Lakeland, FL planting zone & frost dates
Lakeland is in USDA hardiness zone 10a. The last spring frost usually comes around January 26 and the first fall frost around January 9, for a growing season of about 349 days.
Planting calendar for Lakeland
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 26) 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 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 14 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 9).
Useful for zone 10a 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 2 | Jan 26 | Feb 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 4 | Jan 9 | Dec 20 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 20. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 17.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lakeland
- 33801 zone 10a
- 33802 zone 10a
- 33803 zone 10a
- 33804 zone 10a
- 33805 zone 10a
- 33806 zone 10a
- 33807 zone 10a
- 33809 zone 9b
- 33810 zone 9b
- 33811 zone 9b
- 33812 zone 10a
- 33813 zone 10a
- 33815 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Lakeland Highlands zone 10a, last frost Jan 26
- Highland City zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Auburndale zone 10a
- Plant City zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Bartow zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Eloise zone 10a
- Winter Haven zone 10a
- Zephyrhills zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
Questions
What growing zone is Lakeland, FL?
Lakeland is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10a (average extreme winter low 30°F to 35°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 9b.
When is the last frost in Lakeland?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lakeland is January 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lakeland?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 2 – Feb 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lakeland 2, FL (USC00084802), 8.2 km (5.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 42 m, based on 21 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.