Planting calendar for Fort Myers, Florida

Dates from 30 years of records at the Ft Myers Page Field Airport weather station, 2.8 miles from Fort Myers, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Fort Myers at a glance

Weather station: Ft Myers Page Field Airport · 2.8 mi
USDA zone: 10b
Frost: Brief: typically Jan 13–16; 1 year in 10 Dec 31–Feb 2
Hottest month: August: highs 92°F, nights 75°F
Coldest month: January: highs 75°F, nights 54°F
Rain: 57 in. a year, most in June, July and August

What shapes the seasons here

Frost is brief in Fort Myers: the frosty spell typically runs only from about Jan 13 to Jan 16, and 1 year in 10 it stretches from Dec 31 to Feb 2. Tender crops can go in most of the year; summer heat, not frost, is the main limit.

Summer nights average 75°F in August. Above about 75°F, tomatoes and peppers stop setting fruit, so the best tomato planting here is Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 16–Oct 6, timed so plants fruit before or after the hottest weeks.

Fort Myers gets about 57 inches of rain a year, most of it in June, July and August. Crops that rot or get disease in hot, wet weather are timed to miss those months.

167 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 7 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).

When to plant the most popular crops

JFMAMJJASOND

Tomato (slicing)

Tomato (cherry & grape)

Pepper (sweet / bell)

Pepper (hot / chili)

Eggplant

Cucumber (slicing)

Summer squash & zucchini

Watermelon

Bean (bush snap)

Sweet corn

Okra

Sweet potato

Potato

Pea (snap & snow)

Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)

Spinach

Kale

Collard greens

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrot

Radish

Onion (bulbing)

Garlic

Basil

Cilantro

Strawberry

Best Can plant Start indoors

Get these dates as reminders for your exact yard

The free Year Round Garden app uses the weather station nearest your own address, not just the city. It reminds you when to start seeds, plant and harvest, sends frost and storm alerts from the National Weather Service, and keeps a garden journal. No account needed, in English and Spanish.

Download on the App Store Free for up to 5 plants on iPhone and Android.

What to plant in Fort Myers, month by month

January86

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Artichoke, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, New Zealand spinach, Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Watercress, Winter squash

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Basil, Bay laurel, Borage, Catnip, Chamomile, Chives, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Papalo, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

Fruit: Blackberry, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Muscadine grape, Passion fruit

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Spinach, Taro (dasheen), Caraway, Chervil, Cilantro, Blueberry, Pineapple, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock

Start seeds indoors

Malabar spinach, Papaya, Annual salvia, Celosia, Marigold, Milkweed (native)

February29

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Eggplant, Garden cress, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Purslane, Winter melon / wax gourd

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Chives, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Winter savory

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Passion fruit, Pineapple, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Marigold, Milkweed (native), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Sunflower

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Taro (dasheen), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Watercress, Winter squash, Basil, Borage, Catnip, Chamomile, Cuban oregano, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Lemon balm, Mint, Papalo, Parsley, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Stevia, Summer savory, Blackberry, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Nasturtium, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Ginger, Papaya, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

March28

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Taro (dasheen), Winged bean, Yardlong bean

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Culantro, Stevia, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Banana, Papaya, Pineapple

Flowers: Annual salvia, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Garden cress, Ginger, Jicama, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pigeon pea, Purslane, Radish, Roselle, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Anise hyssop, Basil, Bay laurel, Borage, Chives, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon verbena, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Oregano, Papalo, Rosemary, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Thyme, Winter savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Passion fruit, Watermelon, Black-eyed Susan, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Milkweed (native), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Ginger, Papaya, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

April13

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Ginger, Taro (dasheen)

Herbs: Lemongrass

Fruit: Banana, Papaya

Flowers: Annual salvia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (lima), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cucumber (pickling), Edamame, Eggplant, Jicama, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pigeon pea, Purslane, Roselle, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower

Start seeds indoors

Roselle, Sweet potato, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

May5

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Jicama, Pigeon pea, Roselle, Taro (dasheen)

Flowers: Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Roselle, Sweet potato, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

