Gardening and Growing in Davie
Davie's subtropical climate offers a long growing season, but it also presents unique challenges. Intense summer heat, heavy rains, sandy soils, and persistent pests mean that gardeners and farmers must choose varieties carefully. Many South Florida gardeners plant their main vegetable gardens in the fall and winter, while summer is reserved for heat-loving crops and tropical plants.
With community gardens, school garden programs, local nurseries, and the University of Florida's research center right in town, Davie has a growing community of home growers and small farmers. Selecting the right seed company is the first step toward a productive garden. Here are ten of the best seed companies serving Davie.
What to Look for in a Seed Company
Look for high germination rates, varieties adapted to hot and humid climates, disease resistance, and clear growing instructions. Gardeners focused on sustainability may prefer heirloom, open-pollinated, or organic seeds that can be saved and replanted. Commercial growers will prioritize yield, uniformity, shelf life, and resistance to common Florida diseases such as fusarium wilt and downy mildew.
The Top 10 Seed Companies for Davie Growers
1. Burpee
Burpee is one of the oldest and most recognizable seed companies in the United States. Its wide selection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers is available in garden centers throughout Broward County. Burpee's hybrid varieties offer dependable disease resistance, which is especially valuable in humid South Florida conditions.
2. Johnny's Selected Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds is an employee-owned company highly respected by market gardeners and small farms. Its detailed growing guides, trialed varieties, and professional tools make it a favorite among serious growers who sell at local farmers markets.
3. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Baker Creek is famous for its enormous collection of rare and heirloom varieties from around the world. Davie gardeners love experimenting with its tropical and Asian vegetables, unusual peppers, and colorful tomatoes that thrive in warm climates.
4. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange focuses on heirloom and open-pollinated varieties suited to the Southeast. Its emphasis on heat tolerance and regional adaptation makes it especially relevant for Florida growers looking for reliable performers.
5. Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds and the stories behind them. Purchasing from it supports biodiversity conservation while offering gardeners unique, time-tested varieties.
6. Ferry-Morse
Ferry-Morse offers affordable seed packets in many retail stores, along with seed-starting kits. It is an accessible option for beginner gardeners, families, and school garden programs across Davie.
7. Harris Seeds
Harris Seeds serves both home gardeners and commercial growers with vegetables, flowers, and growing supplies. Its professional catalog includes varieties suited for greenhouse and nursery production.
8. Seminis
Seminis, a vegetable seed brand under Bayer, is a major supplier to commercial vegetable growers. Many of the tomatoes, peppers, and squash grown on South Florida farms originate from its disease-resistant hybrid genetics.
9. Syngenta
Syngenta provides seeds and crop protection solutions to large-scale agriculture. Its vegetable and flower seed divisions supply professional growers and nurseries throughout Florida with high-performance varieties.
10. ECHO Global Farm
ECHO, based in Fort Myers, is a nonprofit dedicated to fighting world hunger through agricultural education. Its seed bank offers tropical and underutilized crops such as moringa, chaya, and pigeon pea that perform exceptionally well in South Florida gardens.
Seed and Gardening Trends
Interest in home food production has surged, with more households growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit. Heirloom and organic seeds remain popular, while breeders continue to develop varieties with improved heat tolerance and disease resistance. Pollinator gardens and native plantings are gaining attention, and container gardening is booming among apartment and townhome residents. Seed libraries and community swaps are also emerging across Broward County.
Planting Tips for Davie Gardeners
Plant cool-season crops such as lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and kale between October and February. Tomatoes and peppers perform best when started in early fall. During summer, choose heat-loving crops like okra, sweet potatoes, Southern peas, and tropical greens. Amend sandy soil with compost, use mulch to conserve moisture, and consider raised beds for better drainage during the rainy season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save seeds from my garden? Yes, if you grow open-pollinated or heirloom varieties. Seeds from hybrid plants may not grow true to type.
Where can I get local planting advice? The UF/IFAS Extension office in Broward County offers planting calendars, workshops, and master gardener support tailored to the region.
Growing Tropical Crops in Davie
Davie's climate allows gardeners to experiment with tropical crops that are impossible in most of the country. Seminole pumpkin, cassava, malabar spinach, papaya, and roselle all thrive here. Sourcing seeds and cuttings from companies that specialize in tropical varieties helps home growers build resilient, productive gardens year-round.
Final Thoughts
Davie gardeners and growers have a wealth of seed options. Burpee and Ferry-Morse offer accessibility, Johnny's and Harris Seeds serve professionals, Baker Creek and Southern Exposure celebrate heirloom diversity, and ECHO brings tropical expertise. Choose seeds adapted to the local climate, and your garden will reward you with abundant harvests.