When to plant in University, FL
USDA Zone 9bEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in University, Florida — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
University's growing season is short at roughly -8 days, so succession planting is limited; lean on transplants over direct sowing for anything slow to mature. Heads up: the nearest complete-normals station is about 17 km from University, so your yard's frost dates can differ — a low spot or a paved city center can shift them by a week. Zone 9b is warm enough that University can grow subtropical perennials, and the short (or absent) frost period barely limits the annual calendar.
The average first fall frost in University is now 8 days later than in the 1981–2010 normals. See how frost dates are shifting nationwide →
Frost probability
TAMPA INTL AP · 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 University’s own odds, recorded at TAMPA INTL AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Feb 23 | Jan 29 | Dec 31 | Dec 14 | Jan 8 | Feb 8 |
| 32°F | Feb 10 | Jan 20 | Dec 27 | Dec 23 | Jan 12 | Feb 5 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Nothing new to sow or transplant outdoors in the next few weeks — a seasonal lull. Check the full-year calendar below for the next window.
Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in University, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 31 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.
University planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in University, FL?
On average, the last spring frost in University is around January 20 (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 University, FL?
The first fall frost in University typically arrives around January 12 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is University in?
University is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. In zone 9b, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in University?
There are roughly -8 frost-free days in University (a short growing season), running from the average last frost around January 20 to the first fall frost near January 12.
When should I plant tomatoes in University?
In University, start tomato seeds indoors around November 25–December 9, then transplant seedlings outdoors around January 27 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in University
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to University’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Lake Magdalene · 5 km
- Temple Terrace · 7 km
- Lutz · 7 km
- Carrollwood · 8 km
- Egypt Lake-Leto · 10 km
- Northdale · 10 km
- East Lake-Orient Park · 11 km
- Cheval · 11 km
Frost dates recorded at TAMPA INTL AP, 17 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 University, FL — Frost Dates & Zone 9b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00012842. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/florida/university.