Winter Annuals

In Florida, we're lucky to have flowers throughout the year. And certain annuals that are usually planted during the summer in other places can be planted in the winter here.

Add organic matter and controlled-release fertilizer to the planting bed for best success. Place winter annuals in full sun, and water thoroughly after planting.

For striking visuals and biggest impact, limit the varieties and colors of flowering plants you choose. Deadheading, or removing old blooms, will keep them setting new buds.

Popular winter annuals include pansies and violas, both of which have edible flowers. Snapdragons, petunias, and alyssum are other popular winter choices.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Chase Away Those Winter Blahs with Some Annual Color
• Planting Pinellas: Flowers in Winter

UF/IFAS Publications

• Gardening with Annuals in Florida
• Plant Now for Winter Color (PDF)
• Two Flowers for the Winter Garden (PDF)
• Use Winter Annuals to Brighten Your Garden (PDF)
• Viola x wittrockiana Pansy
• Winter Annuals for Fall Color (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Annual Flowers
• Chrysanthemums
• Delphinium
• Geraniums
• How to Make an Annual Bed
• Pansies
• Seasonal Container Gardens
• Snapdragons

Other Sites

• Pansies and Johnny-Jump-Ups--Clemson (SC) Cooperative Extension
• Pansies Are Foolproof Fall and Winter Flowering Plants--University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
• Petunias--Clemson (SC) Cooperative Extension
• Violas Best Choice for Wintering Landscape--University of Georgia Cooperative Extension