Plant tomatoes in Florida between late August and early March, depending on which part of the state you live in and whether you want a fall or spring crop
Florida's warm climate means you can grow tomatoes twice a year, but the timing is opposite to most of the country. You cannot plant in spring and expect a summer harvest the way gardeners in colder states do — Florida's summer heat and humidity create conditions where tomato plants stop flowering and fruit rots on the vine. Instead, you plant in late summer or early fall for a winter harvest, or in late winter for a spring harvest before the heat returns.
The exact planting window shifts by about two weeks depending on whether you garden in North Florida, Central Florida, or South Florida. Soil temperature matters more than air temperature: tomato seeds germinate best when soil stays between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In Florida, that window closes as summer heat peaks and reopens as fall cooling begins.
Key Takeaways
- North Florida gardeners plant tomatoes in late August or early September for a fall crop, or in late February or early March for a spring crop.
- Central Florida's planting window runs from mid-August through September for fall tomatoes, or mid-February through March for spring tomatoes.
- South Florida can plant from early August through September, or from January through February, because freezes are rare and heat arrives earlier.
- Transplants (seedlings started indoors) are faster and more reliable than direct seeding in Florida's climate.
- Tomatoes need at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily and soil that drains well to avoid root rot in Florida's humid conditions.
North Florida planting dates: August through September, or February through March
North Florida includes Jacksonville, Gainesville, and the Panhandle. Frost arrives by late November or early December, so your window to grow a fall crop is shorter than in other parts of the state. Plant transplants in late August or early September so they mature before the first freeze, which typically falls between November 15 and December 15.
For a spring crop, plant in late February or early March. The soil warms up by then, but you need to harvest before late May, when heat and humidity spike and plants stop setting fruit. Starting seeds indoors in January and transplanting in late February gives you the best chance of a full spring harvest.
Central Florida planting dates: mid-August through September, or mid-February through March
Central Florida — the area around Orlando, Tampa, and Lakeland — has a longer frost-free season than the north. Your first freeze typically arrives in late December or early January, giving you more time for a fall crop. Plant transplants in mid-August through September to harvest from November through January.
Spring planting runs from mid-February through March. Because freezes are less common after mid-January, you can plant slightly earlier than North Florida gardeners and still have time to harvest before summer heat shuts down flowering in June.
South Florida planting dates: early August through September, or January through February
South Florida — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and the Keys — rarely experiences frost, so your planting window is driven by heat and humidity rather than cold. Plant transplants in early August through September for a fall and winter crop. You can harvest well into February or even March because freezes are uncommon.
For a spring crop, plant in January or February. The soil is warm enough, and you can harvest through April before the intense summer heat and afternoon thunderstorms make conditions too wet and hot for good fruit production. Many South Florida gardeners skip spring planting altogether and focus on the fall-to-winter season, when conditions are most reliable.
Why transplants work better than seeds in Florida
Starting tomato seeds directly in the ground works in theory but fails often in Florida's climate. Seeds need consistent moisture and temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees to germinate, and Florida's summer rains and heat fluctuations make that difficult. Transplants — seedlings you start indoors six to eight weeks before your planting date — skip the germination gamble and give you plants that are already established when they go in the ground.
Buy transplants from a local nursery in late July or early August if you want a fall crop, or in January if you want a spring crop. Local nurseries sell varieties bred for Florida conditions and time their stock to match regional planting windows. If you start seeds indoors, use a seed-starting mix, keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and place trays under grow lights or in a south-facing window.
Soil temperature and how to check it before planting
Soil temperature is more important than air temperature for tomato success. You want soil at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, though 70 to 80 degrees is ideal for transplants to establish quickly. In Florida, you can check soil temperature with an inexpensive soil thermometer from any garden center — push it 4 inches into the ground in the morning and read it after a few minutes.
In North Florida, soil reaches 70 degrees by late August. In Central Florida, by mid-August. In South Florida, by early August or even late July. If you plant too early and soil is still too cool, transplants sit dormant and may rot before they grow. If you plant too late, you risk running out of time before heat or frost ends the season.
Sun, soil drainage, and other conditions tomatoes need
Tomatoes need at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily — more is better. In Florida's intense summer sun, afternoon shade can actually help spring-planted tomatoes survive longer, but fall and winter crops need full sun to ripen fruit before the season ends.
Florida soil is often sandy and drains too fast, or it is clay-heavy and drains too slowly. Before planting, mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure to improve drainage and add nutrients. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and Florida's sandy soil does not hold nutrients well. Raised beds or containers filled with quality potting mix are often easier than amending in-ground beds, especially if your soil is compacted clay.
Water deeply but let the soil dry slightly between waterings — constant wetness invites root rot and fungal disease, which thrive in Florida's humidity. Mulch around plants with 2 to 3 inches of wood chips to keep soil temperature steady and reduce water loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant tomatoes in summer in Florida?
No. Tomato plants stop flowering when temperatures stay above 90 degrees Fahrenheit at night, which happens from June through September in most of Florida. Even if plants survive the heat, fruit will not set. Wait until late August or early September to plant a fall crop.
What if I miss the planting window?
If you miss late August, you can still plant in September in most of Florida — you will just harvest later. If you miss the spring window (February or March), wait for the next fall season. Planting too late in spring means plants will shut down before you get a full harvest.
Do I need to start seeds indoors or can I buy transplants?
Buying transplants from a local nursery is faster and more reliable, especially if you are new to Florida gardening. If you want to start seeds indoors, begin six to eight weeks before your planting date — that means late June or early July for a fall crop, or early January for a spring crop.
What tomato varieties grow best in Florida?
Look for heat-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties bred for Florida, such as 'Heatwave', 'Surefire', 'Floradade', or 'Florida 91'. These handle humidity and heat better than standard varieties. Your local extension office or nursery can recommend varieties suited to your specific area.
How long does it take from planting to harvest?
Transplants typically produce ripe fruit 60 to 80 days after planting, depending on variety and conditions. A transplant planted in late August can produce fruit by late October or early November. A transplant planted in late February can produce by late April or early May.