When to plant in Florida
Florida spans USDA hardiness zones 8a-11. Average last spring frost: none in most of state. Average first fall frost: none in most of state. This calendar is anchored to UF/IFAS Extension's recommendations, with timing adjusted for the dominant climate zone of the state.
Florida at a glance
| USDA hardiness zones | 8a-11 |
| Region | Gulf Coast |
| Average last spring frost | none in most of state |
| Average first fall frost | none in most of state |
| Primary Extension service | UF/IFAS Extension |
What grows particularly well in Florida
These are the crops, ornamentals, and trees UF/IFAS Extension highlights as well-suited to Florida's climate:
- citrus
- mango
- avocado
- hibiscus
- firebush
- muhly grass
- sweet potato
Florida planting calendar
Dates are approximate and based on the dominant USDA zone for the state. For zone-specific timing, use the zone finder by ZIP code and frost date lookup tools.
Spring planting (after last frost: none in most of state)
Cool-season vegetables (start 2-6 weeks before last frost outdoors): lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, carrots, beets, kale, broccoli transplants, cabbage transplants.
Warm-season vegetables (after last frost, soil 60F+): tomato transplants, pepper transplants, beans (direct sow), cucumbers, squash, melons. See the seed starting timeline tool for indoor start dates.
Annual flowers (after last frost): zinnia, marigold, cosmos, sunflower, nasturtium.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Plant in spring after soil thaws but before summer heat. Best window in Florida: 4-6 weeks after last frost.
Summer (June - August)
Maintenance season for most Florida gardens. Mulch heavily, water deeply (1 inch per week), pinch back mums for fall bloom, hand-pull weeds, harvest summer vegetables. Plant fall vegetable starts indoors by mid-July.
Fall planting (before first frost: none in most of state)
Cool-season vegetables (6-8 weeks before first frost): lettuce, spinach, radish, kale, broccoli, cabbage transplants. Per Penn State Extension, fall vegetable production can equal or exceed spring production with proper timing.
Spring-flowering bulbs: tulip, daffodil, allium, crocus, hyacinth. Plant 4-6 weeks before ground freezes. In Florida: typically October-November.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Fall is the best planting season for woody plants in most of Florida - cooler temperatures + autumn rains reduce transplant stress. Plant 6+ weeks before first hard freeze.
Garlic: Plant cloves in October-November. Harvest the following July.
Winter (December - February)
Most of Florida is in dormancy. Tasks: order seeds, plan next year, dormant prune fruit trees (February), order bare-root plants for spring delivery. Avoid foot traffic on frozen lawns.
Common Florida challenges
Hurricane risk; sandy nutrient-poor soil; intense summer heat halts most production June-August; nematodes; year-round pest pressure. For region-specific guidance, see our Gulf Coast regional gardening guide.
Where to get Florida-specific advice
The most reliable source for local growing advice is your county Extension office. UF/IFAS Extension has county offices that provide free soil testing, plant disease diagnosis, and growing recommendations specific to your microclimate.
Visit UF/IFAS Extension for the office nearest you.
Related tools and guides
- Find your USDA zone by ZIP code
- Look up your average frost dates
- Seasonal care calendar by zone
- Seed starting timeline calculator
- Gulf Coast regional gardening guide