Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 32359 — Steinhatchee, FL

ZIP code 32359 (Steinhatchee, Taylor County) is in USDA zone 9a: the coldest winter night averages 20 to 25 °F. The median last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost November 26.

Where ZIP 32359 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone9a20 to 25 °F

Coldest night−6.7 to −3.9 °C

Last frostMar 6

First frostNov 26

2012 zone9a

Same zone as on the 2012 map. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 9a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Steinhatchee, FL…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Steinhatchee, FL

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 6median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMarch 31only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 26median — 10% chance by Nov 8

Growing season263 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around February 18 and returns around December 12.

From the NOAA station Cross City 1 E, FL — 16 miles away, elevation 43 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 32359

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 23 – Feb 6

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 23 – Feb 13

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Dec 26 – Jan 9

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 13 – Feb 27

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 6 – Feb 20

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 13 – Feb 27

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 6 – Feb 20

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 13 – Feb 27

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 9 – Jan 23

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 13 – Mar 27

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Dec 26 – Jan 9

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 20 – Apr 3

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 13 – Mar 27

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 13 – Mar 27

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 13 – Mar 27

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Oct 1 – Oct 15

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 12 – Dec 17

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 6) and first fall frost (Nov 26) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 32359 came on Jan 17 — 7 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 24).

average
Jan 242026
Jan 17

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 9a in Florida

473 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Florida, and rated by the USDA to survive 20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 9a. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Steinhatchee, FL.

Soil in Steinhatchee, FL

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 32359 is Clara — sand, poorly drained.

TextureSanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.8neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainagePoorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter4.5%moderate

Hydrologic groupA/Ddrains fast once dried out; wet otherwise

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Clara and Meadowbrook soils, frequently flooded.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 32359; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Steinhatchee, FL

Summer high91 °Faverage high, July

Winter low40 °Faverage low, January

Hot days81days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights24nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,861base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 03 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 14 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growShort-daysummer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb

Precipitation57.9 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Cross City 1 E, FL (16 mi away); precipitation: Cross City 1 E, FL (16 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

1 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

326289a

Cross City, FL · 13 mi

326489a

Horseshoe Beach, FL · 13 mi

Florida planting zones →

Questions about 32359

What planting zone is ZIP code 32359?

ZIP code 32359 (Steinhatchee, FL) is in USDA hardiness zone 9a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 20 to 25 °F (−6.7 to −3.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Steinhatchee, FL?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 32359 is March 6; after March 31 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Cross City 1 E station.

When is the first frost in Steinhatchee, FL?

The median first fall frost near 32359 is November 26, giving a median frost-free growing season of 263 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 32359?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 9 – Jan 23 and set transplants outside around Mar 13 – Mar 27, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 32359 get?

About 57.9 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Cross City 1 E station).

How hot do summers get in Steinhatchee, FL?

The average high peaks at 91 °F in July, with about 81 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 32359 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Clara at the center of ZIP 32359: sand, poorly drained, pH about 6.8 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Steinhatchee, FL in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 32359 came on Jan 17 in 2026, 7 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 24), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Steinhatchee, FL?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 32359 is 14 h 03 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.