Springfield, VA planting zone & frost dates
Springfield is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 14 and the first fall frost around October 29, for a growing season of about 198 days.
Planting calendar for Springfield
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 14) 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 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 3 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 29).
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 30 | Apr 14 | Apr 28 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 11 | Oct 29 | Oct 17 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 28, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Springfield
- 22150 zone 7b
- 22151 zone 7b
- 22152 zone 7b
- 22153 zone 7b
- 22156 zone 7b
- 22158 zone 7b
- 22159 zone 7b
- 22160 zone 7b
- 22161 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- West Springfield zone 7b, last frost Apr 14
- Franconia zone 7b, last frost Mar 24
- Annandale zone 7b, last frost Apr 14
- Newington zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Lincolnia zone 7b, last frost Mar 24
- Rose Hill zone 7b, last frost Mar 24
- West Falls Church zone 7b, last frost Apr 14
- Baileys Crossroads zone 7b, last frost Mar 24
Questions
What growing zone is Springfield, VA?
Springfield 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 Springfield?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Springfield is April 14. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 28.
When can I plant tomatoes in Springfield?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 21 – Apr 28. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Vienna, VA (USC00448737), 14.5 km (9.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 127 m, based on 20 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.