Cayce, SC frost dates
How Cayce compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Cayce falls between March 4 and April 10, a 37-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 26 and November 24.
- The median last frost is the same as the South Carolina median of Mar 25.
- Its 227-day growing season is longer than 43% of the 375 South Carolina places with a regular frost season (state median 228 days).
- The last frost is 9 days later than the zone 8b median of Mar 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 47 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Columbia, SC, 8 km away, the last frost here is 9 days later than there and the growing season is 18 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 4 |
| 50% (median) | March 25 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 10 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 26 |
| 50% (median) | November 7 |
| 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 Cayce, SC
Cayce, SC frost dates — last frost Mar 25, first frost Nov 7, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Cayce, SC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Feb 25 – Apr 1 | Sep 12 – Oct 10 |
| Kale | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Broccoli | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cabbage | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Okra | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — |
| Basil | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 18 – Apr 1 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | — | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | — | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 4 – Apr 1 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 4 – Apr 1 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 24 – Nov 28 |
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 Columbia, SC weather station, 5 km away (elevation 230 ft (70 m)).
Frost dates near Cayce
- West Columbia Mar 25 · Nov 7
- Columbia Mar 16 · Nov 16
- Gaston Mar 25 · Nov 7
- Lexington Mar 25 · Nov 7
- State Park Mar 22 · Nov 15
- Irmo Apr 10 · Oct 28
- Hopkins Mar 13 · Nov 19
- Ballentine Apr 10 · Oct 28
- Swansea Mar 26 · Nov 6
- Blythewood Apr 10 · Oct 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Cayce, SC?
The median last spring frost in Cayce, SC is March 25. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 10, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Cayce, SC?
The median first fall frost is November 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 26.
How long is the growing season in Cayce, SC?
About 227 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Cayce, SC?
Cayce, SC is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.