Top 10 Florida Vegetables to Grow

Florida’s warm climate and long growing seasons make it an incredible place to grow fresh, delicious vegetables right in your own backyard. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned grower, these ten vegetables thrive in Florida’s unique conditions — and will keep your harvest baskets full year-round.

1. Malabar Spinach

This heat-loving vining green is perfect for Florida summers. With thick, juicy leaves and mild flavor, Malabar spinach is great for salads, stir-fries, and smoothies. Plus, it’s beautiful — adding vertical interest to your garden.

2. Seminole Pumpkin

A Florida native and one of the easiest pumpkins to grow here. Seminole pumpkins are resistant to pests and diseases, thrive in the heat, and produce sweet, dense flesh perfect for roasting or pies.

3. Okra

Okra loves hot weather and poor soils — making it a Florida garden favorite. With continuous harvests all summer long, it’s perfect for frying, soups, and stews. Just be sure to pick the pods young for the best texture.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes thrive in sandy Florida soils. Plant slips in spring and harvest in late summer. Bonus: the young leaves are edible and delicious in salads and stir-fries!

5. Winged Beans

A lesser-known powerhouse, winged beans are incredibly productive in Florida’s heat and humidity. Almost every part of the plant is edible — pods, leaves, flowers, and roots.

6. Southern Peas (Black-eyed peas and cowpeas)

These peas handle Florida summers like champs and improve soil health by fixing nitrogen. Use them in salads, stews, or cook them with rice for a classic Southern dish.

7. Peppers

Hot peppers and bell peppers both grow well in Florida. Plant in spring and enjoy colorful, flavorful harvests throughout the summer and into fall.

8. Cherry Tomatoes

While large tomatoes can struggle in Florida’s humidity, cherry tomatoes thrive. Varieties like ‘Everglades’ or ‘Sweet 100’ produce abundantly with little fuss.

9. Collard Greens

One of the most reliable cool-season greens in Florida, collards are hardy, pest-resistant, and packed with nutrients. Start seeds in late summer or early fall for a winter bounty.

10. Longevity Spinach

Another superstar green for hot climates, longevity spinach produces thick, nutritious leaves and thrives where traditional leafy greens can’t. Perfect for smoothies and sautéing.

Tips for Florida Vegetable Success

Plant according to the season — in Florida, timing is everything. Focus on building healthy soil with compost, mulch heavily to retain moisture, and keep an eye on pests during the warm, wet months. Raised beds (like the ones we build!) make managing Florida gardens even easier.

Ready to Start Growing?

Whether you’re looking to expand your garden or start fresh, we make it easy. From custom garden bed installations to year-round maintenance, Urban Abundance has you covered.

Ready to grow abundance in your own backyard? 👉 Contact Urban Abundance today and let’s get started!