Updated: April 2026

Spring Planting Guide for Northeast Florida | 2026

Why Spring Is the Best Planting Season in NE Florida

Northeast Florida sits in USDA hardiness zone 9A to 9B, which means most of the year is warm enough for tropical plants to thrive. But spring — specifically March through May — offers the ideal combination of conditions for new plant establishment:

• Soil temperatures: By late March, soil temps in St. Augustine reach 60–65°F, the threshold at which root growth becomes active. By April, soil temps are 65–72°F — optimal for root development in tropical plants.
• Air temperatures: Daytime highs of 72–85°F with nights above 50°F. Warm enough to support growth but not yet at peak summer stress (95°F+ July–August days).
• Freeze risk: The last average freeze date in St. Augustine is approximately February 10–20. By mid-March, freeze probability drops to near zero. Flagler County is similar; Volusia County may see occasional cold events into early March.
• Full growing season ahead: Plants installed in spring have the entire summer — with Florida's abundant rainfall and maximum sun hours — to establish deep root systems before the next winter season.
• Rainy season incoming: Florida's wet season begins in June, which effectively provides free irrigation as you reduce your own watering effort.

Month-by-Month Spring Planting Calendar: NE Florida

March: Early Spring — Start with the Hardy Ones

Conditions: Overnight lows 45–58°F early month, 52–62°F late month. Soil temps 55–65°F. Some freeze risk early March, especially in Flagler and Volusia counties.

Best plants to install in March:

• Cold-hardy palms: Sabal Palm (Cabbage Palm), Windmill Palm, Pindo Palm, Queen Palm — all can go in the ground in early March without frost cloth protection in most years. These species are established before the hottest months, giving them the strongest possible summer.
• Ornamental grasses: Muhlenbergia, Pennisetum, Miscanthus — these are among the most cold-tolerant species we carry and can be planted in early to mid-March without concern.
• Cold-tolerant shrubs: Podocarpus, Viburnum, Clusia — hardy hedging species that establish well in March's moderate temperatures.
• Bougainvillea: Technically tropical but remarkably cold-tolerant once established. Plant in late March once nights are consistently above 45°F in your specific location.

Wait until late March or April for:

• Mandevilla and Dipladenia (cold-sensitive below 40°F)
• Cat Palm and tender foliage tropicals
• Hibiscus in exposed, frost-pocket locations

March soil prep tasks: This is the ideal time to amend beds before the main planting push. Incorporate organic matter into existing landscape beds — compost, composted manure, or Florida-specific planting mix — to improve water retention in sandy soils. Test soil pH if you're planting acid-loving species.

March fertilization: Apply the first application of slow-release tropical fertilizer as plants emerge from their minimal winter dormancy. A balanced NPK with added magnesium and manganese (commonly deficient in NE Florida soils) sets the stage for the growing season.

April: Peak Spring Planting Month

Conditions: Overnight lows 58–65°F. Daytime highs 75–84°F. Soil temperatures 65–72°F. No meaningful freeze risk. Humidity begins to rise, characteristic afternoon rain showers start mid-to-late month.

April is the single best month of the year to plant tropical plants in Northeast Florida. Conditions are essentially perfect: warm soil, comfortable air temperatures, no freeze risk, and the full summer growing season ahead. If you're planning one major landscaping effort for the year, April is when to execute it.

All tropical plants can go in the ground in April:

• All palm varieties: Cat Palm, Queen Palm, Bismarck, Medjool Date Palm, Fishtail Palm, Pygmy Date Palm. April's warm soil temperatures allow immediate root establishment.
• Hibiscus: All varieties. April's combination of warm nights and moderate days produces rapid establishment and early-season blooming by May.
• Bougainvillea: The warm temperatures accelerate the root establishment that precedes the plant's characteristic bloom flush.
• Mandevilla and Dipladenia: These frost-sensitive vines thrive in April conditions and will begin climbing and blooming within weeks of planting.
• Ferns: All varieties. Ferns establish particularly well in April when soil moisture and temperatures are balanced.
• Tropical foliage plants: Philodendron, Caladium, Aglaonema — the warming temperatures trigger rapid leaf expansion.
• Flowering annuals and perennials: Pentas, Torenia, Plumbago, Ixora — all perform excellently from April plantings.

April watering protocol: Water new transplants every day for the first week, then every other day for weeks 2–4. April typically has low rainfall (NE Florida averages only 2–3 inches in April), so supplemental irrigation is essential during the establishment period. Deep, slow watering that reaches 6–8 inches into the soil is more effective than frequent shallow watering.

