Frost Dates for Polk City, FL 33868
Last spring frost January 30 · First fall frost January 12 · 347 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 33868 has about 13,800 people.
Very long season: 347 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 33868
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 5 | January 30 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | December 9 | January 12 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CLERMONT 9 S (25.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 347-day season in Polk City
In Polk City (347 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 26 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 305 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 305 available after Feb 13. | Sep 12 |
| Pepper | Dec 19 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 305 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 305 available after Feb 13. | Sep 17 |
| Lettuce | Dec 5 | Jan 2–Jan 9 | 382 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Nov 21; both mature before Jan 19. | Nov 21 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 9–Jan 16 | 389 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 389 available after Jan 9. | Nov 10 |
| Cucumber | Jan 9 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 16 |
| Beans | — | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 23 |
| Peas | — | Dec 5–Feb 13 | 410 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 410 available after Dec 5. | Nov 1 |
| Zucchini | Jan 16 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 21 |
| Onion | Nov 7 | Jan 2–Jan 16 | 382 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 382 available after Jan 2. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 5–Jan 23 | 424 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 5 and again by Dec 10; both mature before Feb 2. | Dec 10 |
| Kale | Nov 21 | Jan 2–Jan 16 | 396 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Nov 25; both mature before Feb 2. | Nov 25 |
| Broccoli | Dec 5 | Jan 2–Jan 16 | 382 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 382 available after Jan 2. | Oct 17 |
| Cabbage | Dec 5 | Jan 2–Jan 16 | 396 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 396 available after Jan 2. | Nov 10 |
| Radish | — | Dec 5–Feb 27 | 410 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 5 and again by Dec 11; both mature before Jan 19. | Dec 11 |
| Beets | — | Dec 5–Feb 27 | 410 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 5 and again by Nov 11; both mature before Jan 19. | Nov 11 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 16–Jan 23 | 368 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 368 available after Jan 16. | — |
| Garlic | — | Jan 12 | 452 | overwinter: Plant Jan 12 to Feb 2; harvest the following summer. | Feb 2 |
| Strawberry | — | Dec 26–Feb 20 | 403 | perennial: A perennial: plant Dec 26; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 2 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 319 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 319 available after Feb 6. | Sep 24 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 16 | Feb 13–Feb 13 | 312 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 13. | Aug 30 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 19 | Jan 23–Feb 6 | 361 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 361 available after Jan 23. | Oct 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 5 | Jan 16–Jan 16 | 368 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 16 and again by Nov 11; both mature before Jan 19. | Nov 11 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 5–Feb 27 | 424 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 5 and again by Dec 10; both mature before Feb 2. | Dec 10 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 5 | Jan 2–Jan 16 | 396 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 396 available after Jan 2. | Oct 11 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 16 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 312 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 13. | Aug 30 |
| Eggplant | Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 305 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 305 available after Feb 13. | Sep 22 |
| Okra | Jan 2 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 326 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 21 |
| Basil | Dec 26 | Feb 20–Feb 20 | 312 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 16 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 2–Jan 23 | 382 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Nov 16; both mature before Jan 19. | Nov 16 |
| Parsley | Nov 21 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 347 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 347 available after Feb 6. | Oct 27 |
| Celery | Nov 21 | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 347 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 347 available after Feb 6. | Sep 7 |
| Scallions | Nov 21 | Jan 2–Jan 16 | 396 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Nov 20; both mature before Feb 2. | Nov 20 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 2–Jan 16 | 396 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Nov 30; both mature before Feb 2. | Nov 30 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 19–Jan 2 | 410 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 19 and again by Nov 25; both mature before Feb 2. | Nov 25 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 2 | Jan 23–Jan 30 | 361 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 23 and again by Nov 21; both mature before Jan 19. | Nov 21 |
| Collards | Nov 21 | Jan 2–Jan 16 | 396 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Nov 20; both mature before Feb 2. | Nov 20 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 16 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 305 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 305 available after Feb 13. | Sep 7 |