June5

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Jicama, Pigeon pea, Roselle, Sweet potato

Flowers: Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

July7

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Pigeon pea, Sweet potato

Flowers: Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pumpkin, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Eggplant, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

August14

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Yardlong bean, Basil, Borage, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Celosia, Coreopsis (tickseed), Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Leek, Onion (bulbing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Basil, Parsley, Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice, Strawflower

September30

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Celeriac (celery root), Edamame, Eggplant, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash, Yardlong bean

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Strawberry, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Parsnip, Potato, Purslane, Salsify, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Calendula, Coreopsis (tickseed), Nasturtium, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Tomato (early / short-season), Basil, Parsley, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower

October58

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Elephant garlic, Garlic, Kale, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Purslane, Salsify, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Yardlong bean

Herbs: Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, Coreopsis (tickseed), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Nasturtium, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cauliflower, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Spinach, Turnip, Chervil, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi), Shiso (perilla), Ground cherry, Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy, Larkspur, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Statice, Stock, Strawflower

November64

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Fruit: Blueberry, Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Pansy / viola, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce (romaine & head), Catnip, Feverfew, Lavender, Lovage, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Passion fruit, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

December56

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Pansy / viola, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Salsify, Larkspur, Snapdragon, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Basil, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lemon balm, Marjoram, Oregano, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Passion fruit, Annual salvia, Milkweed (native), Strawflower

Every crop that grows in Fort Myers

167 of 174 crops in the app fit this climate. Dates are for planting outdoors; “Start indoors” is for seeds you grow into transplants.

