Zephyrhills, FL planting zone & frost dates
Zephyrhills is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 31 and the first fall frost around January 8, for a growing season of about 336 days.
Planting calendar for Zephyrhills
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 31) 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 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 8).
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 3 | Jan 31 | Feb 28 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 10 | Jan 8 | Dec 10 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 28, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 10. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 24.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Zephyrhills
- 33539 zone 9b
- 33540 zone 9b
- 33541 zone 9b
- 33542 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Wesley Chapel zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Thonotosassa zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Plant City zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Land O' Lakes zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Mango zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Temple Terrace zone 9b
- Lutz zone 9b
- Valrico zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
Questions
What growing zone is Zephyrhills, FL?
Zephyrhills is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Zephyrhills?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Zephyrhills is January 31. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 28.
When can I plant tomatoes in Zephyrhills?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 7 – Feb 14. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Saint Leo, FL (USC00087851), 13.9 km (8.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 58 m, based on 30 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.