Frost Dates for Lakeland, FL 33809
Lakeland has 9 ZIP codes. The Lakeland, FL frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 6 · First fall frost January 13 · 341 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 33809 has about 30,800 people, one of 9 ZIP codes in Lakeland.
Very long season: 341 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 7–March 8 (60 days). Fall frost risk spans November 30–February 9 (71 days).
Frost probability for 33809
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 8 | February 6 | January 7 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 30 | January 13 | February 9 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LAKE ALFRED EXP STN (27.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 341-day season in Lakeland
In Lakeland (341 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Jan 2 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 299 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 299 available after Feb 20. | Sep 13 |
| Pepper | Dec 26 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 299 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 299 available after Feb 20. | Sep 18 |
| Lettuce | Dec 12 | Jan 9–Jan 16 | 376 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Nov 22; both mature before Jan 20. | Nov 22 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 16–Jan 23 | 383 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 383 available after Jan 16. | Nov 11 |
| Cucumber | Jan 16 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 313 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 17 |
| Beans | — | Feb 13–Feb 27 | 327 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Jan 6. | Oct 24 |
| Peas | — | Dec 12–Feb 20 | 404 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 404 available after Dec 12. | Nov 2 |
| Zucchini | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 313 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 22 |
| Onion | Nov 14 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 376 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 376 available after Jan 9. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 12–Jan 30 | 418 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Dec 11; both mature before Feb 3. | Dec 11 |
| Kale | Nov 28 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 390 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Nov 26; both mature before Feb 3. | Nov 26 |
| Broccoli | Dec 12 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 376 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 376 available after Jan 9. | Oct 18 |
| Cabbage | Dec 12 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 390 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 390 available after Jan 9. | Nov 11 |
| Radish | — | Dec 12–Mar 6 | 404 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Dec 12; both mature before Jan 20. | Dec 12 |
| Beets | — | Dec 12–Mar 6 | 404 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Nov 12; both mature before Jan 20. | Nov 12 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 23–Jan 30 | 362 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 362 available after Jan 23. | — |
| Garlic | — | Jan 13 | 446 | overwinter: Plant Jan 13 to Feb 3; harvest the following summer. | Feb 3 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 2–Feb 27 | 397 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 2; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 9 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 313 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 313 available after Feb 13. | Sep 25 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 20 | 306 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 20. | Aug 31 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 26 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 355 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 355 available after Jan 30. | Oct 23 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 12 | Jan 23–Jan 23 | 362 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 23 and again by Nov 12; both mature before Jan 20. | Nov 12 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 12–Mar 6 | 418 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Dec 11; both mature before Feb 3. | Dec 11 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 12 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 390 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 390 available after Jan 9. | Oct 12 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 306 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 20. | Aug 31 |
| Eggplant | Dec 19 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 299 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 299 available after Feb 20. | Sep 23 |
| Okra | Jan 9 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 320 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 22 |
| Basil | Jan 2 | Feb 27–Feb 27 | 306 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 17 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 9–Jan 30 | 376 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Nov 17; both mature before Jan 20. | Nov 17 |
| Parsley | Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 341 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 341 available after Feb 13. | Oct 28 |
| Celery | Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 27 | 341 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 341 available after Feb 13. | Sep 8 |
| Scallions | Nov 28 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 390 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Nov 21; both mature before Feb 3. | Nov 21 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 390 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Dec 1; both mature before Feb 3. | Dec 1 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 26–Jan 9 | 404 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 26 and again by Nov 26; both mature before Feb 3. | Nov 26 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 9 | Jan 30–Feb 6 | 355 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Nov 22; both mature before Jan 20. | Nov 22 |
| Collards | Nov 28 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 390 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Nov 21; both mature before Feb 3. | Nov 21 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 299 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 299 available after Feb 20. | Sep 8 |
| Chives | Nov 14 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 355 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 355 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 12–Mar 6 | 404 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Nov 12; both mature before Jan 20. | Nov 12 |
