Frost Dates for Merritt Island, FL 32953
Last spring frost January 26 · First fall frost January 10 · 349 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 32953 has about 24,800 people, the largest of 2 ZIP codes in Merritt Island.
Very long season: 349 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 32953
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 4 | January 26 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | December 11 | January 10 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at TITUSVILLE (21.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Merritt Island, FL
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32953 | January 26 | January 10 | 10a |
| 32952 | January 18 | January 19 | 10a |
Which crops fit a 349-day season in Merritt Island
In Merritt Island (349 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 | Dec 22 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 307 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 307 available after Feb 9. | Sep 10 |
| Pepper | Dec 15 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 307 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 307 available after Feb 9. | Sep 15 |
| Lettuce | Dec 1 | Dec 29–Jan 5 | 384 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 29 and again by Nov 19; both mature before Jan 17. | Nov 19 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 5–Jan 12 | 391 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 391 available after Jan 5. | Nov 8 |
| Cucumber | Jan 5 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 321 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 14 |
| Beans | — | Feb 2–Feb 16 | 335 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 2 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Jan 3. | Oct 21 |
| Peas | — | Dec 1–Feb 9 | 412 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 412 available after Dec 1. | Oct 30 |
| Zucchini | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 321 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 19 |
| Onion | Nov 3 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 384 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 384 available after Dec 29. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 1–Jan 19 | 426 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 1 and again by Dec 8; both mature before Jan 31. | Dec 8 |
| Kale | Nov 17 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 398 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 29 and again by Nov 23; both mature before Jan 31. | Nov 23 |
| Broccoli | Dec 1 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 384 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 384 available after Dec 29. | Oct 15 |
| Cabbage | Dec 1 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 398 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 398 available after Dec 29. | Nov 8 |
| Radish | — | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 412 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 1 and again by Dec 9; both mature before Jan 17. | Dec 9 |
| Beets | — | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 412 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 1 and again by Nov 9; both mature before Jan 17. | Nov 9 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 12–Jan 19 | 370 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 370 available after Jan 12. | — |
| Garlic | — | Jan 10 | 454 | overwinter: Plant Jan 10 to Jan 31; harvest the following summer. | Jan 31 |
| Strawberry | — | Dec 22–Feb 16 | 405 | perennial: A perennial: plant Dec 22; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Dec 29 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 321 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 321 available after Feb 2. | Sep 22 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 9 | 314 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 314 available after Feb 9. | Aug 28 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 15 | Jan 19–Feb 2 | 363 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 363 available after Jan 19. | Oct 20 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 1 | Jan 12–Jan 12 | 370 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 12 and again by Nov 9; both mature before Jan 17. | Nov 9 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 426 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 1 and again by Dec 8; both mature before Jan 31. | Dec 8 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 1 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 398 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 398 available after Dec 29. | Oct 9 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 314 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 314 available after Feb 9. | Aug 28 |
| Eggplant | Dec 8 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 307 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 307 available after Feb 9. | Sep 20 |
| Okra | Dec 29 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 328 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 2 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 19 |
| Basil | Dec 22 | Feb 16–Feb 16 | 314 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 14 |
| Cilantro | — | Dec 29–Jan 19 | 384 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 29 and again by Nov 14; both mature before Jan 17. | Nov 14 |
| Parsley | Nov 17 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 349 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 349 available after Feb 2. | Oct 25 |
| Celery | Nov 17 | Feb 2–Feb 16 | 349 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 349 available after Feb 2. | Sep 5 |
| Scallions | Nov 17 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 398 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 29 and again by Nov 18; both mature before Jan 31. | Nov 18 |
| Turnip | — | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 398 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 29 and again by Nov 28; both mature before Jan 31. | Nov 28 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 15–Dec 29 | 412 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 15 and again by Nov 23; both mature before Jan 31. | Nov 23 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 29 | Jan 19–Jan 26 | 363 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 19 and again by Nov 19; both mature before Jan 17. | Nov 19 |
| Collards | Nov 17 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 398 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 29 and again by Nov 18; both mature before Jan 31. | Nov 18 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 307 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 307 available after Feb 9. | Sep 5 |
