Florence, SC planting zone & frost dates
Florence is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 19 and the first fall frost around November 13, for a growing season of about 241 days.
Planting calendar for Florence
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 19) 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 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 18 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 13).
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
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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 19 | Apr 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 2 | Nov 13 | Nov 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Florence
- 29501 zone 8b
- 29502 zone 8b
- 29503 zone 8b
- 29504 zone 8b
- 29505 zone 8b
- 29506 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Red Hill zone 8b, last frost Mar 26
- Sumter zone 8b, last frost Mar 24
- Conway zone 8b, last frost Mar 15
- Socastee zone 8b, last frost Mar 15
- Myrtle Beach zone 8b, last frost Mar 21
- North Myrtle Beach zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Dentsville zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Forest Acres zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
Questions
What growing zone is Florence, SC?
Florence is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Florence?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Florence is March 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in Florence?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 26 – Apr 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Florence Rgnl Ap, SC (USW00013744), 3.7 km (2.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 44 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.