Fordyce, AR frost dates
How Fordyce compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Fordyce falls between March 6 and April 13, a 38-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 24 and November 24.
- The median last frost is 2 days earlier than the Arkansas median of Mar 28.
- Its 225-day growing season is longer than 54% of the 603 Arkansas places with a regular frost season (state median 222 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 8a, where the median is Mar 29.
- The weather station records an average of 70 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Little Rock, AR, 105 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 9 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 6 |
| 50% (median) | March 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 24 |
| 50% (median) | November 6 |
| 90% (late) | November 24 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Fordyce, AR
Fordyce, AR frost dates — last frost Mar 26, first frost Nov 6, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Fordyce, AR
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Feb 26 – Apr 2 | Sep 11 – Oct 9 |
| Kale | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Broccoli | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Cabbage | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Okra | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Basil | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 19 – Apr 2 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 26 – Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 26 – Mar 5 | — | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 26 – Mar 5 | — | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 26 – Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 9 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 23 – Nov 27 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Fordyce, AR weather station, 2 km away (elevation 230 ft (70 m)).
Frost dates near Fordyce
- Thornton Mar 26 · Nov 6
- Ivan Mar 26 · Nov 6
- Kingsland Mar 26 · Nov 6
- Bearden Mar 26 · Nov 6
- New Edinburg Mar 20 · Nov 11
- Carthage Apr 2 · Nov 2
- Rison Mar 17 · Nov 14
- Hampton Mar 18 · Nov 7
- Banks Mar 20 · Nov 11
- Harrell Mar 18 · Nov 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fordyce, AR?
The median last spring frost in Fordyce, AR is March 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fordyce, AR?
The median first fall frost is November 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 24.
How long is the growing season in Fordyce, AR?
About 225 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fordyce, AR?
Fordyce, AR is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.