FrostCal

When to Plant Tomatoes in Florida

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Nov 30 – Dec 14, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 60–85 days

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.

Tomatoes Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
JacksonvilleDec 7 – Dec 21Feb 8 – Feb 15
MiamiFrost-free: year-round planting
TampaNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 27 – Feb 3
OrlandoNov 22 – Dec 6Jan 24 – Jan 31
St. PetersburgNov 22 – Dec 6Jan 24 – Jan 31
HialeahFrost-free: year-round planting
TallahasseeJan 14 – Jan 28Mar 18 – Mar 25
Fort LauderdaleFrost-free: year-round planting
Cape CoralNov 21 – Dec 5Jan 23 – Jan 30
Pembroke PinesFrost-free: year-round planting
Port Saint LucieFrost-free: year-round planting
HollywoodFrost-free: year-round planting
GainesvilleJan 6 – Jan 20Mar 10 – Mar 17
MiramarFrost-free: year-round planting
Coral SpringsFrost-free: year-round planting
West Palm BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
Palm BayNov 21 – Dec 5Jan 23 – Jan 30
ClearwaterNov 22 – Dec 6Jan 24 – Jan 31
Miami GardensFrost-free: year-round planting
Pompano BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
LakelandDec 1 – Dec 15Feb 2 – Feb 9
BrandonDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 6 – Feb 13
DavieFrost-free: year-round planting
Spring HillDec 11 – Dec 25Feb 12 – Feb 19
Boca RatonFrost-free: year-round planting
PlantationFrost-free: year-round planting
Miami BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
DeltonaDec 1 – Dec 15Feb 2 – Feb 9
Lehigh AcresNov 22 – Dec 6Jan 24 – Jan 31
MelbourneNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 27 – Feb 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 351 Florida cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Florida cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant tomatoes in Florida?

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Nov 30 – Dec 14, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Florida?

The average last spring frost in Florida ranges from January 15 in Sarasota to March 21 in Crestview, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do tomatoes take to grow?

Tomatoes typically take 60–85 days from planting to harvest. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.

Other Crops in Florida

When to plant tomatoes in other states

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