Frost dates for 32953 — Merritt Island, FL
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 Merritt Island compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Merritt Island fall between January 16 and January 29. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 29, or the last frost as late as February 26.
- Compared with Melbourne, FL, 35 km away, the last frost here is 9 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 4 |
| 50% (median) | January 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 90% (late) | February 17 |
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 Merritt Island, FL
Frost dates for 32953 — Merritt Island, FL — last frost Jan 29, first frost Jan 16, zone 10a. 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 Merritt Island, FL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 6 – Nov 20 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 1 – Feb 5 | Nov 21 – Dec 19 |
| Kale | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Nov 7 – Nov 28 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Oct 10 – Oct 31 |
| Cabbage | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | Oct 10 – Oct 31 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Oct 10 – Oct 31 |
| Okra | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — |
| Basil | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Oct 24 – Nov 14 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Nov 21 – Dec 12 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 25 – Feb 5 | Dec 5 – Dec 26 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 19 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Oct 31 – Nov 14 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Nov 7 – Nov 21 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Oct 24 – Nov 7 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Nov 7 – Nov 21 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Nov 7 – Nov 21 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Nov 21 – Dec 12 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Oct 31 – Nov 14 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Jan 2 – Feb 6 |
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 Titusville 7 E, FL weather station, 26 km away (elevation 3 ft (1 m)).
ZIP codes in Merritt Island: 32952 32953 32954
Frost dates near Merritt Island
- Cocoa Jan 29 · Jan 16
- Rockledge Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Orlando (Brevard) Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Sharpes Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Cape Canaveral Jan 29 · Jan 16
- Cocoa Beach Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Titusville Jan 25 · Jan 13
- Satellite Beach Jan 24 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Merritt Island, FL?
The median last spring frost in Merritt Island, FL is January 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Merritt Island, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 29.
How long is the growing season in Merritt Island, FL?
About 352 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Merritt Island, FL?
Merritt Island, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.