Chesterfield, SC frost dates
How Chesterfield compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Chesterfield falls between March 16 and April 17, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 21 and November 17.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the South Carolina median of Mar 25.
- Its 216-day growing season is longer than 19% of the 375 South Carolina places with a regular frost season (state median 228 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 8a, where the median is Mar 29.
- The weather station records an average of 68 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Concord, NC, 84 km away, the last frost here is the same as there and the growing season is 1 day longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 16 |
| 50% (median) | April 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 21 |
| 50% (median) | November 3 |
| 90% (late) | November 17 |
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 Chesterfield, SC
Chesterfield, SC frost dates — last frost Apr 1, first frost Nov 3, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Chesterfield, SC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Mar 4 – Apr 8 | Sep 8 – Oct 6 |
| Kale | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Broccoli | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cabbage | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Okra | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — |
| Basil | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 25 – Apr 8 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | — | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | — | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 15 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 20 – Nov 24 |
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 Chesterfield 3 E, SC weather station, 5 km away (elevation 207 ft (63 m)).
Frost dates near Chesterfield
- Ruby Apr 1 · Nov 3
- Mount Croghan Mar 27 · Nov 8
- Cheraw Mar 26 · Nov 9
- Patrick Mar 30 · Nov 6
- Jefferson Mar 27 · Nov 8
- Wallace Mar 26 · Nov 9
- Pageland Mar 27 · Nov 8
- Mc Bee Mar 30 · Nov 6
- Society Hill Mar 30 · Nov 6
- Bennettsville Mar 26 · Nov 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Chesterfield, SC?
The median last spring frost in Chesterfield, SC is April 1. 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 Chesterfield, SC?
The median first fall frost is November 3, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 21.
How long is the growing season in Chesterfield, SC?
About 216 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Chesterfield, SC?
Chesterfield, SC is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.