Marion, AR planting zone & frost dates
Marion is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 16 and the first fall frost around November 11, for a growing season of about 242 days.
Planting calendar for Marion
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 16) 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: Jan 19 – Feb 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 16 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 11).
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 | Feb 28 | Mar 16 | Apr 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 11 | Oct 30 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 30. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Marion
- 72364 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- West Memphis zone 8a, last frost Mar 19
- Forrest City zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- Blytheville zone 8a, last frost Mar 18
- Helena-West Helena zone 8a, last frost Mar 15
- Jonesboro zone 7b, last frost Apr 1
- Paragould zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Searcy zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Batesville zone 7b, last frost Mar 30
Questions
What growing zone is Marion, AR?
Marion is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Marion?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Marion is March 16. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in Marion?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 23 – Mar 30. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station West Memphis Muni Ap, AR (USW00053959), 9.5 km (5.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 65 m, based on 18 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.