Vegetables

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Amaranth greens / callaloo	Jan 23–Feb 6, Oct 26–Nov 15	Feb 7–Oct 25	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 24–Oct 14	Feb 7–Sep 23	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Jan 2–28	—	Oct 31–Nov 26	Set out plants
Arugula	Nov 4–Jan 23	Jan 24–Mar 7, Sep 28–Nov 3	—	Sow seeds
Bean (bush snap)	Jan 16–30, Oct 8–29	Jan 31–Apr 12, Aug 17–Oct 7	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Jan 16–30, Sep 3–24	Jan 31–Mar 17, Jul 23–Sep 2	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 9–29	Feb 7–Sep 8	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Jan 16–30, Sep 28–Oct 19	Jan 31–Mar 30, Aug 5–Sep 27	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Oct 19–Jan 12	Jan 13–Feb 23, Sep 5–Oct 18	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 26–Oct 17	Feb 7–Apr 2, Aug 8–Sep 25	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Nov 7–Dec 28	Oct 16–Nov 6, Dec 29–Jan 26	—	Sow seeds
Bottle gourd / cucuzza	Mar 9–23	Mar 24–Oct 7	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Oct 27–Dec 25	Oct 2–26, Dec 26–Jan 29	Sep 15–Nov 13	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Nov 2–Jan 7	Jan 8–Feb 12, Oct 2–Nov 1	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Oct 22–Dec 5	Oct 2–21, Dec 6–30	Sep 10–Oct 24	Set out plants
Cabbage	Oct 20–Dec 30	Sep 15–Oct 19, Dec 31–Feb 5	Sep 8–Nov 18	Set out plants
Cardoon	Oct 6–Dec 3	Sep 5–Oct 5, Dec 4–30	Aug 4–Oct 1	Set out plants
Carrot	Oct 17–Jan 7	Jan 8–Feb 16, Sep 5–Oct 16	—	Sow seeds
Cassava (yuca)	Mar 9–May 4	—	—	Set out plants
Cauliflower	Oct 28–Dec 29	Oct 2–27, Dec 30–Feb 3	Sep 16–Nov 17	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Sep 20–Dec 30	Jul 16–Sep 19, Dec 31–Feb 3	Jul 5–Oct 14	Set out plants
Celery	Sep 27–Jan 5	Jan 6–Feb 14, Jul 28–Sep 26	Jul 12–Oct 20	Set out plants
Chaya (tree spinach)	Mar 9–May 4	—	—	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Jan 15–30	—	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Oct 14–Jan 15	Jan 16–Feb 25, Aug 23–Oct 13	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Oct 4–Jan 21	Jan 22–Mar 7, Aug 1–Oct 3	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Oct 1–22	Feb 7–Apr 10, Aug 16–Sep 30	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 29–Oct 19	Feb 7–Apr 5, Aug 11–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Nov 3–Dec 20	Oct 16–Nov 2, Dec 21–Jan 19	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 11–Oct 1	Feb 7–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	Jan 30–Feb 13, Sep 14–Oct 4	Feb 14–Sep 13	Jul 13–Aug 2, Nov 28–Dec 12	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 5–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Endive & escarole	Oct 28–Dec 15	—	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Nov 2–Dec 15	Oct 16–Nov 1, Dec 16–Jan 10	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Nov 20–Feb 7	Feb 8–Mar 22, Oct 14–Nov 19	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 5–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Ginger	Apr 6–May 4	Mar 9–Apr 5	Feb 16–Mar 16	Set out plants
Green onion / scallion	Dec 19–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 13	—	Sow seeds
