Sanford, FL planting zone & frost dates
Sanford is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 26 and the first fall frost around January 12, for a growing season of about 359 days.
Planting calendar for Sanford
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 26) 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 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 12).
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 26 | Feb 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 10 | Jan 12 | Dec 20 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 20. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Sanford
- 32771 zone 9b
- 32772 zone 9b
- 32773 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Lake Mary zone 9b, last frost Jan 26
- DeBary zone 9b, last frost Jan 26
- Deltona zone 9b, last frost Jan 26
- Winter Springs zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Longwood zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Casselberry zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Oviedo zone 10a, last frost Jan 24
- Orange City zone 9b, last frost Feb 17
Questions
What growing zone is Sanford, FL?
Sanford 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 Sanford?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Sanford is January 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Sanford?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 2 – Feb 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Sanford, FL (USC00087982), 1.6 km (1.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 4 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.