| Chives | Nov 3 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 363 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 363 available after Feb 2. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 412 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 1 and again by Nov 9; both mature before Jan 17. | Nov 9 |
| Oregano | Nov 17 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 363 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 363 available after Feb 2. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 3 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 349 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 349 available after Feb 2. | — |
| Sage | Dec 1 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 363 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 363 available after Feb 2. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 17 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 363 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 363 available after Feb 2. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 15 | Jan 12–Jan 26 | 370 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 12 and again by Nov 14; both mature before Jan 17. | Nov 14 |
| Cosmos | Dec 29 | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 335 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 26 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 14 |
| Lavender | Nov 3 | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 370 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 370 available after Jan 26. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 15 | Jan 26–Feb 2 | 335 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 26 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 24 |
| Melons | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 307 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 307 available after Feb 9. | Sep 5 |
| Mint | — | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 370 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 370 available after Jan 26. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Dec 29 | Jan 26–Feb 2 | 335 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 26 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 19 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 2–Feb 16 | 328 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 328 available after Feb 2. | Oct 9 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 314 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 314 available after Feb 9. | Sep 7 |
| Sunflowers | — | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 335 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 335 available after Jan 26. | Oct 4 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 1 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 314 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 314 available after Feb 2. | Sep 15 |
| Watermelon | Jan 12 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 314 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 314 available after Feb 2. | Sep 10 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 321 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 19 |
| Zinnias | Dec 29 | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 335 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 26 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 14 |
Month by month in Merritt Island
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Cucumber (Jan 5), Butternut Squash (Jan 12), Cantaloupe (Jan 12), Melons (Jan 12), Pumpkin (Jan 12), Spaghetti Squash (Jan 12), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Jan 5), Garlic (Jan 10), Potatoes (Jan 12), Sunflowers (Jan 26). Transplant from: Calendula (Jan 12), Swiss Chard (Jan 12), Bok Choy (Jan 19), Cauliflower (Jan 19), Cosmos (Jan 26), Lavender (Jan 26), +4 more. Last frost around January 26. First frost around January 10. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Jan 31). |
| February | Direct sow from: Beans (Feb 2), Pole Beans (Feb 2). Transplant from: Celery (Feb 2), Chives (Feb 2), Corn (Feb 2), Okra (Feb 2), Oregano (Feb 2), Parsley (Feb 2), +17 more. |
| 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 28), Pumpkin (Aug 28). |
| September | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Sep 5), Celery (Sep 5), Melons (Sep 5), Spaghetti Squash (Sep 7), Tomato (Sep 10), Watermelon (Sep 10), +4 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Oct 4), Brussel Sprouts (Oct 9), Pole Beans (Oct 9), Basil (Oct 14), Cosmos (Oct 14), Cucumber (Oct 14), +11 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 3), Lavender (Nov 3), Onion (Nov 3), Rosemary (Nov 3), Celery (Nov 17), Collards (Nov 17), +5 more. Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Nov 8), Carrots (Nov 8), Beets (Nov 9), Dill (Nov 9), Swiss Chard (Nov 9), Calendula (Nov 14), +8 more. |
| December | Start indoors: Broccoli (Dec 1), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 1), Cabbage (Dec 1), Lettuce (Dec 1), Sage (Dec 1), Swiss Chard (Dec 1), +14 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Dec 1), Beets (Dec 1), Dill (Dec 1), Peas (Dec 1), Radish (Dec 1), Spinach (Dec 1), +3 more. Transplant from: Broccoli (Dec 29), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 29), Cabbage (Dec 29), Collards (Dec 29), Kale (Dec 29), Lettuce (Dec 29), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Dec 22). Last sowing dates: Arugula (Dec 8), Spinach (Dec 8), Radish (Dec 9). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Merritt Island, FL (ZIP 32953)?
The median last spring frost date for Merritt Island, FL (ZIP code 32953) is around January 26. 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.
What is the first fall frost date in Merritt Island, FL?
The median first fall frost date for Merritt Island, FL is around January 10. 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 December 11 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Merritt Island, FL?
The frost-free growing season in Merritt Island is about 349 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 Merritt Island (349 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 Merritt Island, FL?
Merritt Island, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a (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 Merritt Island, FL?
Start tomatoes indoors Dec 22 and plant out Feb 9 in Merritt Island. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Merritt Island?
Two: plant Dec 29 and again by Nov 19; both mature before Jan 17.
When do I plant garlic in Merritt Island?
Jan 10 to Jan 31; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Merritt Island?
Yes: plant out Feb 9 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Sep 10 for a fall crop.
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- When to plant in FL
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