Can be started in containers and later transplanted outdoors.

Final February Gardening Tips

🌞 For Florida & Subtropical Growers:

• February is a great time to fertilize fruit trees with organic amendments like compost or worm castings.
• Prune fruit trees to remove dead branches and encourage healthy new growth.
• Keep an eye on late-season cold fronts and protect young plants as needed.

🏡 For Cooler Climate Growers:

• Keep an indoor grow journal to track germination and plant growth.
• Plan your garden layout and order fruit trees early for spring planting.
• Use bottom heat and grow lights to ensure strong seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

No matter where you’re gardening, February is the perfect time to plant, prep, and plan for a successful season ahead! 🌿 Check out Sow Exotic’s full collection to find the perfect plants for your garden. Happy growing! 🌱