Ocala, FL planting zone & frost dates
Ocala is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 25 and the first fall frost around December 12, for a growing season of about 293 days.
Planting calendar for Ocala
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 25) 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 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 12).
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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 24 | Feb 25 | Mar 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 14 | Dec 12 | Nov 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Ocala
- 34470 zone 9a
- 34471 zone 9a
- 34472 zone 9b
- 34473 zone 9b
- 34474 zone 9a
- 34475 zone 9a
- 34476 zone 9a
- 34477 zone 9a
- 34479 zone 9a
- 34480 zone 9b
- 34481 zone 9a
- 34482 zone 9a
- 34483 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Silver Springs zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- On Top of the World zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- Marion Oaks zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
- The Villages zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Lady Lake zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Leesburg zone 9b, last frost Jan 26
- Gainesville zone 9a, last frost Mar 3
- Tavares zone 9b, last frost Jan 26
Questions
What growing zone is Ocala, FL?
Ocala is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 9b.
When is the last frost in Ocala?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Ocala is February 25. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Ocala?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 4 – Mar 11. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Ocala, FL (USC00086414), 6.6 km (4.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 23 m, based on 29 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.