VINCA Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS
Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Flowering plants that can take full sun during the increasingly sizzling summer months include portulaca, vinca, pentas, and some coleus. See
•Ask IFAS: Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals
•Ask IFAS: Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials
•Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/
Palms: Summer’s warm, rainy months are the perfect time to plant palms. Make sure not to cover the trunk with soil. See
•CIR1047/EP001: Transplanting Palms in the Landscape: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP001
Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, ginger, cilantro, garlic chives, Cuban oregano, turmeric, Mexican tarragon, lemon grass, and rosemary. See
•Ask IFAS: Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs
Vegetables: Plant tropical vegetables, such as pigeon peas, boniato, calabaza, and chayote this month. See
•Ask IFAS: Tropical Vegetables: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/tropical-vegetable
What To Do
Pests: Monitor the landscape and garden weekly for harmful insects. Knowing which plants are frequently attacked can aid in early detection. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Care: Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-pest-management
Irrigation: Watch for drought stress and water as needed if rainfall has been spotty. Focus on new plantings and follow watering restrictions. When rains begin, shut down the irrigation system. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Care: Irrigation: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn_and_garden_care_irrigation
Propagation: Produce more plants by air layering, grafting, division, or cuttings. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Plants: Seeds and Propagation: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-propagation
Palms and cycads: June kicks off Florida’s hurricane season, but so-called “hurricane” or “pineapple” pruning is not recommended. For information on the correct way to prune palms See
•Ask IFAS: Palm Care: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/palm-care
Pruning: Lightly prune summer-flowering shrubs, like hibiscus, oleander, and ixora, during the warmer months to increase blooming. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Care: Pruning: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-and-garden-care-pruning
Fertilizer bans: Numerous municipalities in South Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June to September). Does an ordinance exist in your area? See
•Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Fertilizer Ordinances App: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/fertilizer-ordinances/
Lawns: Check frequently for damaged areas and keep insects in check with prompt treatment. Troubleshoot yellow and brown lawn patches for chinch bugs, disease, or lack of water. Take time to determine the cause so your remedy is effective. Rejuvenate areas where grass does not grow well by replacing it with versatile groundcovers. See
•Ask IFAS: Lawn and Garden Pest Insects: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/garden_pest_insects
•The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/FFL-Plant-Guide_v030624_web.pdf
•Ask IFAS: Ground Covers: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/ground_covers
Soil solarization: Clean up your vegetable garden and use summer heat to solarize the soil for fall vegetable planting. It takes four to six weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start now. See
•Ask IFAS: Soil Solarization: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization
Lightning safety: Be safe outdoors during summer storms. See
•Ask IFAS: Lightning: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lightning
