Bartow, FL planting zone & frost dates
Bartow is in USDA hardiness zone 10a. The last spring frost usually comes around January 24 and the first fall frost around January 7, for a growing season of about 352 days.
Planting calendar for Bartow
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 24) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 15 – Nov 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 15 – Nov 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 15 – Nov 29 Transplant outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 15 – Nov 29 Transplant outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 12 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 7).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 27 | Jan 24 | Feb 20 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 6 | Jan 7 | Dec 17 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 20, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 19.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Bartow
- 33830 zone 10a
- 33831 zone 10a
Nearby cities
- Highland City zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Lakeland Highlands zone 10a, last frost Jan 26
- Eloise zone 10a
- Winter Haven zone 10a
- Auburndale zone 10a
- Lakeland zone 10a, last frost Jan 26
- Lake Wales zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
- Plant City zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
Questions
What growing zone is Bartow, FL?
Bartow is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10a (average extreme winter low 30°F to 35°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Bartow?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Bartow is January 24. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 20.
When can I plant tomatoes in Bartow?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 31 – Feb 7. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Bartow 1Se, FL (USC00080478), 1.6 km (1.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 34 m, based on 25 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.