Bartow, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Bartow compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Bartow fall between January 7 and January 24. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 17, or the last frost as late as February 20.
- Compared with Lakeland, FL, 21 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | January 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 90% (late) | February 6 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Bartow, FL only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Bartow 1se, FL weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 112 ft (34 m)).
ZIP codes in Bartow: 33830 33831
Frost dates near Bartow
- Highland City Jan 24 · Jan 7
- Homeland Jan 24 · Jan 7
- Eagle Lake Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Eaton Park Jan 26 · Jan 9
- Lakeshore Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Mulberry Jan 26 · Jan 9
- Fort Meade Jan 24 · Jan 7
- Winter Haven Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Auburndale Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Nichols Jan 26 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bartow, FL?
The median last spring frost in Bartow, FL is January 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bartow, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 17.
How long is the growing season in Bartow, FL?
About 348 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bartow, FL?
Bartow, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.