In Florida, where the summers can be scorching hot, it’s important to choose vegetables that can thrive in high temperatures and humidity. Luckily, there are several heat-tolerant vegetables that can withstand these conditions and still provide you with a bountiful harvest. Here are some excellent choices for heat-loving vegetables in Florida:
1. Southern Peas: Also known as cowpeas or field peas, Southern peas are a staple in Southern cooking. They are incredibly heat-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry weather. Varieties like ‘Mississippi Silver’ and ‘Pinkeye Purple Hull’ are popular choices for Florida gardens. Southern peas are not only delicious but also enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, making them an excellent choice for a summer cover crop.
2. Winged Bean: The winged bean is a unique and versatile vegetable that thrives in hot, tropical climates like Florida. It produces edible leaves, flowers, seeds, and tubers, providing a variety of culinary uses. The young leaves can be used in salads or stir-fries, while the mature seeds are cooked or roasted. Winged beans are also nitrogen-fixing, helping to improve soil fertility.
3. Long Bean: Long beans, also known as yard-long beans or snake beans, are similar to green beans but have longer pods. They are a popular vegetable in Asian cuisine and are well-suited to Florida’s heat. Varieties like ‘Red Noodle’ and ‘Chinese Red’ are particularly heat-tolerant and produce abundant yields. Long beans are delicious when stir-fried, steamed, or added to soups and stews.
4. Tropical Pole Beans: There are several varieties of pole beans that are specifically bred for tropical climates and can withstand the heat and humidity of Florida. These include ‘Kentucky Wonder’, ‘Blue Lake’, and ‘Rattlesnake’ beans. They are vigorous climbers that produce plenty of tender pods. Pole beans are an excellent choice for small gardens as they take up vertical space, allowing you to maximize your growing area.
5. Heat-Tolerant Bush Beans: If you prefer bush beans, there are also heat-tolerant varieties available that can withstand Florida’s hot summers. Look for varieties like ‘Provider’, ‘Contender’, or ‘Royal Burgundy’. These bush beans are known for their ability to set fruit even in high temperatures. Bush beans are compact and do not require trellising, making them a great choice for container gardening or small spaces.
In my own experience gardening in Florida, I have found these heat-tolerant vegetables to be reliable performers. The key to success is to provide them with adequate water and mulch to conserve moisture in the soil. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, as the intense heat can quickly dry out the soil.
To further enhance the heat tolerance of your vegetable plants, consider providing them with some shade during the hottest part of the day. This can be achieved by using shade cloth or creating temporary shade structures using bamboo poles or other materials.
When gardening in Florida’s hot climate, it’s important to choose heat-tolerant vegetables that can thrive in the high temperatures and humidity. Southern peas, winged beans, long beans, and tropical pole beans are excellent choices that can withstand the heat while providing you with a delicious harvest. Additionally, incorporating these legumes into your garden can help improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. So, get ready to enjoy a productive and flavorful summer garden in Florida!
