Lexington, MS frost dates
How Lexington compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Lexington falls between March 10 and April 17, a 38-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 19 and November 20.
- The median last frost is 14 days later than the Mississippi median of Mar 17.
- Its 215-day growing season is longer than 9% of the 435 Mississippi places with a regular frost season (state median 239 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 8a, where the median is Mar 29.
- The weather station records an average of 60 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Jackson, MS, 92 km away, the last frost here is 25 days later than there and the growing season is 43 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 10 |
| 50% (median) | March 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 19 |
| 50% (median) | November 1 |
| 90% (late) | November 20 |
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 Lexington, MS
Lexington, MS frost dates — last frost Mar 31, first frost Nov 1, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Lexington, MS
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Mar 3 – Apr 7 | Sep 6 – Oct 4 |
| Kale | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Broccoli | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cabbage | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Okra | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Basil | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 24 – Apr 7 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 14 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 7 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 18 – Nov 22 |
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 Lexington, MS weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 285 ft (87 m)).
Frost dates near Lexington
- Goodman Mar 14 · Nov 8
- Tchula Mar 31 · Nov 1
- Durant Mar 31 · Nov 1
- Cruger Mar 17 · Nov 5
- Pickens Mar 14 · Nov 8
- West Mar 18 · Nov 11
- Coila Mar 17 · Nov 5
- Sallis Mar 18 · Nov 11
- Sidon Mar 17 · Nov 5
- Vaughan Mar 14 · Nov 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lexington, MS?
The median last spring frost in Lexington, MS is March 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 17, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Lexington, MS?
The median first fall frost is November 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 19.
How long is the growing season in Lexington, MS?
About 215 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lexington, MS?
Lexington, MS is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.