Frost Dates for Ocala, FL 34482
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 8 · 290 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
ZIP 34482 has about 22,800 people, one of 11 ZIP codes in Ocala.
Very long season: 290 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 22–March 20 (57 days). Fall frost risk spans November 14–January 19 (66 days).
Frost probability for 34482
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 20 | February 21 | January 22 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 14 | December 8 | January 19 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at INVERNESS 3 SE (49.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 290-day season in Ocala
In Ocala (290 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 | 248 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 7. | Aug 8 |
| Pepper | Jan 10 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 248 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 7. | Aug 13 |
| Lettuce | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 325 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 15. | Oct 17 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 31–Feb 7 | 332 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 332 available after Jan 31. | Oct 6 |
| Cucumber | Jan 31 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 11 |
| Beans | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
| Peas | — | Dec 27–Mar 7 | 353 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 353 available after Dec 27. | Sep 27 |
| Zucchini | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 16 |
| Onion | Nov 29 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 325 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 325 available after Jan 24. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 27–Feb 14 | 367 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 5; both mature before Dec 29. | Nov 5 |
| Kale | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 339 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 21 |
| Broccoli | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 325 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 325 available after Jan 24. | Sep 12 |
| Cabbage | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 339 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 339 available after Jan 24. | Oct 6 |
| Radish | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 353 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 6; both mature before Dec 15. | Nov 6 |
| Beets | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 353 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Oct 7; both mature before Dec 15. | Oct 7 |
| Potatoes | — | Feb 7–Feb 14 | 311 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 7. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 8 | 395 | overwinter: Plant Dec 8 to Dec 29; harvest the following summer. | Dec 29 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 17–Mar 14 | 346 | 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 | 262 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 262 available after Feb 28. | Aug 20 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 7 | 255 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 255 available after Mar 7. | Jul 26 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 10 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 304 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 304 available after Feb 14. | Sep 17 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 27 | Feb 7–Feb 7 | 311 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 7; both mature before Dec 15. | Oct 7 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 367 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 5; both mature before Dec 29. | Nov 5 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 339 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 339 available after Jan 24. | Sep 6 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 255 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 255 available after Mar 7. | Jul 26 |
| Eggplant | Jan 3 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 248 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 7. | Aug 18 |
| Okra | Jan 24 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 269 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 16 |
| Basil | Jan 17 | Mar 14–Mar 14 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 11 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 24–Feb 14 | 325 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 15. | Oct 12 |
| Parsley | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 290 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 290 available after Feb 28. | Sep 22 |
| Celery | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 290 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 290 available after Feb 28. | Aug 3 |
| Scallions | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 339 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 16 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 339 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 26; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 26 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 353 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 21 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 24 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 304 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 15. | Oct 17 |
| Collards | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 339 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 16 |
| Cantaloupe | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 248 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 7. | Aug 3 |
| Chives | Nov 29 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 304 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 304 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 353 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Oct 7; both mature before Dec 15. | Oct 7 |
| Oregano | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 304 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 304 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 29 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 290 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 290 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Sage | Dec 27 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 304 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 304 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 304 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 304 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 311 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 15. | Oct 12 |
| Cosmos | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 11 |
| Lavender | Nov 29 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 311 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 10 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 21 |
| Melons | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 248 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 7. | Aug 3 |
| Mint | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 311 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 16 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 269 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 269 available after Feb 28. | Sep 6 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 255 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 255 available after Mar 7. | Aug 5 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 276 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 276 available after Feb 21. | Sep 1 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 27 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 255 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 255 available after Feb 28. | Aug 13 |
| Watermelon | Feb 7 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 255 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 255 available after Feb 28. | Aug 8 |
| Yellow Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 16 |
| Zinnias | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 11 |
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). |
| 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 | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 26), Pumpkin (Jul 26). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Aug 3), Celery (Aug 3), Melons (Aug 3), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 5), Tomato (Aug 8), Watermelon (Aug 8), +4 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Sep 1), Brussel Sprouts (Sep 6), Pole Beans (Sep 6), Basil (Sep 11), Cosmos (Sep 11), Cucumber (Sep 11), +11 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Oct 6), Carrots (Oct 6), Beets (Oct 7), Dill (Oct 7), Swiss Chard (Oct 7), Calendula (Oct 12), +8 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 29), Lavender (Nov 29), Onion (Nov 29), Rosemary (Nov 29). Last sowing dates: Arugula (Nov 5), Spinach (Nov 5), Radish (Nov 6). |
| 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 8), Arugula (Dec 27), Beets (Dec 27), Dill (Dec 27), Peas (Dec 27), Radish (Dec 27), +1 more. First frost around December 8. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 29). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Ocala, FL (ZIP 34482)?
The median last spring frost date for Ocala, FL (ZIP code 34482) 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 22; 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 8. 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 14 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 290 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 (290 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 17; both mature before Dec 15.
When do I plant garlic in Ocala?
Dec 8 to Dec 29; 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 8 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Dunnellon (ZIP 34432) has 300 frost-free days, 10 more than Ocala (ZIP 34482). See Dunnellon ZIP 34432 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Dunnellon, FL 34432 (13.7 mi)
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- Frost dates for Silver Springs, FL 34488 (20.8 mi)
- When to plant in Ocala, FL: month-by-month guide
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- When to plant Cucumbers in FL
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