Frost Dates for Fuquay-Varina, NC

In Fuquay-Varina, NC, the average last spring frost is around Apr 1 and the average first fall frost around Nov 1, for a growing season of about 213 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 15, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 150% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 15only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 150% chance of frost before this date
Growing season213 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Garner, NC weather station, 8 miles away, elevation 330 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Apr 15Oct 19
20%Apr 10Oct 23
30%Apr 6Oct 27
40%Apr 3Oct 30
50%Apr 1Nov 1
60%Mar 31Nov 4
70%Mar 27Nov 6
80%Mar 22Nov 10
90%Mar 17Nov 15

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 13Oct 23
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 1Nov 1
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 22Nov 10

Planting calendar for Fuquay-Varina

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Peppers
Indoors Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 29
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 29
Basil
Indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 4 – Mar 11
Sow or transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 4 – Mar 11
Sow or transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 8 – Apr 22
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 4 – Mar 11
Sow or transplant Apr 15 – Apr 29
Green beans
Sow Apr 8 – Apr 22
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 8 – Apr 22
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4
Sow or transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Oct 4
Spinach
Sow Feb 18 – Mar 11
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 27
Peas
Sow Feb 18 – Mar 4
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Kale
Indoors Feb 4 – Feb 18
Sow or transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 20
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 23
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 23
Carrots
Sow Mar 11 – Apr 1
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 23
Radishes
Sow Feb 25 – Mar 18
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 11
Beets
Sow Mar 11 – Apr 1
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 7 – Jan 21
Plant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Potatoes
Plant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Garlic
Plant Nov 1 – Nov 29

Based on the average last frost (Apr 1) and first frost (Nov 1). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

Holly SpringsApexGarnerCaryMorrisvilleRaleighClaytonSanfordAll North Carolina towns