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
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 the nearest reporting station (27.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Lakeland
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plant cool-season crops: lettuce, spinach, broccoli, peas, and carrots. |
| February | Direct sow brassicas and root vegetables. Start warm-season seedlings indoors. |
| 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 | Start fall cool-season crops: broccoli, kale, beets, and carrots. |
| September | Plant fall lettuce, spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | Harvest mature crops. Direct sow cold-tolerant greens. |
| November | Plant garlic and onion sets. Harvest cool-season crops through the month. |
| December | Plant cool-season crops for winter harvest. Plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 341-day season
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.
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.
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.
What USDA hardiness zone is Lakeland, FL?
Based on frost date patterns, Lakeland falls approximately in 9b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Lakeland, FL?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 6). For Lakeland, that's roughly December 12 to December 26. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Lakeland, FL 33810 (6.7 mi)
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- 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
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- Look up another ZIP