Frost Dates for Leland, NC

In Leland, NC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 19 and the average first fall frost around Nov 20, for a growing season of about 247 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 4, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 1950% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 4only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 2050% chance of frost before this date
Growing season247 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Wilmington Intl. Airport, NC weather station, 9 miles away, elevation 33 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 4Nov 5
20%Mar 30Nov 10
30%Mar 26Nov 13
40%Mar 22Nov 16
50%Mar 19Nov 20
60%Mar 16Nov 24
70%Mar 12Nov 27
80%Mar 5Dec 1
90%Feb 26Dec 6

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)Mar 30Nov 8
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 19Nov 20
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 2Dec 3

Planting calendar for Leland

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Peppers
Indoors Jan 8 – Jan 22
Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 8 – Jan 22
Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Basil
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Cucumbers
Indoors Feb 19 – Feb 26
Sow or transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Feb 19 – Feb 26
Sow or transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Mar 26 – Apr 9
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Feb 19 – Feb 26
Sow or transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Green beans
Sow Mar 26 – Apr 9
Sweet corn
Sow Mar 26 – Apr 9
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Fall sowing Sep 25 – Oct 23
Spinach
Sow Feb 5 – Feb 26
Fall sowing Sep 25 – Oct 16
Peas
Sow Feb 5 – Feb 19
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Sep 25
Kale
Indoors Jan 22 – Feb 5
Sow or transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 9
Broccoli
Indoors Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Cabbage
Indoors Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Carrots
Sow Feb 26 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Radishes
Sow Feb 12 – Mar 5
Fall sowing Oct 9 – Oct 30
Beets
Sow Feb 26 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Sep 25
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Dec 25 – Jan 8
Plant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Potatoes
Plant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Garlic
Plant Nov 20 – Dec 18

Based on the average last frost (Mar 19) and first frost (Nov 20). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

WilmingtonJacksonvilleFayettevilleGoldsboroNew BernClaytonGreenvilleFuquay-VarinaAll North Carolina towns