| Chives | Nov 7 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 361 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 361 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 5–Feb 27 | 410 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 5 and again by Nov 11; both mature before Jan 19. | Nov 11 |
| Oregano | Nov 21 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 361 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 361 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 7 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 347 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 347 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Sage | Dec 5 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 361 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 361 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 21 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 361 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 361 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 19 | Jan 16–Jan 30 | 368 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 16 and again by Nov 16; both mature before Jan 19. | Nov 16 |
| Cosmos | Jan 2 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 16 |
| Lavender | Nov 7 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 368 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 368 available after Jan 30. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 19 | Jan 30–Feb 6 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 26; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 26 |
| Melons | Jan 16 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 305 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 305 available after Feb 13. | Sep 7 |
| Mint | — | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 368 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 368 available after Jan 30. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 2 | Jan 30–Feb 6 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 21 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 326 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 326 available after Feb 6. | Oct 11 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 16 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 312 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 13. | Sep 9 |
| Sunflowers | — | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 333 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 333 available after Jan 30. | Oct 6 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 5 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 312 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 6. | Sep 17 |
| Watermelon | Jan 16 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 312 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 6. | Sep 12 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 16 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 21 |
| Zinnias | Jan 2 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 29. | Oct 16 |
Month by month in Polk City
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Jan 2), Corn (Jan 2), Cosmos (Jan 2), Nasturtiums (Jan 2), Okra (Jan 2), Zinnias (Jan 2), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Jan 2), Turnip (Jan 2), Carrots (Jan 9), Garlic (Jan 12), Potatoes (Jan 16), Sunflowers (Jan 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 2), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 2), Cabbage (Jan 2), Collards (Jan 2), Kale (Jan 2), Lettuce (Jan 2), +12 more. Last frost around January 30. First frost around January 12. |
| February | Direct sow from: Beans (Feb 6), Pole Beans (Feb 6). Transplant from: Celery (Feb 6), Chives (Feb 6), Corn (Feb 6), Okra (Feb 6), Oregano (Feb 6), Parsley (Feb 6), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Feb 2). |
| 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 30), Pumpkin (Aug 30). |
| September | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Sep 7), Celery (Sep 7), Melons (Sep 7), Spaghetti Squash (Sep 9), Tomato (Sep 12), Watermelon (Sep 12), +4 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Oct 6), Brussel Sprouts (Oct 11), Pole Beans (Oct 11), Basil (Oct 16), Cosmos (Oct 16), Cucumber (Oct 16), +10 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 7), Lavender (Nov 7), Onion (Nov 7), Rosemary (Nov 7), Celery (Nov 21), Collards (Nov 21), +5 more. Last sowing dates: Peas (Nov 1), Cabbage (Nov 10), Carrots (Nov 10), Beets (Nov 11), Dill (Nov 11), Swiss Chard (Nov 11), +9 more. |
| December | Start indoors: Broccoli (Dec 5), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 5), Cabbage (Dec 5), Lettuce (Dec 5), Sage (Dec 5), Swiss Chard (Dec 5), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Dec 5), Beets (Dec 5), Dill (Dec 5), Peas (Dec 5), Radish (Dec 5), Spinach (Dec 5), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Dec 26). Last sowing dates: Arugula (Dec 10), Spinach (Dec 10), Radish (Dec 11). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Polk City, FL (ZIP 33868)?
The median last spring frost date for Polk City, FL (ZIP code 33868) is around January 30. 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 Polk City, FL?
The median first fall frost date for Polk City, FL is around January 12. 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 9 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Polk City, FL?
The frost-free growing season in Polk City is about 347 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 Polk City (347 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 Polk City, FL?
Polk City, 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 Polk City, FL?
Start tomatoes indoors Dec 26 and plant out Feb 13 in Polk City. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Polk City?
Two: plant Jan 2 and again by Nov 21; both mature before Jan 19.
When do I plant garlic in Polk City?
Jan 12 to Feb 2; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Polk City?
Yes: plant out Feb 13 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Sep 12 for a fall crop.
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