Frost Dates for Ocala, FL 34481
Ocala has 11 ZIP codes. The Ocala, FL frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 21 · First fall frost December 15 · 297 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
ZIP 34481 has about 26,800 people, one of 11 ZIP codes in Ocala.
Very long season: 297 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 23–March 20 (56 days). Fall frost risk spans November 19–January 11 (53 days).
Frost probability for 34481
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 20 | February 21 | January 23 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 19 | December 15 | January 11 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at INVERNESS 3 SE (35.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 297-day season in Ocala
In Ocala (297 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 17 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 255 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 255 available after Mar 7. | Aug 15 |
| Pepper | Jan 10 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 255 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 255 available after Mar 7. | Aug 20 |
| Lettuce | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 332 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 24 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 31–Feb 7 | 339 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 339 available after Jan 31. | Oct 13 |
| Cucumber | Jan 31 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 269 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
| Beans | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 283 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 25 |
| Peas | — | Dec 27–Mar 7 | 360 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 360 available after Dec 27. | Oct 4 |
| Zucchini | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 269 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 23 |
| Onion | Nov 29 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 332 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 332 available after Jan 24. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 27–Feb 14 | 374 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 12; both mature before Jan 5. | Nov 12 |
| Kale | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 346 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 28; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 28 |
| Broccoli | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 332 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 332 available after Jan 24. | Sep 19 |
| Cabbage | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 346 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 346 available after Jan 24. | Oct 13 |
| Radish | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 360 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 13; both mature before Dec 22. | Nov 13 |
| Beets | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 360 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Potatoes | — | Feb 7–Feb 14 | 318 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 318 available after Feb 7. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 15 | 402 | overwinter: Plant Dec 15 to Jan 5; harvest the following summer. | Jan 5 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 17–Mar 14 | 353 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 17; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 24 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 269 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 269 available after Feb 28. | Aug 27 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 7 | 262 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 262 available after Mar 7. | Aug 2 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 10 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 311 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 14. | Sep 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 27 | Feb 7–Feb 7 | 318 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 374 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 12; both mature before Jan 5. | Nov 12 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 346 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 346 available after Jan 24. | Sep 13 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 262 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 262 available after Mar 7. | Aug 2 |
| Eggplant | Jan 3 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 255 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 255 available after Mar 7. | Aug 25 |
| Okra | Jan 24 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 23 |
| Basil | Jan 17 | Mar 14–Mar 14 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 24–Feb 14 | 332 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 19 |
| Parsley | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 297 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 297 available after Feb 28. | Sep 29 |
| Celery | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 297 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 297 available after Feb 28. | Aug 10 |
| Scallions | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 346 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 23 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 346 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Nov 2; both mature before Jan 5. | Nov 2 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 360 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 28; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 28 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 24 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 311 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 24 |
| Collards | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 346 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 23 |
| Cantaloupe | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 255 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 255 available after Mar 7. | Aug 10 |
| Chives | Nov 29 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 311 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 360 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Oregano | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 311 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 29 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 297 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 297 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Sage | Dec 27 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 311 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 311 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 318 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 19 |
| Cosmos | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 283 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
| Lavender | Nov 29 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 318 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 318 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 10 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 283 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 28 |
| Melons | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 255 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 255 available after Mar 7. | Aug 10 |
| Mint | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 318 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 318 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 283 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 23 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 276 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 276 available after Feb 28. | Sep 13 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 262 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 262 available after Mar 7. | Aug 12 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 283 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 283 available after Feb 21. | Sep 8 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 27 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 262 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 262 available after Feb 28. | Aug 20 |
| Watermelon | Feb 7 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 262 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 262 available after Feb 28. | Aug 15 |
| Yellow Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 269 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 23 |
| Zinnias | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 283 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
Month by month in Ocala
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Eggplant (Jan 3), Calendula (Jan 10), Cauliflower (Jan 10), Marigolds (Jan 10), Pepper (Jan 10), Basil (Jan 17), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Jan 10), Cilantro (Jan 24), Turnip (Jan 24), Carrots (Jan 31). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 24), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 24), Cabbage (Jan 24), Collards (Jan 24), Kale (Jan 24), Lettuce (Jan 24), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 17). Last sowing dates: Garlic (Jan 5). |
| February | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Feb 7), Cantaloupe (Feb 7), Melons (Feb 7), Pumpkin (Feb 7), Spaghetti Squash (Feb 7), Watermelon (Feb 7), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Feb 7), Sunflowers (Feb 21), Beans (Feb 28), Pole Beans (Feb 28). Transplant from: Calendula (Feb 7), Swiss Chard (Feb 7), Bok Choy (Feb 14), Cauliflower (Feb 14), Cosmos (Feb 21), Lavender (Feb 21), +15 more. Last frost around February 21. |
| March | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Mar 7), Cantaloupe (Mar 7), Cucumber (Mar 7), Eggplant (Mar 7), Melons (Mar 7), Pepper (Mar 7), +6 more. |
| April | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| May | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| June | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| July | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Aug 2), Pumpkin (Aug 2), Cantaloupe (Aug 10), Celery (Aug 10), Melons (Aug 10), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 12), +6 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Sep 8), Brussel Sprouts (Sep 13), Pole Beans (Sep 13), Basil (Sep 18), Cosmos (Sep 18), Cucumber (Sep 18), +10 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Peas (Oct 4), Cabbage (Oct 13), Carrots (Oct 13), Beets (Oct 14), Dill (Oct 14), Swiss Chard (Oct 14), +8 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 29), Lavender (Nov 29), Onion (Nov 29), Rosemary (Nov 29). Last sowing dates: Turnip (Nov 2), Arugula (Nov 12), Spinach (Nov 12), Radish (Nov 13). |
| December | Start indoors: Celery (Dec 13), Collards (Dec 13), Kale (Dec 13), Oregano (Dec 13), Parsley (Dec 13), Scallions (Dec 13), +8 more. Direct sow from: Garlic (Dec 15), Arugula (Dec 27), Beets (Dec 27), Dill (Dec 27), Peas (Dec 27), Radish (Dec 27), +1 more. First frost around December 15. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Ocala, FL (ZIP 34481)?
The median last spring frost date for Ocala, FL (ZIP code 34481) is around February 21. 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 23; one in ten it runs past March 20.
What is the first fall frost date in Ocala, FL?
The median first fall frost date for Ocala, FL is around December 15. 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 19 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Ocala, FL?
The frost-free growing season in Ocala is about 297 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 Ocala (297 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 Ocala, FL?
Ocala, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 9a (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 Ocala, FL?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 17 and plant out Mar 7 in Ocala. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Ocala?
Two: plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Dec 22.
When do I plant garlic in Ocala?
Dec 15 to Jan 5; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Ocala?
Yes: plant out Mar 7 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 15 for a fall crop.
Nearby and related
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- When to plant in Ocala, FL: month-by-month guide
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