Frost Dates for Ocala, FL 34472

Last spring frost February 21 · First fall frost December 18 · 300 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b

Frost probability for 34472

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)March 20February 21January 22
Fall (first frost)November 20December 18January 19

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (46.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Ocala, FL

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
34472February 21December 189b
34476February 21December 159a
34471February 21December 189a
34473February 21December 159b
34481February 21December 159a
34480February 21December 189b
34482February 21December 89a
34470February 21December 189a
34474February 21December 159a
34475February 21December 89a
34479February 21December 89a

Month by month in Ocala

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
FebruaryLast frost around February 21. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MarchFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
AprilSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
MayHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JuneMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
JulyDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
NovemberFirst fall frost approaching (around December 18). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
DecemberFirst frost around December 18. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.

What grows in a 300-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Ocala, FL (ZIP 34472)?

The median last spring frost date for Ocala, FL (ZIP code 34472) 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.

What is the first fall frost date in Ocala, FL?

The median first fall frost date for Ocala, FL is around December 18. 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 Ocala, FL?

The frost-free growing season in Ocala is about 300 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 Ocala, FL?

Based on frost date patterns, Ocala 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 Ocala, FL?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 21). For Ocala, that's roughly December 27 to January 10. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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