Lake City, FL planting zone & frost dates
Lake City is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 1 and the first fall frost around November 28, for a growing season of about 273 days.
Planting calendar for Lake City
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 1) 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: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 3 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 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 | Feb 5 | Mar 1 | Mar 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 25 | Nov 28 | Nov 11 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 11. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lake City
- 32024 zone 9a
- 32025 zone 9a
- 32055 zone 9a
- 32056 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Gainesville zone 9a, last frost Mar 3
- Middleburg zone 9a, last frost Feb 1
- Oakleaf Plantation zone 9a, last frost Feb 1
- Lakeside zone 9a, last frost Feb 1
- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Fleming Island zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Jacksonville zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Fruit Cove zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
Questions
What growing zone is Lake City, FL?
Lake City 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 Lake City?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lake City is March 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lake City?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 8 – Mar 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lake City 2 E, FL (USC00084731), 4.4 km (2.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 59 m, based on 24 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.