What to plant this week in Key West, FL
In Key West's frost-free zone 11b climate, this week marks the peak of summer heat where your frost dates are nonexistent and cooling is non-existent. With temperatures rarely dipping below 45°F, you can focus entirely on harvesting maturing squash and melons while transplanting warm-season favorites like basil and okra directly into the sun.
The next 7 days
Key West, FLGrowing in Key West right now
- Protect young transplants from intense midday sun by using sheer white shade cloth during this peak heat wave common to the Florida Keys. Amending sandy soil with generous amounts of organic matter is critical now to retain moisture as Key West's heavy rainfall patterns shift toward drier stretches in late summer. Monitor drainage closely after any tropical showers, as compacted areas or clay pockets in otherwise sandy terrain can lead to rapid root rot for squash and melons.
- Apply a thick layer of straw mulch immediately around watermelon and cantaloupe vines to prevent fruit from touching the hot sand and absorbing pathogens.
- Water deeply in the early morning before the 10 AM heat spike, as evaporation rates here are among the highest in the continental US.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
29 crops- Acorn Squash
- Basil
- Butternut Squash
- Cantaloupe
- Celosia (Cockscomb)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Delicata Squash
- French Marigold
- Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Morning Glory
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Purslane
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Spaghetti Squash
- Sunflower
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow fast-growing Cucumbers and Zucchini now to ensure a continuous supply throughout the hot months.
- Deadhead spent Cosmos and Marigolds regularly to encourage more vibrant blooms for pollinators.
- Pinch back the tips of young Malabar Spinach to promote bushier growth before it bolts.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphids on newly planted Thai Basil and Shiso, which love the humidity of our coastal breezes. Check underneath the broad leaves of Acorn Squash and Zucchini for cucumber beetles, which can be devastating to squash crops if not managed early.
- Monitor for spider mites on sunflowers and Cosmos during these dry spells, as their populations explode when rainfall is scarce.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of large squash and melon plants early in the morning to prevent leaf scorch during the day.
Harvest Honeydew and Watermelon when they slip easily from the vine, signaling full ripeness.
Key West gardening questions
3Should I plant any cold-hardy perennials or annuals this week in Key West?
No new sowings are recommended right now because the soil temperature is too high for germination of cool-season crops. Instead, focus your planting efforts on warm-annuals like Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle) or Malabar Spinach that thrive immediately in our tropical heat.
How often should I harvest my Zucchini and Butternut Squash to prevent rot?
Pick Zucchini every two days when they are small, as letting them sit on the sand allows rapid decay from soil-borne fungi common in our zone. For Butternut Squash, harvest before the first hard freeze—though technically none occurs here, do so once skin is hard and color is deep to ensure long storage life.
What specific care does Honeydew Melon need during this heatwave?
Honeydews require consistent moisture; if you miss a watering due to vacation or work, the fruit may split internally from rapid expansion. Ensure your trellis system is secure because strong winds combined with heavy fruit loads can easily topple vines in our exposed location.
See the full zone 11b guide → · Plan your Key West garden in SproutGuide →