Jicama	May 2–Jun 19	Mar 15–May 1	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Oct 19–Jan 12	Jan 13–Feb 23, Sep 5–Oct 18	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Oct 27–Jan 14	Jan 15–Feb 26, Sep 20–Oct 26	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Oct 19–Jan 20	Jan 21–Mar 11, Sep 6–Oct 18	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Oct 10–Dec 14	Sep 5–Oct 9, Dec 15–Jan 13	Aug 8–Oct 12	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Oct 28–Jan 15	Jan 16–Feb 27, Sep 21–Oct 27	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Oct 28–Dec 29	Oct 2–27, Dec 30–Feb 3	Sep 23–Nov 24	Set out plants
Luffa gourd	Mar 9–23	Mar 24–Sep 2	—	Sow seeds
Mache (corn salad)	Nov 19–Dec 16	—	—	Sow seeds
Malabar spinach	Mar 9–23	Mar 24–May 4	Jan 19–Feb 2	Set out plants
Moringa	Mar 9–23	Mar 24–May 4	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Nov 7–Jan 12	Jan 13–Feb 17, Oct 7–Nov 6	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Oct 22–Jan 5	Jan 6–Feb 13, Sep 15–Oct 21	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Jan 16–30, Oct 1–21	Jan 31–Sep 30	—	Sow seeds
Okinawa spinach	Mar 9–23	Mar 24–May 4	—	Set out plants
Okra	Mar 9–23, Sep 29–Oct 19	Mar 24–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Sep 16–Dec 16	—	Jul 1–Sep 30	Set out plants
Parsnip	Oct 9–Dec 11	Sep 5–Oct 8, Dec 12–Jan 10	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Oct 28–Dec 29	Oct 2–27, Dec 30–Feb 3	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Oct 28–Dec 28	Oct 2–27, Dec 29–Feb 1	—	Sow seeds
Peanut	Mar 9–23	Mar 24–Aug 8	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	Jan 30–Feb 13, Sep 6–27	Feb 14–Sep 5	Jul 5–26, Nov 28–Dec 12	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Jan 30–Feb 13, Sep 16–Oct 7	Feb 14–Mar 25, Jul 31–Sep 15	Jul 15–Aug 5, Nov 28–Dec 12	Set out plants
Pigeon pea	May 7–Jul 12	Mar 15–May 6, Jul 13–26	—	Sow seeds
Popcorn	Jan 23–30	Jan 31–Mar 8	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Oct 2–Jan 10	Jan 11–Feb 22, Aug 6–Oct 1	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Jan 23–Feb 6, Aug 12–Sep 2	Feb 7–Mar 7, Jul 13–Aug 11	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	Jan 30–Feb 13, Oct 7–28	Feb 14–Oct 6	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Nov 17–Feb 5	Feb 6–Mar 20, Oct 11–Nov 16	—	Sow seeds
Roselle	May 6–Jun 30	Mar 15–May 5, Jul 1–4	Apr 1–May 26	Set out plants
Rutabaga	Oct 28–Dec 4	—	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	Oct 5–Nov 30	Sep 5–Oct 4, Dec 1–27	—	Sow seeds
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza	Mar 9–23, Aug 10–30	Mar 24–Aug 9	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Sep 24–Jan 11	Jan 12–Feb 17, Jul 13–Sep 23	—	Sow seeds
Southern pea / cowpea	Mar 9–23, Sep 11–Oct 2	Mar 24–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Nov 11–Jan 2	Jan 3–30, Oct 18–Nov 10	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Jan 23–Feb 6, Oct 4–24	Feb 7–Apr 8, Aug 14–Oct 3	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Dec 26–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 6	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Jan 23–30, Sep 16–Oct 6	Jan 31–Mar 28, Aug 3–Sep 15	—	Sow seeds
Sweet potato	Jun 6–Aug 27	Mar 9–Jun 5, Aug 28–Sep 2	Apr 18–Jul 9	Set out plants
Swiss chard	Sep 30–Feb 6	Feb 7–Apr 9, Jul 24–Sep 29	—	Sow seeds