April coquina shell installation: Spring is the ideal time to install or refresh coquina shell in landscape beds. The cooler temperatures make the work more comfortable, and the shell will be in place before summer heat peaks. Call 772-267-1611 to schedule delivery — April is a busy time and advance scheduling is recommended.

May: Late Spring — Transition to Summer Conditions

Conditions: Overnight lows 65–70°F. Daytime highs 82–88°F. Soil temperatures 72–78°F. Humidity increases significantly. Afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent. Rainy season technically begins in mid-to-late June but May often brings increased rainfall.

May is still an excellent planting month — the warm soil temperatures promote rapid root development, and increasing humidity actually benefits tropical plants that evolved in humid tropical environments. The main consideration in May is protecting new transplants from the heat stress of days approaching 90°F.

May planting tips:

• Plant in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid midday installation when soil surface temperatures can reach 95°F+ in full sun. Plant when temperatures are below 85°F for best transplant success.
• Water immediately after planting. In May, the soil dries faster than in April. Water deeply immediately after installing any new plant.
• Provide temporary shade for sensitive transplants. Large-leaf tropicals like elephant ear, philodendron, and caladiums benefit from shade cloth (40–50%) for the first 2 weeks of establishment in May's intense sun.
• All plant categories still viable: Everything that can be planted in April can go in May, just with extra attention to watering and possibly shade protection.

May fertilization: Continue monthly fertilization. May is when you should see the first significant growth flush of the season — a good sign that spring-planted tropicals are establishing well. If plants seem slow to push new growth, verify that soil pH is appropriate and apply a foliar micronutrient spray.

Soil Preparation for Tropical Plants in NE Florida

Northeast Florida's native soils range from fine sand (coastal areas, St. Johns County beach communities) to sandy loam with clay subsurface (inland areas, parts of Flagler and Volusia counties) to muck soils in low-lying areas near the St. Johns River and its tributaries. Each presents specific challenges for tropical plant establishment.

Sandy Coastal Soils (St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Flagler Beach)

Sandy soils drain too fast. Water and nutrients move through quickly, leaving plant roots dry and nutrient-poor between irrigations. Amend planting holes with compost at a 1:3 ratio (one part compost to three parts native soil). Use slow-release fertilizers rather than water-soluble types, since water-soluble nutrients leach out before plants can use them. Coquina shell mulching helps moderate soil temperatures and reduce evaporation from the surface, improving moisture retention at the root zone.

Clay-Heavy Inland Soils

Clay soils hold moisture too long and compact easily, creating anaerobic conditions that promote root rot in tropical plants — which generally require well-drained soil. If planting in clay-heavy areas, create raised beds (6–12 inches above grade) using a well-draining planting mix. Avoid excessive irrigation once plants establish. Coquina shell improves the drainage situation by preventing surface capping that reduces water infiltration.

Universal Soil Prep Steps

1. Dig planting holes 2–3 times the width of the root ball, and only as deep as the root ball. Never plant too deep — the root flare should be at or slightly above grade.
2. Mix 20–30% compost with native soil to backfill the hole.
3. Add a slow-release starter fertilizer (granular, low-nitrogen) to the backfill mix.
4. Water the hole before placing the plant to settle the soil and check drainage. Water should drain within 30 minutes.
5. After planting, apply 2 inches of coquina shell or mulch in a 2–3 foot diameter ring around the plant, keeping material 2–3 inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

Spring Watering Schedule for NE Florida Tropical Plants

Irrigation is the single most critical factor in spring transplant success. The following schedule is appropriate for well-draining sandy soils typical of coastal NE Florida. Clay-heavy soils may require less frequent watering.

Spring Fertilization Schedule

Florida's sandy soils require a more aggressive fertilization schedule than many gardeners are accustomed to. The combination of high rainfall leaching nutrients quickly and rapid plant growth consuming nutrients means that tropical plants need consistent feeding from March through October.

• March 1–15: First fertilizer application of the season. Use a complete slow-release fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-4-8 with minor elements). Apply to the drip line of each plant at label rates.
• April 1: Second application. This is when you want to be applying nutrients ahead of the main spring growth flush. If plants are showing yellow leaves, apply a foliar spray with iron and manganese chelate to correct micronutrient deficiency.
• May 1: Third application. As temperatures warm and growth accelerates, continue monthly feeding. Switch to a slightly higher potassium formulation (e.g., 8-4-12) to support flowering in hibiscus, mandevilla, and bougainvillea.
• May 15: Apply a magnesium supplement (Epsom salt at 2 tbsp/gallon or a commercial magnesium sulfate product) to palms and hibiscus if yellowing of inner fronds or leaves indicates deficiency. This is common in NE Florida's acidic sandy soils.

