Lakeland Highlands, FL planting zone & frost dates
Lakeland Highlands 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 Highlands
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.
Nearby cities
- Highland City zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Lakeland zone 10a, last frost Jan 26
- Bartow zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Plant City zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Auburndale zone 10a
- Eloise zone 10a
- Winter Haven zone 10a
- Fish Hawk zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
Questions
What growing zone is Lakeland Highlands, FL?
Lakeland Highlands 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 Lakeland Highlands?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lakeland Highlands is January 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lakeland Highlands?
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), 7.2 km (4.5 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.