When to Plant Polka Dot Plant in Tampa, FL

One of the first steps you take when you are getting a good idea your gardening schedule is find your USDA Zone info. The most important data that the zone info tells us is average last frost and the lowest expected temperature for your area.

By using the USDA zone info for Tampa you will be able to figure out when you can plant polka dot plant.


Planting Calendar for Polka Dot Plant

Frost tolerance for polka dot plant: Not tolerant of frost.
When to plant: After all chance of frost has passed.

Polka Dot Plant do not do well in cold weather which means that it is necessary to wait until it warms up after all chance of frost has passed before you can plant them.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Legend 
A good time to plant polka dot plant
Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant polka dot plant
Probably not a good time to plant polka dot plant

The earliest that you can plant polka dot plant in Tampa is March. However, you really should wait until April if you don't want to take any chances.

The last month that you can plant polka dot plant and expect a good harvest is probably September. You probably don't want to wait any later than that or else your polka dot plant may not have a chance to grow to maturity. Starting your polka dot plant indoors is a great way to get them started a few weeks earlier.

Last Frost Date

In Tampa the average date of last frost happens on February 15. In the coldest months of winter you can expect an average low temperature of 25°F.

Always keep in mind that USDA zone info for Tampa is just an average and the actual date of last frost is different every year. Half of the time in Tampa last frost occurs after February 15 so always be ready to cover your polka dot plant in the event of one of those late frosts.

USDA Zone Info for Tampa

Here is the info for USDA Zone 9b.

Average Date of Last Frost (spring)February 15
Average Date of First Frost (fall)December 15
Lowest Expected Low25°F
Highest Expected Low30°F

This means that on a really cold year, the coldest it will get is 25°F. On most years you should be prepared to experience lows near 30°F.

Plants to Grow in Tampa

You may be interested in your other planting guides for Tampa.