Breaks, VA frost dates
How Breaks compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Breaks falls between April 8 and May 8, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 10 and November 4.
- The median last frost is 9 days later than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 184-day growing season is longer than 21% of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 198 days).
- The last frost is 6 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 118 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Kingsport, TN, 88 km away, the last frost here is 13 days later than there and the growing season is 19 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 8 |
| 50% (median) | April 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 10 |
| 50% (median) | October 23 |
| 90% (late) | November 4 |
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 Breaks, VA
Breaks, VA frost dates — last frost Apr 22, first frost Oct 23, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Breaks, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Mar 25 – Apr 29 | Aug 28 – Sep 25 |
| Kale | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Broccoli | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cabbage | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Okra | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Basil | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 | Apr 29 – May 13 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 6 – May 27 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 9 – Nov 13 |
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 Breaks Interstate Park, VA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 1,893 ft (577 m)).
Frost dates near Breaks
- Haysi Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Maxie Apr 21 · Oct 26
- Big Rock Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Grundy Apr 21 · Oct 26
- Birchleaf Apr 14 · Nov 1
- Clinchco Apr 29 · Oct 16
- Vansant Apr 21 · Oct 26
- Clintwood Apr 29 · Oct 16
- Mavisdale Apr 21 · Oct 26
- Wolford Apr 21 · Oct 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Breaks, VA?
The median last spring frost in Breaks, VA is April 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Breaks, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 10.
How long is the growing season in Breaks, VA?
About 184 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Breaks, VA?
Breaks, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.