| Oregano | Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 355 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 355 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 14 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 341 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 341 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Sage | Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 355 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 355 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 355 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 355 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 26 | Jan 23–Feb 6 | 362 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 23 and again by Nov 17; both mature before Jan 20. | Nov 17 |
| Cosmos | Jan 9 | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 327 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 17 |
| Lavender | Nov 14 | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 362 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 362 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 26 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 327 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 27; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 27 |
| Melons | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 299 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 299 available after Feb 20. | Sep 8 |
| Mint | — | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 362 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 362 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 9 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 327 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 22 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 13–Feb 27 | 320 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 320 available after Feb 13. | Oct 12 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 306 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 20. | Sep 10 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 327 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 327 available after Feb 6. | Oct 7 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 306 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 13. | Sep 18 |
| Watermelon | Jan 23 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 306 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 13. | Sep 13 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 313 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 22 |
| Zinnias | Jan 9 | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 327 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 17 |
Month by month in Lakeland
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Basil (Jan 2), Tomato (Jan 2), Bok Choy (Jan 9), Corn (Jan 9), Cosmos (Jan 9), Nasturtiums (Jan 9), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Jan 9), Turnip (Jan 9), Garlic (Jan 13), Carrots (Jan 16), Potatoes (Jan 23). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 9), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 9), Cabbage (Jan 9), Collards (Jan 9), Kale (Jan 9), Lettuce (Jan 9), +6 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 2). First frost around January 13. |
| February | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Feb 6), Beans (Feb 13), Pole Beans (Feb 13). Transplant from: Cosmos (Feb 6), Lavender (Feb 6), Marigolds (Feb 6), Mint (Feb 6), Nasturtiums (Feb 6), Zinnias (Feb 6), +23 more. Last frost around February 6. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Feb 3). |
| March | Transplant warm-season crops outdoors. Sow beans, cucumbers, and squash. |
| April | Main warm-season planting window. Direct sow melons and sweet corn. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce. Keep beds irrigated as temperatures climb. |
| June | Monitor for heat stress. Harvest zucchini and cucumbers frequently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Watch for pests. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Aug 31), Pumpkin (Aug 31). |
| September | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Sep 8), Celery (Sep 8), Melons (Sep 8), Spaghetti Squash (Sep 10), Tomato (Sep 13), Watermelon (Sep 13), +4 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Oct 7), Brussel Sprouts (Oct 12), Pole Beans (Oct 12), Basil (Oct 17), Cosmos (Oct 17), Cucumber (Oct 17), +10 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 14), Lavender (Nov 14), Onion (Nov 14), Rosemary (Nov 14), Celery (Nov 28), Collards (Nov 28), +5 more. Last sowing dates: Peas (Nov 2), Cabbage (Nov 11), Carrots (Nov 11), Beets (Nov 12), Dill (Nov 12), Swiss Chard (Nov 12), +8 more. |
| December | Start indoors: Broccoli (Dec 12), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 12), Cabbage (Dec 12), Lettuce (Dec 12), Sage (Dec 12), Swiss Chard (Dec 12), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Dec 12), Beets (Dec 12), Dill (Dec 12), Peas (Dec 12), Radish (Dec 12), Spinach (Dec 12), +1 more. Last sowing dates: Turnip (Dec 1), Arugula (Dec 11), Spinach (Dec 11), Radish (Dec 12). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Lakeland, FL (ZIP 33809)?
The median last spring frost date for Lakeland, FL (ZIP code 33809) is around February 6. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before January 7; one in ten it runs past March 8.
What is the first fall frost date in Lakeland, FL?
The median first fall frost date for Lakeland, FL is around January 13. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around November 30 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Lakeland, FL?
The frost-free growing season in Lakeland is about 341 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Lakeland (341 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Lakeland, FL?
Lakeland, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 9b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Lakeland, FL?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 2 and plant out Feb 20 in Lakeland. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Lakeland?
Two: plant Jan 9 and again by Nov 22; both mature before Jan 20.
When do I plant garlic in Lakeland?
Jan 13 to Feb 3; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Lakeland?
Yes: plant out Feb 20 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Sep 13 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Lakeland (ZIP 33811) has 348 frost-free days, 7 more than Lakeland (ZIP 33809). See Lakeland ZIP 33811 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Lakeland, FL 33810 (6.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Polk City, FL 33868 (8.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Auburndale, FL 33823 (12.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Zephyrhills, FL 33541 (15.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Lakeland, FL 33811 (15.8 mi)
- When to plant in Lakeland, FL: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in FL
- When to plant Peppers in FL
- When to plant Cucumbers in FL
- When to plant Zucchini in FL
- When to plant Butternut Squash in FL
- When to plant Basil in FL
- When to plant Sweet Corn in FL
- Look up another ZIP