May marks a significant shift in Florida’s gardening calendar, transitioning from late spring into the intense heat and humidity of summer. This period introduces higher daytime temperatures, warmer nights, and often the onset of daily summer rain showers. Successful planting requires moving away from cool-season favorites and selecting resilient plants adapted to subtropical conditions. Choosing crops and ornamentals proven to withstand the state’s challenging summer climate ensures a productive garden.
Heat-Loving Vegetables for May Planting
The intense Florida heat arriving in May forces gardeners to pivot toward crops that thrive in high temperatures. Okra is a prime example, flourishing in the peak summer sun where many other annuals fail. Varieties like ‘Clemson Spineless’ or ‘Burgundy’ produce pods continuously until autumn. This heat-tolerant vegetable should be planted directly from seed into well-drained soil now to establish itself before the most severe summer heat.
Another highly recommended option is the sweet potato, planted from slips (small sprouts) in May. The spreading vines naturally smother weeds while the plant develops tubers underground. Gardeners can also focus on Southern peas, often called cowpeas, which are drought-tolerant and enrich the soil with nitrogen. While many bell pepper varieties struggle when nighttime temperatures exceed 70°F, hot peppers like jalapeños and habaneros are far more resilient and produce prolifically throughout the summer.
Herbs and Edibles That Thrive in Summer
May is the ideal time to establish tropical and subtropical edibles that use the summer heat as a catalyst for growth. Roselle, sometimes called Florida cranberry, is a hibiscus relative planted now that produces tart, red calyces used for teas and jams in the late summer and fall. This plant handles the state’s humid environment well.
Tropical spinaches, such as Malabar or Okinawa spinach, are vigorous vining or spreading plants that provide a continuous harvest of greens when traditional lettuce bolts in the heat. These plants prefer the high heat and humidity of a Florida summer. For herbs, standard basil often quickly wilts or “bolts” to seed, but specific varieties like African Blue basil or Thai basil are more heat-tolerant and offer a steady supply of aromatic leaves, even serving as attractive pollinator magnets.
Navigating Florida’s Climate Zones
Successful May planting depends on understanding Florida’s three distinct climate zones, which range from USDA Hardiness Zone 8b in the north to 11b in the Keys. North Florida (Zone 8b to 9a) still has a brief overlap for finishing spring planting, but the focus must quickly shift to warm-season crops before the July heat arrives. This northern region experiences the coolest winters and the most defined growing seasons.
Central Florida (zones 9b to 10a) is where the transition to summer growing is most pronounced in May, requiring attention to heat-loving varieties. In this central area, the likelihood of a late-season frost is zero, signaling the green light for all tropical and semi-tropical plants. Conversely, South Florida (zones 10b to 11b) is already experiencing full summer intensity and heavy rains. May is the final month for establishing some edibles before the climate becomes too hot and wet for anything but the most resilient tropical plants.
Ornamental Flowers and Landscape Plants
May is an excellent time to introduce ornamental plants that provide continuous color through the summer, focusing on species that tolerate intense sun and humidity. Pentas are a great choice, offering star-shaped flowers in clusters of red, pink, or white that are irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds. These plants require full sun and thrive in the heat, continuing to bloom profusely.
Zinnias are another reliable annual, especially the narrow-leaf varieties, which are more disease-resistant than their larger counterparts. They produce a carpet of color that handles the frequent summer rains well. For a splash of color in shadier areas, Caladiums can be planted from tubers in May and offer dramatic, variegated foliage in shades of red, pink, and white. Finally, tropical perennials like Mandevilla and heat-tolerant varieties of Salvia can be planted now to establish robust root systems before the peak summer stress.