Frost Dates for Columbia, SC
In Columbia, SC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 22 and the average first fall frost around Nov 15, for a growing season of about 239 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 10, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Sandhill Rsch - Elgin, SC weather station, 7 miles away, elevation 440 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 10 | Nov 1 |
| 20% | Apr 4 | Nov 5 |
| 30% | Mar 31 | Nov 9 |
| 40% | Mar 27 | Nov 12 |
| 50% | Mar 22 | Nov 15 |
| 60% | Mar 18 | Nov 19 |
| 70% | Mar 14 | Nov 22 |
| 80% | Mar 9 | Nov 28 |
| 90% | Mar 2 | Dec 4 |
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.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 3 | Nov 4 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 22 | Nov 15 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 8 | Nov 30 |
Planting calendar for Columbia
Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Sow or transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Sow or transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Sow or transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Sow or transplant Feb 22 – Mar 8
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 18
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 11
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 20
Sow or transplant Feb 22 – Mar 8
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Oct 4
Transplant Mar 8 – Mar 22
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Transplant Mar 1 – Mar 15
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 25
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 20
Plant Feb 22 – Mar 8
Based on the average last frost (Mar 22) and first frost (Nov 15). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.