What zone 11a means for Fort Lauderdale
Hardiness zones are based on the average of the coldest night of each winter over 30 years (1991 to 2020). In zone 11a, that average is 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C). Plants labeled hardy to zone 11a or colder should survive a typical Fort Lauderdale winter. A plant rated only to a warmer zone will need a sheltered spot, a pot you can bring inside, or treating as an annual.
Not every part of Fort Lauderdale is the same: its ZIP codes fall in zones 10b, 11a. Check your own ZIP code in the table below.
How Fort Lauderdale compares with the rest of Florida
Florida runs from zone 8b to zone 11b on the 2023 map. About 12% of the state's ZIP codes share Fort Lauderdale's zone 11a. Gardeners in colder parts of the state may need hardier plants, while those in warmer parts can grow some plants that would struggle here.
Frost dates in Fort Lauderdale
These are the median dates of the last and first 32°F freeze from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 climate normals, using the weather station closest to Fort Lauderdale (Loxahatchee Nwr, about 32 km away). Half of years have a later last frost, so tender plants are safest a week or two after the date. Your own garden can differ with elevation and shelter: check your exact ZIP code above.
Vegetable planting calendar for Fort Lauderdale
Purdue Extension groups vegetables by how much frost they can take and times planting from the average last spring frost. Applied to Fort Lauderdale's last frost of January 22:
| Group | Plant outdoors | Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Hardy crops (tolerate a hard frost) 4 to 6 weeks before the average last spring frost | December 11 to December 25 | Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, leek, mustard, onion, peas, potato, radish, rhubarb, spinach, turnip |
| Semi-hardy crops (tolerate a light frost) 2 to 4 weeks before the average last spring frost | December 25 to January 8 | Beet, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chard, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, mustard, parsnip |
| Tender crops (damaged by frost) after the average last spring frost, once nights stay above 50°F | From January 22 | Bean, sweet corn, tomato |
| Very tender crops (warm season) at least 2 weeks after the average last spring frost, once nights stay above 60 to 65°F | From February 5 | Cucumber, eggplant, melons, okra, pepper, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato |
Spring planting for direct seeding or transplants. A late cold snap can still happen, so watch the forecast and protect tender plants. Want today's answer for your ZIP code? Use what to plant now.
Sources: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020; Purdue Extension, Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W).
Choosing plants for zone 11a
When you shop, look for the hardiness range on the tag or in the catalog, such as "zones 4 to 9". Pick perennials, shrubs and trees whose range includes 11a. If you are set on a plant rated only to a warmer zone, plant it in a sheltered spot against a south-facing wall, mulch the roots before winter, or grow it in a container you can move into a garage. Zones only cover winter cold, so also check sun, water and soil needs. More in how to read a plant tag.
Fort Lauderdale ZIP codes and zones
ZIP codes GeoNames assigns to Fort Lauderdale, which can include PO box ZIP codes.
Other cities in Florida
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fort Lauderdale?
The median last spring frost (32°F) near Fort Lauderdale is January 22, and the median first fall frost is January 17, based on NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals.
What planting zone is Fort Lauderdale in?
Fort Lauderdale, FL is in USDA plant hardiness zone 11a (ZIP codes range from 10b to 11a). Zone 11a means an average coldest winter night of 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C), based on the 2023 USDA map.
Did Fort Lauderdale's zone change in 2023?
The 2023 USDA map uses weather data from 1991 to 2020. The USDA says about half of the country shifted to the next warmer half zone compared with the 2012 map, while the rest stayed in the same half zone.
Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code listings, PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University. Place names: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Not the official USDA map. Our data.