Gulfport, MS planting zone & frost dates
Gulfport is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 18 and the first fall frost around December 14, for a growing season of about 300 days.
Planting calendar for Gulfport
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 18) 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 24 – Jan 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 4 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 10 – Dec 24 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 10 – Dec 24 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 10 – Dec 24 Transplant outdoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 10 – Dec 24 Transplant outdoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 4 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 4 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 4 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 4 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 4 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 19 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 14).
Useful for zone 9a 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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 17 | Feb 18 | Mar 14 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 13 | Dec 14 | Nov 18 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 14, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 31.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Gulfport
- 39501 zone 9a
- 39502 zone 9a
- 39503 zone 9a
- 39505 zone 9a
- 39506 zone 9a
- 39507 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- West Gulfport zone 9a, last frost Feb 23
- Long Beach zone 9a, last frost Feb 18
- Biloxi zone 9a, last frost Feb 12
- D'Iberville zone 9a, last frost Feb 12
- Ocean Springs zone 9a, last frost Feb 12
- Gautier zone 9a, last frost Mar 1
- Pascagoula zone 9a, last frost Mar 8
- Moss Point zone 9a, last frost Mar 8
Questions
What growing zone is Gulfport, MS?
Gulfport is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Gulfport?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Gulfport is February 18. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 14.
When can I plant tomatoes in Gulfport?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 25 – Mar 4. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Gulfport Naval Ctr, MS (USC00223671), 3.1 km (1.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 11 m, based on 17 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.