Fuquay-Varina, NC planting zone & frost dates
Fuquay-Varina is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 6 and the first fall frost around November 3, for a growing season of about 209 days.
Planting calendar for Fuquay-Varina
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 6) 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 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 20 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 Transplant outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 Transplant outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 20 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 20 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 20 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 20 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 13 – Apr 20 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 8 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 3).
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 21 | Apr 6 | Apr 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 15 | Nov 3 | Oct 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 28.
Nearby cities
- Holly Springs zone 8a, last frost Apr 6
- Apex zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Cary zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Garner zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Morrisville zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Raleigh zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Clayton zone 8a, last frost Apr 7
- Knightdale zone 8a, last frost Apr 7
Questions
What growing zone is Fuquay-Varina, NC?
Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Fuquay-Varina is April 6. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Fuquay-Varina?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 13 – Apr 20. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station New Hill, NC (USC00316122), 15.0 km (9.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 98 m, based on 12 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.