Clemson, SC planting zone & frost dates
Clemson is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 1 and the first fall frost around November 3, for a growing season of about 217 days.
Planting calendar for Clemson
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 1) 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 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
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 8b 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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 16 | Apr 1 | Apr 18 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 17 | Nov 3 | Oct 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 18, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 19.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Clemson
- 29631 zone 8a
- 29632 zone 8b
- 29633 zone 8b
- 29634 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Anderson zone 8b, last frost Mar 23
- Easley zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Parker zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Gantt zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Berea zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Greenville zone 8b, last frost Mar 28
- Mauldin zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Wade Hampton zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
Questions
What growing zone is Clemson, SC?
Clemson is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8a.
When is the last frost in Clemson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Clemson is April 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 18.
When can I plant tomatoes in Clemson?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 8 – Apr 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Clemson Univ, SC (USC00381770), 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 244 m, based on 28 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.