Penland, NC frost dates
Last spring frostApr 26median date
First fall frostOct 20median date
Growing season177 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone7aZone 7a
How Penland compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Penland falls between April 10 and May 13, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 6 and November 2.
- The median last frost is 25 days later than the North Carolina median of Apr 1.
- Its 177-day growing season is longer than 5% of the 759 North Carolina places with a regular frost season (state median 218 days).
- The last frost is 10 days later than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 125 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Johnson City, TN, 51 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 8 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 10 |
| 50% (median) | April 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 6 |
| 50% (median) | October 20 |
| 90% (late) | November 2 |
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 Penland, NC
Penland, NC frost dates — last frost Apr 26, first frost Oct 20, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Feb 1 to Feb 15Transplant outside: Mar 29 to Apr 12
Start indoors: Feb 15 to Mar 1Transplant outside: May 10 to May 24
Start indoors: Feb 15 to Mar 1Transplant outside: May 10 to May 24
Start indoors: Mar 1 to Mar 15Transplant outside: May 3 to May 17
Start indoors: Mar 1 to Mar 15Transplant outside: Apr 5 to Apr 19Sow outdoors: Mar 29 to May 3Plant for fall: Aug 25 to Sep 22
Start indoors: Mar 1 to Mar 15Transplant outside: Mar 29 to Apr 12Sow outdoors: Mar 29 to Apr 12Plant for fall: Aug 11 to Sep 1
Start indoors: Mar 1 to Mar 15Transplant outside: Apr 12 to Apr 26Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Aug 4
Start indoors: Mar 1 to Mar 15Transplant outside: Apr 5 to Apr 19Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Aug 4
Start indoors: Mar 1 to Mar 15Transplant outside: Apr 12 to Apr 26Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Aug 4
Start indoors: Mar 15 to Mar 29Transplant outside: May 17 to May 31Sow outdoors: May 17 to May 31
Start indoors: Mar 15 to Mar 29Transplant outside: May 3 to May 17
Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Apr 5Plant for fall: Jul 28 to Aug 18
Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Apr 5Plant for fall: Aug 25 to Sep 15
Sow outdoors: Mar 22 to May 3Plant for fall: Sep 8 to Sep 29
Start indoors: Mar 29 to Apr 5Transplant outside: May 10 to May 17Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 17Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 18
Start indoors: Mar 29 to Apr 5Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 17Plant for fall: Aug 11 to Aug 25
Start indoors: Mar 29 to Apr 5Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 17
Start indoors: Mar 29 to Apr 5Transplant outside: May 10 to May 24
Sow outdoors: Apr 5 to May 3Plant for fall: Jul 28 to Aug 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 5 to May 3Plant for fall: Aug 11 to Aug 25
Sow outdoors: Apr 5 to Apr 26
Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to May 10Plant for fall: Aug 11 to Aug 25
Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to May 3Plant for fall: Aug 25 to Sep 15
Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 24Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 18
Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 17
Transplant outside: May 10 to May 31
Plant for fall: Oct 6 to Nov 10
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Penland, NC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Mar 29 – May 3 | Aug 25 – Sep 22 |
| Kale | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Broccoli | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Cabbage | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Okra | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 | May 17 – May 31 | — |
| Basil | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 22 – May 3 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 | May 3 – May 17 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | — | May 3 – May 17 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | — | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 5 – May 3 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 5 – May 3 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 12 – May 10 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 3 – May 24 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 10 – May 31 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 6 – Nov 10 |
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 Spruce Pine 2 Ne, NC weather station, 10 km away (elevation 2,851 ft (869 m)).
Frost dates near Penland
- Spruce Pine Apr 26 · Oct 20
- Little Switzerland Apr 26 · Oct 15
- Micaville Apr 24 · Oct 19
- Bakersville Apr 24 · Oct 19
- Green Mountain Apr 24 · Oct 19
- Linville Falls Apr 26 · Oct 20
- Burnsville Apr 24 · Oct 19
- Plumtree Apr 26 · Oct 20
- Crossnore Apr 26 · Oct 20
- Jonas Ridge Apr 26 · Oct 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Penland, NC?
The median last spring frost in Penland, NC is April 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Penland, NC?
The median first fall frost is October 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 6.
How long is the growing season in Penland, NC?
About 177 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Penland, NC?
Penland, NC is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.