Palatka, FL planting zone & frost dates
Palatka is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 31 and the first fall frost around January 4, for a growing season of about 337 days.
Planting calendar for Palatka
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 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 4).
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 2 | Jan 31 | Feb 28 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 1 | Jan 4 | Dec 7 |
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 7. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 21.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Palatka
- 32177 zone 9b
- 32178 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Saint Augustine zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Palm Coast zone 9b, last frost Jan 24
- Fleming Island zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Fruit Cove zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Middleburg zone 9a, last frost Feb 1
- Lakeside zone 9a, last frost Feb 1
- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Oakleaf Plantation zone 9a, last frost Feb 1
Questions
What growing zone is Palatka, FL?
Palatka 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 Palatka?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Palatka is January 31. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 28.
When can I plant tomatoes in Palatka?
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 Federal Pt, FL (USC00082915), 15.2 km (9.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 2 m, based on 19 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.