When Central Florida’s summer arrives, it doesn’t knock—it barges in with sizzling pavement, thick humidity, and sun that seems to scorch anything not adapted to its intensity. Many gardeners assume summer is a time to give up, but here’s the truth: you can keep growing! You just need to plant crops that like it hot.
Here’s your guide to the top edible plants that don’t just survive, but thrive, in Florida’s steamy summer season—perfect for gardeners who want to keep their beds full, their harvests coming, and their spirits high through the heat.
1. Tropical Spinaches (Malabar & Okinawa)
Forget traditional lettuce—these greens love the heat.
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Malabar Spinach: A vining plant with crisp, juicy leaves. Great in stir-fries or raw.
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Okinawa Spinach: A shorter, spreading plant with green and purple leaves—mild, slightly nutty flavor.
🌿 Bonus: They’re ornamental, too!
2. Sweet Potatoes
These heat-lovers do double duty. Grow them for the tasty tubers, yes—but don’t forget the edible leaves, which are rich in nutrients and great in sautés or soups.
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Loves full sun
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Needs well-draining soil
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Can be planted from slips or vine cuttings
3. Roselle (Florida Cranberry)
This striking hibiscus relative produces tart, red calyces that can be used in teas, jams, and syrups.
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Grows like a shrub
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Needs room to spread
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Flowers in late summer to fall
✨ A Florida superstar for herbalists and edible gardeners alike.
4. Okra
This Southern staple is practically invincible in the heat.
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Harvest pods when young and tender
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Grows tall, so it doubles as summer shade for shorter crops
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Beautiful hibiscus-like flowers attract pollinators
🧤 Pro tip: Wear gloves when harvesting to avoid skin irritation from the fuzzy pods.
5. Peppers (Especially Hot Varieties)
Bell peppers can struggle in the peak of summer, but hot peppers—like habanero, cayenne, and jalapeño—handle it like champs.
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Well-draining soil
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Regular watering (but not soggy)
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Mulch around the base to regulate soil temps
🔥 Spicy weather calls for spicy plants!
6. Basil
This warm-weather herb lives for summer sunshine.
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Pinch flowers regularly to keep leaves coming
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Great for pollinators and pasta nights
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Try Thai basil or lemon basil for variety
🌱 Even when other herbs bolt or wilt, basil stands strong.
7. Southern Peas (Cowpeas/Black-Eyed Peas)
Drought-tolerant and delicious, these peas are an old Florida favorite.
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Enrich the soil with nitrogen
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Great for interplanting
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Can be used fresh or dried for storage
Summer Gardening Tips
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Water early in the morning to avoid mildew and maximize uptake.
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Mulch deeply to protect roots and retain moisture.
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Provide afternoon shade where needed using taller plants or shade cloth.
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Harvest often, especially leafy greens, to keep them from becoming bitter or tough.
Don’t Let the Heat Stop You
Florida’s summer doesn’t mean the end of the growing season—it just means it’s time to pivot to plants that are made for this climate. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a new gardener learning the ropes, these Summer Survivors will keep your garden productive, beautiful, and buzzing with life all the way through August and beyond.
Want help choosing and planting your summer crops?
Join the Stepping Stone Garden Coach waitlist for hands-on help, custom garden plans, and Central Florida expertise:
👉 www.steppingstonegc.com