Pensacola, FL planting zone & frost dates
Pensacola is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 14 and the first fall frost around December 9, for a growing season of about 301 days.
Planting calendar for Pensacola
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 14) 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 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 14 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 9).
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 21 | Feb 14 | Mar 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 10 | Dec 9 | Nov 17 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 31.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Pensacola
- 32501 zone 9a
- 32502 zone 9a
- 32503 zone 9a
- 32504 zone 9a
- 32505 zone 9a
- 32506 zone 9a
- 32507 zone 9a
- 32508 zone 9a
- 32509 zone 9a
- 32511 zone 9a
- 32512 zone 9a
- 32513 zone 9a
- 32514 zone 9a
- 32516 zone 9a
- 32520 zone 9b
- 32521 zone 9a
- 32522 zone 9a
- 32523 zone 9a
- 32524 zone 9a
- 32526 zone 9a
- 32534 zone 9a
- 32559 zone 9a
- 32591 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- East Pensacola Heights zone 9b, last frost Feb 14
- Brent zone 9a, last frost Feb 14
- West Pensacola zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Warrington zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Ferry Pass zone 9a, last frost Feb 17
- Myrtle Grove zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Bellview zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Ensley zone 9a, last frost Feb 17
Questions
What growing zone is Pensacola, FL?
Pensacola 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 Pensacola?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Pensacola is February 14. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Pensacola?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 21 – Feb 28. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Pensacola Rgnl Ap, FL (USW00013899), 6.9 km (4.3 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.