Opelika, AL planting zone & frost dates
Opelika is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 29 and the first fall frost around November 5, for a growing season of about 223 days.
Planting calendar for Opelika
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 29) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 10 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 5).
Useful for zone 8a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 6 | Mar 29 | Apr 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 22 | Nov 5 | Oct 22 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 22. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Opelika
- 36801 zone 8a
- 36802 zone 8a
- 36803 zone 8a
- 36804 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Auburn zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Phenix City zone 8b, last frost Mar 5
- Alexander City zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Eufaula zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Montgomery zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Millbrook zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Sylacauga zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Troy zone 8b, last frost Mar 10
Questions
What growing zone is Opelika, AL?
Opelika is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8b.
When is the last frost in Opelika?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Opelika is March 29. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Opelika?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 5 – Apr 12. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Opelika, AL (USC00016129), 6.8 km (4.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 195 m, based on 21 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.