Plant-Specific Spring Care Tips

Palm Trees

Spring is when palms push their first new frond of the season — a good indicator of winter health and readiness for the growing season. Don't prune palms in spring. Pruning removes the potassium stored in fronds and can trigger deficiency symptoms. Wait until summer or fall to remove only completely brown, dead fronds. Fertilize with a palm-specific formulation (8-2-12 with 4% magnesium) monthly March through October.

Hibiscus

Cut back hibiscus by about one-third in late February or early March before the new growth flush. This promotes branching, more flowers, and a compact plant shape. After spring pruning, apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) to encourage bud set. Regular deadheading of spent flowers throughout spring maximizes continuous blooming.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea blooms on new growth, so late winter/early spring pruning is essential for maximum flower production. After pruning, allow the plant to slightly stress (reduce watering briefly) before the spring flush — this triggers the bloom response. Prune lightly throughout summer after each bloom cycle to keep the plant compact and producing continuously.

Mandevilla and Dipladenia

Plant in full sun to partial shade after the last frost date (mid-March at the latest in St. Augustine). Provide a trellis, fence, or arbor — mandevilla will climb aggressively in spring's warmth. Begin fertilizing with a high-phosphorus bloom booster as soon as buds appear. These vines grow remarkably fast in April and May and can cover a 6-foot trellis by June when planted in April.

Common Spring Planting Mistakes in NE Florida

1. Planting too early in cold pockets. Low-lying areas, north-facing slopes, and spots near large water bodies can retain cold longer than open areas. Monitor your specific microclimate and wait until overnight lows are consistently above 45°F before planting frost-sensitive species.
2. Overwatering in clay soils. The "water every day" advice for sandy soils becomes a death sentence for plants in clay-heavy areas. Test drainage before planting and adjust watering frequency accordingly.
3. Planting too deep. Tropical plants — especially palms and trees — should never be planted with the crown below grade. The root flare must remain at or above the soil surface. Deep planting causes trunk rot and is the single most common installation mistake.
4. Skipping soil amendment. Pure Florida beach sand provides almost no nutrition or water retention. Even a small amount of compost (20–30% by volume) in the planting hole dramatically improves establishment success.
5. Fertilizing at planting. Don't apply high-nitrogen fertilizer at the time of planting — it stimulates top growth before roots are established, causing stress. Use a low-nitrogen starter fertilizer at planting and wait 4–6 weeks before normal fertilization resumes.

Ready to Plant This Spring? Order from Tropical Yards

Spring planting season is our busiest time of year. We carry the full range of palms, hibiscus, bougainvillea, mandevilla, ferns, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and tropical foliage at the lowest prices in NE Florida.

Call or text 772-267-1611 to check current availability and schedule delivery via our 14-ft dump trailer. Delivery serves all of NE Florida from St. Augustine to Daytona Beach. If you're also planning a coquina shell bed or driveway, we can combine plants and coquina shell on the same delivery trip to save you a delivery fee.

See our landscaping cost guide for budget planning, and our FAQ for answers to common questions about ordering and plant care.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant tropical plants in Northeast Florida?

March through May is the best spring planting window. April is the single best month — warm soil temperatures, comfortable air temps, no freeze risk, and the full summer growing season ahead.

What can I plant in March in Northeast Florida?

In March, plant cold-hardy tropicals including Sabal Palm, Windmill Palm, ornamental grasses, bougainvillea, and cold-tolerant shrubs once overnight lows are consistently above 40°F. Avoid frost-sensitive species until mid-to-late March.

What can I plant in April in St Augustine FL?

All tropical plants — cat palm, mandevilla, tropical foliage, ferns, flowering plants, hibiscus, and bougainvillea — can go in the ground in April. Soil temperatures of 65–72°F are ideal for root development.

How often should I water newly planted tropical plants in spring?

Water daily for the first week, every 2 days for weeks 2–4, then every 3 days through the first summer. Reduce as the rainy season begins in June.

What fertilizer should I use for tropical plants in spring?

Begin with a slow-release tropical fertilizer with added magnesium and micronutrients in early March. Apply monthly through October. Florida's sandy soils leach nutrients quickly, making consistent fertilization essential.

Should I mulch or use coquina shell around new tropical plants?

Coquina shell is the better long-term ground cover. For newly planted tropicals, 2 inches of organic mulch in the immediate root zone can help during the first 60–90 days, then extend the surrounding bed with coquina shell for year-round low-maintenance coverage.