Lake Wales, FL planting zone & frost dates
Lake Wales is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 4 and the first fall frost around January 4, for a growing season of about 332 days.
Planting calendar for Lake Wales
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 4) 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 10 – Dec 24 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 4).
Useful for zone 9b 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 1 | Feb 4 | Mar 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 8 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 8. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 20.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lake Wales
- 33853 zone 9b
- 33859 zone 10a
- 33898 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Eloise zone 10a
- Winter Haven zone 10a
- Haines City zone 10a
- Bartow zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Auburndale zone 10a
- Poinciana zone 10a, last frost Jan 28
- Highland City zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Avon Park zone 9b, last frost Jan 28
Questions
What growing zone is Lake Wales, FL?
Lake Wales is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 10a.
When is the last frost in Lake Wales?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lake Wales is February 4. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lake Wales?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 11 – Feb 18. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Mtn Lake, FL (USC00085973), 4.3 km (2.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 38 m, based on 26 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.