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

Planting zone for 32619 — Bell, FL

ZIP code 32619 (Bell, Gilchrist County) is in USDA zone 9a: the coldest winter night averages 20 to 25 °F. The median last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost November 22.

Where ZIP 32619 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 14

First frostNov 22

2012 zone8b

Was 8b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. 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 Bell, 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 Bell, FL

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 14median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 2only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 22median — 10% chance by Nov 4

Growing season254 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around February 28 and returns around December 6.

From the NOAA station Bell 4nw, FL — 4 miles away, elevation 30 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 32619

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 31 – Feb 14

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 31 – Feb 21

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 3 – Jan 17

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 17 – Jan 31

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 3 – Jan 17

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 28 – Apr 11

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 27 – Oct 11

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 8 – Dec 13

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 14) and first fall frost (Nov 22) 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 32619 came on Jan 17 — 6 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 23).

average
Jan 232026
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 Bell, FL.

Soil in Bell, FL

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 32619 is Otela — fine sand, moderately well drained.

TextureFine sanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH5.9moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Otela-Penney fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes.

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 32619; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Bell, FL

Summer high90 °Faverage high, June

Winter low40 °Faverage low, January

Hot days72days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights28nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,674base 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

Precipitation54.4 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: Bell 4nw, FL (4 mi away); precipitation: Bell 4nw, FL (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 9a.

High Springs, FL · 15 mi

320389a

Fort White, FL · 16 mi

326559a

High Springs, FL · 17 mi

Cross City, FL · 19 mi

Florida planting zones →

Questions about 32619

What planting zone is ZIP code 32619?

ZIP code 32619 (Bell, 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 Bell, FL?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 32619 is March 14; after April 2 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Bell 4nw station.

When is the first frost in Bell, FL?

The median first fall frost near 32619 is November 22, giving a median frost-free growing season of 254 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 32619?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 17 – Jan 31 and set transplants outside around Mar 21 – Apr 4, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 32619 get?

About 54.4 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Bell 4nw station).

How hot do summers get in Bell, FL?

The average high peaks at 90 °F in June, with about 72 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 32619 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Otela at the center of ZIP 32619: fine sand, moderately well drained, pH about 5.9 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Bell, FL in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 32619 came on Jan 17 in 2026, 6 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 23), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Bell, FL?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 32619 is 14 h 03 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 32619 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 32619 in zone 8b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 9a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.