Taro (dasheen)	Mar 15–May 12	Jan 16–Mar 14	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Jan 23–Feb 6	Feb 7–Oct 4	Dec 12–26	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Oct 1–21	Feb 7–Mar 31, Aug 6–Sep 30	Aug 13–Sep 2, Dec 5–19	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Jan 23–30, Oct 6–26	Jan 31–Apr 5, Aug 11–Oct 5	Aug 18–Sep 7, Dec 5–12	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 18–Oct 9	Feb 7–Sep 17	Jul 31–Aug 21, Dec 5–19	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 18–Oct 9	Feb 7–Mar 26, Aug 1–Sep 17	Jul 31–Aug 21, Dec 5–19	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 16–Oct 6	Feb 7–Mar 21, Jul 27–Sep 15	Jul 29–Aug 18, Dec 5–19	Set out plants
Turnip	Oct 27–Jan 14	Jan 15–Feb 26, Sep 20–Oct 26	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Dec 26–Jan 23	Jan 24–Feb 20	—	Sow seeds
Winged bean	Mar 9–23	Mar 24–Sep 2	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	Jan 30–Feb 13, Aug 12–Sep 2	Feb 14–Aug 11	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Jan 23–Feb 6, Aug 22–Sep 12	Feb 7–Mar 14, Jul 20–Aug 21	—	Sow seeds
Yardlong bean	Mar 9–23, Sep 16–Oct 7	Mar 24–Sep 15	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Anise hyssop	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 13	Dec 2–30	Set out plants
Basil	Jan 23–30, Sep 29–Oct 19	Jan 31–Sep 28	Aug 25–Sep 14, Dec 19–26	Set out plants
Bay laurel	Jan 23–Feb 16	Feb 17–Mar 13	—	Set out plants
Borage	Oct 10–Jan 26	Jan 27–Mar 19, Aug 14–Oct 9	—	Sow seeds
Caraway	Oct 15–Dec 30	Sep 5–Oct 14, Dec 31–Feb 5	—	Sow seeds
Catnip	Jan 2–23	Jan 24–Feb 13	Nov 14–Dec 5	Set out plants
Chamomile	Oct 18–Jan 8	Jan 9–Feb 17, Sep 5–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
Chervil	Nov 7–Dec 27	Oct 16–Nov 6, Dec 28–Jan 25	—	Sow seeds
Chives	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 13	Nov 28–Dec 26	Set out plants
Cilantro	Oct 29–Dec 31	Oct 2–28, Jan 1–Feb 5	—	Sow seeds
Cuban oregano	Feb 27–Mar 27	Jan 30–Feb 26	—	Set out plants
Culantro	Mar 9–23	Mar 24–May 4	—	Sow seeds
Dill	Oct 22–Jan 16	Jan 17–Mar 3, Sep 11–Oct 21	—	Sow seeds
Epazote	Jan 23–Feb 6, Oct 13–Nov 3	Feb 7–Oct 12	—	Sow seeds
Fenugreek (methi)	Nov 1–Jan 26	Jan 27–Mar 14, Sep 22–Oct 31	—	Sow seeds
Feverfew	Jan 9–Feb 3	Feb 4–28	Nov 21–Dec 16	Set out plants
Garlic chives	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 13	Nov 28–Dec 26	Set out plants
Lavender	Jan 23–Feb 16	Feb 17–Mar 13	Nov 7–Dec 1	Set out plants
Lemon balm	Jan 2–23	Jan 24–Feb 13	Nov 28–Dec 19	Set out plants
Lemon verbena	Jan 30–Feb 23	Jan 23–29, Feb 24–Mar 13	—	Set out plants
Lemongrass	Apr 6–May 4	Mar 9–Apr 5	—	Set out plants
Lovage	Jan 2–19	Jan 20–Feb 5	Nov 14–Dec 1	Set out plants
Marjoram	Jan 23–Feb 16	Feb 17–Mar 13	Dec 5–29	Set out plants
Mint	Jan 2–23	Jan 24–Feb 13	—	Set out plants
Oregano	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 13	Nov 28–Dec 26	Set out plants
Papalo	Jan 23–Feb 6	Feb 7–Oct 9	—	Sow seeds
Parsley	Sep 30–Jan 17	Jan 18–Feb 28, Jul 24–Sep 29	Jul 29–Nov 15	Set out plants
Rosemary	Jan 23–Feb 16	Feb 17–Mar 13	Nov 7–Dec 1	Set out plants
Sage	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants
Shiso (perilla)	Jan 23–30	Jan 31–Oct 16	Dec 19–26	Set out plants
Sorrel (French / garden)	Dec 26–Jan 23	Jan 24–Feb 20	—	Sow seeds
Stevia	Feb 24–Mar 20	Jan 30–Feb 23	—	Set out plants
Summer savory	Jan 16–30	Jan 31–Apr 2	—	Sow seeds
Tarragon (French)	Jan 16–Feb 8	Feb 9–Mar 4	—	Set out plants
Thyme	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 13	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants
Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)	Feb 20–Mar 20	Jan 23–Feb 19	—	Set out plants
Winter savory	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 13	Nov 28–Dec 26	Set out plants

