Palatka, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Palatka compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Palatka fall between January 4 and January 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 7, or the last frost as late as February 28.
- Compared with Palm Coast, FL, 43 km away, the last frost here is 7 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 2 |
| 50% (median) | January 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 7 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 90% (late) | February 1 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Palatka, FL
Palatka, FL frost dates — last frost Jan 31, first frost Jan 4, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Palatka, FL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 8 – Nov 22 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 22 – Dec 6 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 22 – Dec 6 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Jan 3 – Feb 7 | Nov 9 – Dec 7 |
| Kale | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Oct 26 – Nov 16 |
| Broccoli | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Cabbage | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | — | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Okra | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — |
| Basil | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 20 – Jan 10 | Oct 12 – Nov 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 20 – Jan 10 | Nov 9 – Nov 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 27 – Feb 7 | Nov 23 – Dec 14 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | Feb 14 – Feb 21 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Oct 26 – Nov 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 10 – Feb 7 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 10 – Feb 7 | Oct 26 – Nov 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 10 – Jan 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 14 | Oct 26 – Nov 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 7 | Nov 9 – Nov 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 14 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 25 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Federal Pt, FL weather station, 15 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 m)).
ZIP codes in Palatka: 32177 32178
Frost dates near Palatka
- East Palatka Jan 31 · Jan 4
- San Mateo Jan 31 · Jan 4
- Satsuma Feb 1 · Jan 8
- Hastings Feb 14 · Dec 30
- Hollister Mar 1 · Dec 7
- Bostwick Jan 31 · Jan 4
- Pomona Park Feb 1 · Jan 8
- Welaka Feb 1 · Jan 8
- Lake Como Feb 1 · Jan 8
- Elkton Feb 14 · Dec 30
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Palatka, FL?
The median last spring frost in Palatka, FL is January 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 28, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Palatka, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 7.
How long is the growing season in Palatka, FL?
About 338 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Palatka, FL?
Palatka, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.