Zone 10 Planting Guide
Subtropical — South Florida, Southern California, Hawaii Lowlands
- Min Winter Temp
- 30 to 40 °F / -1 to 4 °C
- Last Spring Frost
- Rare or none
- First Fall Frost
- Rare — December to January in coldest years
- Growing Season
- Year-round (365 days)
- Annual Rainfall
- 15–65 in
Climate overview
Zone 10 is frost-free in most years, ushering in true subtropical gardening. South Florida is hot and humid with a wet season (June–October) and dry season (November–May). Southern California Zone 10 locations enjoy a classic Mediterranean climate — mild, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Hawaii's lowland Zone 10 areas are warm and humid year-round. In all of these, the limiting factor is rarely cold — it's summer heat, humidity, and rainfall patterns. Mangoes, bananas, papayas, avocados, and tropical vegetables like calabaza and yuca grow alongside more familiar vegetables. The ornamental plant palette expands dramatically to include bougainvillea, hibiscus, plumeria, and palms.
States & regions
- South Florida (Miami–Ft. Lauderdale area)
- Florida Keys (northern portion)
- Southernmost Texas (Rio Grande Valley)
- Southern California (Palm Springs margins, inland valleys)
- Hawaii (lowland Oahu, Maui, Kauai)
Example cities
- Miami, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- West Palm Beach, FL
- McAllen, TX
- Palm Springs, CA
- Honolulu, HI
Soil notes
South Florida soils are often sandy, alkaline, and low in organic matter (or outright limestone/marl). Heavy organic amendment is required. Hawaii has some of the most fertile volcanic soils in the world.
- Temperature range
- 30 to 40 °F / -1 to 4 °C
- Growing season
- Year-round (365 days)
- Annual rainfall
- 15–65 inches
Challenges
- Intense summer heat and humidity in Florida
- Nematodes and soil-borne diseases in sandy Florida soils
- Irrigation demands in dry-summer California climates
- Alkaline soils limit pH-sensitive crops
Advantages
- Year-round growing season
- Full tropical fruit production: mango, avocado, papaya, banana
- Wide exotic ornamental palette
- No frost damage to tender plants in typical years
Gardening strategies for Zone 10
- 1
Plant cool-season vegetables (tomatoes, peppers) in October–February to avoid peak heat
- 2
Grow tropical vegetables year-round: calabaza, bitter melon, cassava
- 3
Improve Florida sandy soils with heavy compost additions every season
- 4
Use raised beds to improve drainage in high-rainfall areas
- 5
Apply neem oil and biological controls to manage nematodes
Monthly planting calendar
What to sow, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 10.
Browse by sun exposure
Find the best plants for your specific spot in Zone 10.
Browse by plant category
Targeted guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers in Zone 10.