Ellenton, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Ellenton compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Ellenton fall between January 11 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 20, or the last frost as late as February 9.
- Ellenton shares its weather station with Bradenton, FL, 10 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 26 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 11 |
| 90% (late) | February 5 |
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
Ellenton, 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 Bradenton 5 Ese, FL weather station, 10 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
Frost dates near Ellenton
- Palmetto Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Terra Ceia Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Bradenton Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Parrish Jan 28 · Jan 9
- Oneco Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Manasota Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Tallevast Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Sun City Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Cortez Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Ruskin Jan 20 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ellenton, FL?
The median last spring frost in Ellenton, FL is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ellenton, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 20.
How long is the growing season in Ellenton, FL?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ellenton, FL?
Ellenton, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.