What to plant this week in Key West, FL
In Key West's frost-free 11b paradise, this week marks the peak heat season where you can aggressively sow warm-weather crops and begin harvesting your summer bounty. With no risk of a freeze ever again, focus on maximizing yields from your okra and squash while managing the intense humidity that defines our local climate.
The next 7 days
Key West, FLGrowing in Key West right now
- Our sandy, fast-draining soils require frequent watering to keep deep roots established during these sweltering days.
- The intense UV radiation can scorch leafy greens like Malabar Spinach quickly; provide afternoon shade cloth for tender varieties.
- Salt spray from the Atlantic and Gulf currents can stress coastal plants, so rinse foliage with fresh water after heavy storms or high winds.
Sow this week
15 crops- Basil
- Cantaloupe
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
21 crops- Basil
- Cantaloupe
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Sunflower
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow yellow summer squash every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Pinch back the tips of basil to encourage bushier growth before it flowers.
- Mulch around transplants like Vinca to retain moisture during hot spells.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites explode in populations under this week's high heat and low humidity pockets within our shaded gardens.
- Aphids thrive on the new growth of your transplanted cucumbers and zucchini in this humid environment.
- Root-knot nematodes are particularly active in our warm, sandy substrates, threatening melon and squash root systems.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to keep soil moist without wetting foliage too much.
Harvest basil regularly to prevent it from going to seed and losing flavor.
Key West gardening questions
3Is it too late to start my watermelon and cantaloupe seeds now?
Absolutely not; these crops love the consistent 85-degree-plus soil temperatures we maintain year-round in Key West. Sow them directly into your beds this week for a harvest that can extend well into autumn.
How do I stop my okra from bolting early in this intense heat?
Select heat-tolerant varieties like 'Clemson Spineless' and ensure deep watering to keep the plant cool at the root level. Harvest pods frequently before they get too large, as heavy picking encourages continued production despite the scorching temps.
Can I harvest my basil or is it better to let it set seed?
You can certainly harvest leaves now for cooking, but if you leave them undisturbed in our tropical heat, the plant will flower and stop producing quality foliage quickly. Regular pinching of flower buds keeps your Thai and Shiso basil productive longer.
See the full zone 11b guide → · Plan your Key West garden in SproutGuide →