State growing guide
Florida Planting Guide
USDA Zone 9a/9b · Last frost Feb 15 · First frost Dec 10 · 298 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Florida.
Frost Dates by City — Florida
Average frost dates for major Florida cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 10b | Jan 1 | Dec 31 | ~2 wks after (Jan 1) |
| Orlando | 9b | Jan 30 | Dec 20 | ~2 wks after (Jan 30) |
| Tampa | 9b | Jan 30 | Dec 20 | ~2 wks after (Jan 30) |
| Jacksonville | 9a | Feb 14 | Dec 14 | ~2 wks after (Feb 14) |
| Tallahassee | 8b | Feb 28 | Dec 5 | ~2 wks after (Feb 28) |
| Pensacola | 8b | Mar 1 | Dec 1 | ~2 wks after (Mar 1) |
| Gainesville | 9a | Feb 12 | Dec 10 | ~2 wks after (Feb 12) |
| Fort Myers | 10a | Jan 1 | Dec 31 | ~2 wks after (Jan 1) |
| Key West | 11 | No frost | No frost | Year-round |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Florida Gardeners
- Florida has two main seasons: cool (October–April) and hot (May–September)
- The cool season is prime growing time for most vegetables
- South Florida (Miami area) can grow vegetables year-round
- Start tomatoes indoors in August for a fall transplant in September
- Use mulch heavily — Florida soils are sandy and dry out fast
Common Challenges in Florida
- ⚠ Summer heat and humidity (90°F+) limits most vegetable production June–September
- ⚠ Nematodes destroy root systems in sandy soil — use marigolds and resistant varieties
- ⚠ Whiteflies and thrips are persistent tropical pests
- ⚠ Hurricanes can wipe out gardens August–October
Best Crops for Florida
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Florida
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Gardening
What zone is Florida?
Florida spans Zones 8a (Panhandle) to Zone 11 (Florida Keys). Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa) is Zone 9b. South Florida (Miami) is Zone 10b. Jacksonville is Zone 9a.
When to plant tomatoes in Florida?
Northern Florida: transplant February–March and again September–October. Central Florida: February and September–October. South Florida: September–February.
Can I grow vegetables year-round in Florida?
In South Florida (Zone 10–11), yes. In Central and North Florida, June–September is too hot for most vegetables. The cool season (October–April) is the main growing window.