Frost Dates for Ocala, FL
In Ocala, FL, the average last spring frost is around Feb 25 and the average first fall frost around Dec 12, for a growing season of about 293 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 21, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Ocala, FL weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 75 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Mar 21 | Nov 21 |
| 20% | Mar 12 | Nov 27 |
| 30% | Mar 5 | Dec 2 |
| 40% | Mar 1 | Dec 6 |
| 50% | Feb 25 | Dec 12 |
| 60% | Feb 19 | Dec 20 |
| 70% | Feb 11 | Dec 28 |
| 80% | Feb 4 | Jan 4 |
| 90% | Jan 24 | Jan 14 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 12 | Nov 27 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 25 | Dec 12 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 4 | Jan 3 |
Planting calendar for Ocala
Transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Sow or transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Sow or transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Sow or transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Sow or transplant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Fall sowing Oct 17 – Nov 14
Fall sowing Oct 17 – Nov 7
Fall sowing Oct 3 – Oct 17
Sow or transplant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Fall sowing Oct 3 – Oct 31
Transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Fall sowing Sep 19 – Oct 3
Transplant Feb 4 – Feb 18
Fall sowing Sep 19 – Oct 3
Fall sowing Sep 19 – Oct 3
Fall sowing Oct 31 – Nov 21
Fall sowing Oct 3 – Oct 17
Plant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Based on the average last frost (Feb 25) and first frost (Dec 12). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.