Panama City, FL planting zone & frost dates
Panama City is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 7 and the first fall frost around December 24, for a growing season of about 318 days.
Planting calendar for Panama City
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 7) 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 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 24).
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 5 | Feb 7 | Mar 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 23 | Dec 24 | Nov 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 23.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Panama City
- 32401 zone 9b
- 32402 zone 9b
- 32403 zone 9b
- 32404 zone 9a
- 32405 zone 9b
- 32406 zone 9b
- 32408 zone 9b
- 32409 zone 9a
- 32411 zone 9b
- 32412 zone 9a
- 32417 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Upper Grand Lagoon zone 9b, last frost Feb 7
- Lynn Haven zone 9a, last frost Feb 15
- Callaway zone 9b, last frost Feb 7
- Panama City Beach zone 9b, last frost Feb 7
- Santa Rosa Beach zone 9a, last frost Feb 5
- Destin zone 9b, last frost Feb 5
- Niceville zone 9a, last frost Mar 12
- Fort Walton Beach zone 9a, last frost Feb 5
Questions
What growing zone is Panama City, FL?
Panama City 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 9a.
When is the last frost in Panama City?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Panama City is February 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in Panama City?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 14 – Feb 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Panama City Bay Co Ap, FL (USW00003882), 6.2 km (3.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 6 m, based on 11 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.