Brandon, FL planting zone & frost dates
Brandon is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 30 and the first fall frost around January 6, for a growing season of about 335 days.
Planting calendar for Brandon
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 30) 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 5 – Dec 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 21 – Dec 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 20 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 21 – Dec 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 20 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 21 – Dec 5 Transplant outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 21 – Dec 5 Transplant outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 19 – Jan 2 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 19 – Jan 2 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 19 – Jan 2 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 6).
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 | Dec 31 | Jan 30 | Mar 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 5 | Jan 6 | Dec 8 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 8. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 20.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Brandon
- 33508 zone 10a
- 33509 zone 9b
- 33510 zone 9b
- 33511 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Mango zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Valrico zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Bloomingdale zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Riverview zone 10a, last frost Jan 20
- Palm River-Clair Mel zone 10a
- East Lake-Orient Park zone 9b
- Fish Hawk zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Thonotosassa zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
Questions
What growing zone is Brandon, FL?
Brandon 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 10a.
When is the last frost in Brandon?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Brandon is January 30. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Brandon?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 6 – Feb 13. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Plant City, FL (USC00087205), 17.2 km (10.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 34 m, based on 28 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.