When to Plant Strawberry in Florida
Direct Sow Outdoors
Thursday, December 4, 2025
State
Florida
USDA Zones
8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Avg Last Frost
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Cities Covered
520
Florida Planting Schedule by Zone
Florida spans 7 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| 9a | Friday, February 20, 2026 | Friday, January 23, 2026 |
| 9b | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Tuesday, January 13, 2026 |
| 10a | Sunday, January 25, 2026 | Sunday, December 28, 2025 |
| 10b | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
| 11a | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Thursday, December 4, 2025 |
| 11b | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Thursday, December 4, 2025 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Strawberry in Florida: Complete Guide
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Florida, the right time to direct sow is around Thursday, December 4, 2025, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Florida stretches across 7 USDA hardiness zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 90 days to maturity, Strawberry fits comfortably within Florida's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Strawberry requires full sun (6-8 hours) and regular (1-2 inches/week) moisture. Most of Florida receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Florida.
Growing Strawberry in Florida: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Florida gardeners.
Short-day varieties for the South
Southeast strawberries are planted in October–November and harvested in March–April; choose short-day varieties like Chandler, Sweet Charlie, or Camarosa bred for Southern climates.
Summer renovation is essential
After the spring harvest, strawberry beds become overcrowded and disease-ridden; mow, thin, and fertilize in July to reset the planting for next year's crop.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Strawberry in Florida?
In Florida, direct sow Strawberry outdoors around Thursday, December 4, 2025. Florida spans zones 8b–11b, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Florida?
Florida spans 7 USDA zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), so last frost dates vary by region. Day, Tallahassee, Argyle (8b) sees frost until around Sunday, March 15, 2026, while Long Key, Islamorada, Key West (11b) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Strawberry take to grow in Florida?
Strawberry takes about 90 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Florida's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Florida cover for Strawberry?
Florida includes zones 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b. Strawberry grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.