There’s something quietly magical about fall gardening in Central Florida. The sun softens, the pests retreat, and—best of all—you can grow a huge variety of vegetables that struggle during our scorching summers.

But not all seed varieties are created equal. Some bolt in our heat. Others get gobbled up by bugs before they take off. After seasons of trial and error, I’ve narrowed down a list of my favorite tried-and-true vegetable varieties that thrive in our Zone 9b–10a gardens—especially in raised beds and well-prepped soil.

Tried & True Varieties for Fall in Central Florida

Whether you’re starting from seed or buying transplants, here’s what I recommend planting between August and early November for a thriving harvest.

Broccoli

‘Waltham 29’ – A reliable heirloom that handles our temperature swings well.

‘Green Magic’ – Faster to mature and very heat-tolerant. Great for beginners!

Cabbage

‘Bravo’ – Large heads and strong disease resistance.

‘Copenhagen Market’ – A compact heirloom that’s perfect for smaller beds.

Kale

‘Lacinato’ (Dino Kale) – Gorgeous, flavorful, and heat-resilient.

‘Red Russian’ – Tender, sweet leaves and a beautiful addition to your garden.

Lettuce

‘Parris Island Cos’ – A classic romaine that thrives in warm weather.

‘Black Seeded Simpson’ – One of the best for fall and early winter. Quick to mature.

Carrots

‘Danvers 126’ – A sturdy old favorite with great flavor.

‘Nantes’ – Sweet and crisp; grows well in Florida’s sandy soil.

Bush Beans

‘Provider’ – Quick to mature and resistant to common bean diseases.

‘Contender’ – Especially great for hot fall days. Very productive.

Tomatoes

‘Everglades’ – A tiny cherry tomato that’s practically indestructible in Florida.

‘Florida 91’ – Bred specifically for our climate. Handles heat and humidity like a champ.

Squash

‘Seminole Pumpkin’ – A native Florida variety that resists pests and thrives in our fall season. Plus, it stores beautifully!

Where to Shop for Seeds (Locally or Online)

To set yourself up for success, choose vendors who specialize in Southern-adapted seeds. Here are a few trusted sources:

Online Retailers

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
→ Excellent for heirlooms and Southeastern varieties

Johnny’s Selected Seeds – South Filter
→ Use their filters to target warm-climate crops

Local Options

Feed & seed stores

Farmer co-ops

Local Master Gardener plant sales

Florida-based nurseries (many carry regionally adapted starts in late August–September)

Final Tip: Order Early, Store Smart

Fall may seem far off in the heat of summer, but in Florida, your planting window starts early.
Order your seeds by July or early August to avoid sell-outs—and stash them in a cool, dry spot until you’re ready to plant.

 Pro tip: A glass jar with a lid in the fridge’s produce drawer works beautifully.

Ready to Grow?

Whether you’re planting your very first raised bed or you’re a seasoned gardener trying new varieties, I hope this list gives you the confidence to grow with joy this fall.

Need help mapping out your garden or deciding what to grow where?
Let’s work together—I offer 1:1 consultations and raised bed planning tailored to Central Florida’s unique rhythm.

Contact me at www.steppingstonegc.com to book your fall planning session.