Cocoa, FL planting zone & frost dates
Cocoa is in USDA hardiness zone 10a. The last spring frost usually comes around January 29 and the first fall frost around January 16, for a growing season of about 353 days.
Planting calendar for Cocoa
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 29) 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 4 – Dec 18 Transplant outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 12 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 20 – Dec 4 Transplant outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 20 – Dec 4 Transplant outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 20 – Dec 4 Transplant outdoors: Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 20 – Dec 4 Transplant outdoors: Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 18 – Jan 1 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 18 – Jan 1 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 12 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 12 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 12 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 12 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 18 – Jan 1 Transplant outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 12 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 16).
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 4 | Jan 29 | Feb 26 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 17 | Jan 16 | Dec 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 26, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 17.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Cocoa
- 32922 zone 10a
- 32923 zone 10a
- 32924 zone 10a
- 32926 zone 10a
- 32927 zone 10a
Nearby cities
- Rockledge zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Merritt Island zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Port Saint John zone 10a
- Viera East zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Cocoa Beach zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Titusville zone 10a
- Satellite Beach zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- West Melbourne zone 10a
Questions
What growing zone is Cocoa, FL?
Cocoa 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 Cocoa?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Cocoa is January 29. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 26.
When can I plant tomatoes in Cocoa?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 5 – Feb 12. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Titusville 7 E, FL (USW00092821), 26.0 km (16.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 1 m, based on 16 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.