Florida Planting Guide & Growing Season
Florida is in USDA hardiness zone 8b-11a with a growing season of 315 days. The average last spring frost is Feb 1 and the average first fall frost is Dec 15. Climate data based on Tallahassee.
Growing Conditions in Florida
How Florida Compares
Compare Florida's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (FL) | 8b-11a | Feb 1 | Dec 15 | 315 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Florida
When should I start seeds indoors in Florida?
In Florida, the average last frost date is Feb 1. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Florida is 8b-11a, with a growing season of approximately 315 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Florida?
Florida falls in USDA hardiness zones 8b-11a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Florida?
The average first frost date in Florida is Dec 15. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Florida?
Florida has an average growing season of 315 days, from the last frost (Feb 1) to first frost (Dec 15). This long season supports warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.