Petersburg, VA planting zone & frost dates
Petersburg is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 3 and the first fall frost around November 3, for a growing season of about 216 days.
Planting calendar for Petersburg
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 3) 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 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
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 7b 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 20 | Apr 3 | Apr 17 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 18 | Nov 3 | Oct 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 17, 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 20.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Petersburg
- 23803 zone 7b
- 23804 zone 7b
- 23805 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Colonial Heights zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Chester zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Hopewell zone 7b, last frost Mar 31
- Meadowbrook zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Brandermill zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Highland Springs zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Richmond zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Bon Air zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
Questions
What growing zone is Petersburg, VA?
Petersburg is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Petersburg?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Petersburg is April 3. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 17.
When can I plant tomatoes in Petersburg?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 10 – Apr 17. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Petersburg, VA (USC00446656), 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 6 m, based on 16 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.