How to Grow Croton Outside in Florida

Plant crotons in full sun or part shade. Space crotons at least 2 to 3 feet apart.

Water crotons once a week during hot, dry summer weather in Florida. Water slowly using a soaker hose to thoroughly dampen the soil.

Fertilize crotons three times a year -- in spring, summer and early fall -- using a balanced 6-6-6 or 10-10-10 fertilizer. Use 1 tablespoon for each square foot of garden bed area around your outdoor crotons. Discontinue fertilizing through the winter to allow the shrub to rest before the next growing season.

Prune to shape in late winter or early spring. Use a pair of pruning shears to cut through the branches. Remove up to one-third of the total canopy mass each year when pruning. Dip all tools in a mixture of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water after pruning to disinfect the tools.

Check for pests regularly. Outdoors in Florida, scales, mites, thrips and mealybugs attack crotons. Scales appear as small, raised welts on the plant, while mealybugs are 1/16-inch-long, white insects. Mites are small, reddish insects that you can spot easily under a magnifying glass. Thrips are tiny white insects that you will need a magnifying glass to spot. Wash off any pests with water, or pick them off by hand when you first notice them. If the infestation gets worse, use a pre-mixed horticultural oil and spray it directly onto the infested areas.