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Banana	Mar 9–May 4	—	—	Set out plants
Blackberry	Dec 12–Jan 12	Jan 13–Feb 13	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Nov 21–Dec 29	Dec 30–Feb 6	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	Jan 30–Feb 13, Sep 4–24	Feb 14–Mar 22, Jul 28–Sep 3	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Jan 23–Feb 6	Feb 7–Oct 9	Dec 19–Jan 2	Set out plants
Fig	Dec 26–Jan 30	Jan 31–Mar 6	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Jan 23–Feb 6	Feb 7–Oct 14	Dec 5–19	Set out plants
Muscadine grape	Dec 26–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 6	—	Set out plants
Papaya	Mar 9–May 4	—	Jan 19–Mar 16	Set out plants
Passion fruit	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 27	Nov 14–Dec 12	Set out plants
Pineapple	Feb 20–Mar 27	Jan 16–Feb 19	—	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	Jan 30–Feb 13, Sep 1–22	Feb 14–Mar 20, Jul 26–Aug 31	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Annual salvia	Feb 18–Apr 20, Aug 12–Nov 3	Jan 16–Feb 17, Apr 21–Aug 11	Jun 3–Aug 25, Dec 10–Feb 9	Set out plants
Bachelor's button (cornflower)	Oct 27–Dec 23	Oct 2–26, Dec 24–Jan 25	—	Sow seeds
Black-eyed Susan	Aug 13–Feb 11	Feb 12–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds
Calendula	Oct 20–Jan 14	Jan 15–Feb 26, Sep 6–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
California poppy	Oct 27–Dec 23	Oct 2–26, Dec 24–Jan 25	—	Sow seeds
Celosia	Mar 9–16, Sep 6–27	Mar 17–Sep 5	Jan 19–26, Jul 19–Aug 9	Set out plants
Cleome (spider flower)	Feb 27–Apr 11, Jul 10–Oct 4	Jan 16–Feb 26, Apr 12–Jul 9	—	Sow seeds
Coreopsis (tickseed)	Oct 8–Jan 1	Jan 2–Feb 5, Aug 19–Oct 7	—	Sow seeds
Cosmos	Mar 18–Apr 24, Jul 12–Oct 14	Jan 23–Mar 17, Apr 25–Jul 11	—	Sow seeds
Globe amaranth (gomphrena)	Mar 28–May 3, Jul 6–Oct 12	Jan 16–Mar 27, May 4–Jul 5, Oct 13–14	Feb 7–Mar 15, May 18–Aug 24	Set out plants
Larkspur	Oct 29–Dec 1	Oct 16–28, Dec 2–22	—	Sow seeds
Marigold	Feb 15–Apr 15, Aug 7–Oct 29	Jan 16–Feb 14, Apr 16–Aug 6	Jun 19–Sep 10, Dec 28–Feb 25	Set out plants
Milkweed (native)	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 13	Dec 12–Jan 9	Set out plants
Nasturtium	Jan 16–Feb 4, Oct 5–Nov 3	Feb 5–27, Sep 8–Oct 4	—	Sow seeds
Pansy / viola	Nov 26–Dec 23	Nov 5–25, Dec 24–Jan 13	Sep 10–Oct 7	Set out plants
Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)	Apr 25–Jun 13, Jul 26–Oct 9	Mar 9–Apr 24, Jun 14–Jul 25, Oct 10–Nov 15	Feb 21–Apr 11, May 24–Aug 7	Set out plants
Purple coneflower (echinacea)	Jan 16–Feb 13	Feb 14–Mar 13	Oct 31–Nov 28	Set out plants
Snapdragon	Oct 29–Dec 1	Oct 16–28, Dec 2–21	Aug 27–Sep 29	Set out plants
Statice	Oct 8–Jan 20	Jan 21–Mar 11, Aug 14–Oct 7	Aug 6–Nov 18	Set out plants
Stock	Nov 7–Dec 27	Oct 16–Nov 6, Dec 28–Jan 25	Sep 5–Oct 25	Set out plants
Strawflower	Oct 9–Jan 25	Jan 26–Mar 17, Aug 12–Oct 8	Aug 21–Dec 7	Set out plants
Sunflower	Feb 14–Apr 4, Jul 17–Sep 29	Jan 23–Feb 13, Apr 5–Jul 16	—	Sow seeds
Sweet alyssum	Oct 20–Jan 14	Jan 15–Feb 27, Sep 8–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
Sweet pea (flower)	Oct 30–Dec 6	Oct 16–29, Dec 7–29	—	Sow seeds
Zinnia	Mar 18–Apr 27, Jul 16–Oct 16	Jan 23–Mar 17, Apr 28–Jul 15	—	Sow seeds

Crops that struggle in Fort Myers

These need a climate Fort Myers doesn't have. Pots, shade cloth or a greenhouse can stretch the rules.

Asparagus: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 54°F.
Bee balm (bergamot): Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 54°F.
Fava bean: It never stays cool long enough here; it wants highs under 75°F while it grows.
Grape (bunch): Pierce's disease kills bunch grapes where winters are mild and summers wet. Grow muscadines instead.
Radicchio: It never stays cool long enough here; it wants highs under 78°F while it grows.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 54°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 54°F.

Nearby planting calendars

Naples, FL 33 mi · frost-free
Sarasota, FL 65 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Tampa, FL 99 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Pembroke Pines, FL 109 mi · frost-free
West Palm Beach, FL 111 mi · frost-free
All Florida cities

How these dates are worked out

Each crop has temperature limits and timing from university extension guides: how cold a night it can take, how much heat it can stand, how long it takes to mature, and how far before or after the last frost it goes in. Those are checked day by day against the Ft Myers Page Field Airport station's NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (average highs, lows, rain and frost dates). Dates are estimates for a typical year; a sheltered yard, a slope or a cold pocket can shift them by a week or two.

Weather: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals. Crop timing: university extension guides (sources listed for each crop in the app). City locations: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).