Fort Walton Beach, FL planting zone & frost dates
Fort Walton Beach is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 5 and the first fall frost around December 28, for a growing season of about 321 days.
Planting calendar for Fort Walton Beach
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 5) 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: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Feb 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Feb 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 2 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 28).
Useful for zone 9a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 5 | Feb 5 | Mar 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 27 | Dec 28 | Dec 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 4, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 27.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Fort Walton Beach
- 32547 zone 9a
- 32548 zone 9a
- 32549 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Wright zone 9a, last frost Mar 12
- Destin zone 9b, last frost Feb 5
- Niceville zone 9a, last frost Mar 12
- Navarre zone 9a, last frost Mar 1
- Crestview zone 9a, last frost Mar 21
- Midway zone 9b, last frost Mar 1
- Santa Rosa Beach zone 9a, last frost Feb 5
- East Milton zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
Questions
What growing zone is Fort Walton Beach, FL?
Fort Walton Beach is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Fort Walton Beach?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Fort Walton Beach is February 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Fort Walton Beach?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 12 – Feb 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Destin Ft Walton Ap, FL (USW00053853), 14.1 km (8.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 7 m, based on 22 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.