Florida weather conditions can be extreme or mild, one thing we do know, it’s very unpredictable.
First off, we don’t really have a dormant season here like up north. Plants will grow year-round, all 12 months, (except for seasonal annuals of course)however, growth does slow down in the winter months.
We do get a good amount of cold days during the winter and this post is all about protecting your plants and helping them during our cooler season.
Customers always ask “Can we trim or prune during the winter time?” the answer is yes and no… So, when is the best time to trim then?
Spring is an excellent time to cut everything back, you can do a hard trim in mid-March and again in mid-October. Please be mindful that when you trim one branch two new ones will usually sprout from that spot.
During the winter you can do occasional trimming for shaping, but still, wait to cut it back hard until Spring. Cold snaps can damage or kill heavily pruned plants, especially the tender new growth.
Most of South Florida is zone 9B through 10B, A few degrees can make a big difference of how your plants will handle the cold spells.
One thing you can do to strengthen your plants resistance to cold weather is to treat them with a fungicide before winter sets in. But first, make sure you water your plants really well and wait to spray the fungicide your plants leaves at least an hour or more after watering. This will help tropical plants fight off fungus that results from the cold. Be sure to stop in one of our store locations and ask which fungicide is best for your plant. Our plant yard associates can tell you which will be best, how to apply it, and when.
You can grow cold sensitive tropical plants in our area, although you may need to protect them by using frost cloth/blanket, especially when the temperatures dip in the low 40s. Also, by watering them early in the day before a cold night or by planting them in a protected area to begin with.
If there is a threat of frost, use a product specifically for plants such frost cloth/blanket (do NOT use plastic, it will kill your plants!)
We sell frost cloth/blanket at both of our locations. It could mean the difference between life and death to tropical plants. Frost cloth can be laid directly on top of the plant itself.
It’s tightly woven and won’t let moisture through. When using frost cloth, lay down bricks or something heavy to enclose the bottom of the fabric to trap the warmth inside, but be sure to remove all the coverings the next morning as soon as the sun comes up so your plants don’t suffocate and burn. They also need the airflow to stay healthy.
Another way to help protect your plants is to add a layer of mulch, preferably organic matter, such as Pine needles
Or any bark mulch.
Customers always ask “Can we trim or prune during the winter time?” the answer is yes and no… So, when is the best time to trim then? Spring is an excellent time to cut everything back, you can do a hard trim in mid-March and again in mid-October. Please be mindful that when you trim one branch two new ones will usually sprout from that spot.
When placed on the soil surface, it helps conserve moisture, helps prevent erosion, and keeps roots warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also discourages weed growth and supplies more organic matter into the soil. Organic mulch decomposes into the soil, adding nutrients. Fresh mulch can be applied regularly.
(Pine mulch)
When applying mulch, it should be about 3” deep, no deeper. Do NOT apply the mulch against the trunks or lower limbs of the plants and leave an open space of 6” to 12” around the base of every plant. Be sure not to disturb the roots of your plants when applying.
It is typical for plant leaves, even here in South Florida, to get discolored and drop during the winter.
Just remember the plants do need water before a cold snap, especially if there is a dip in temperature.
(Water your plants slowly and saturate the soil deeply)
Be sure to water EARLY in the day to help the roots of the plant absorb as much warmth and water as possible.
January weather is very unpredictable, it may be mild or temperatures can drop below freezing. It can last a few hours or it could last a few days. We never know and it’s hard to predict. It’s better to be prepared in advance to keep your garden healthy and protected throughout the year.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to stop by and speak with one of our knowledgeable plant yard associates.