When to plant in Florence, AL
USDA Zone 8aEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in Florence, Alabama — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
In zone 8a, Florence supports a wide range of perennials year-round; the frost dates above are what set your annual vegetable timing.
Frost probability
MUSCLE SHOALS 2 N · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Florence’s own odds, recorded at MUSCLE SHOALS 2 N.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 25 | Apr 10 | Mar 24 | Oct 14 | Oct 25 | Nov 7 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Mar 27 | Mar 7 | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 19 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 12 | Feb 20 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 2 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Florence, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 11 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Florence planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Florence, AL?
On average, the last spring frost in Florence is around March 27 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Florence, AL?
Expect Florence's first fall frost near November 3 — a 50% chance of 32°F by that date. Bring in or cover tender crops ahead of it.
What hardiness zone is Florence in?
Florence is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. In zone 8a, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in Florence?
Florence has about 221 frost-free days — a long growing season — between the average last spring frost (March 27) and first fall frost (November 3).
When should I plant tomatoes in Florence?
For Florence, sow tomatoes indoors about January 30–February 13 and move the seedlings out around April 3, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Florence
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Florence’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Muscle Shoals · 10 km
- Russellville · 37 km
- Lawrenceburg · 56 km
- Athens · 65 km
- Decatur · 68 km
- Corinth · 79 km
- Hartselle · 79 km
- Madison · 83 km
Frost dates recorded at MUSCLE SHOALS 2 N, 7 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Florence, AL — Frost Dates & Zone 8a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00063894. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/alabama/florence.