Doran, VA frost dates
How Doran compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Doran falls between April 11 and May 14, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 5 and November 1.
- The median last frost is 14 days later than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 174-day growing season is longer than 8% of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 198 days).
- The last frost is 5 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 126 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Kingsport, TN, 88 km away, the last frost here is 18 days later than there and the growing season is 29 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 11 |
| 50% (median) | April 27 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 5 |
| 50% (median) | October 18 |
| 90% (late) | November 1 |
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 Doran, VA
Doran, VA frost dates — last frost Apr 27, first frost Oct 18, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Doran, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Mar 30 – May 4 | Aug 23 – Sep 20 |
| Kale | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Broccoli | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Cabbage | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Okra | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | May 18 – Jun 1 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — |
| Basil | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 6 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 6 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 23 – May 4 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 11 – May 18 | May 4 – May 18 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | — | May 4 – May 18 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | — | May 4 – May 18 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 6 – May 4 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 6 – May 4 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 6 – Apr 27 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 4 – May 25 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 4 – May 18 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 11 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 4 – Nov 8 |
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 Richlands, VA weather station, 4 km away (elevation 1,909 ft (582 m)).
Frost dates near Doran
- Richlands Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Red Ash Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Cedar Bluff Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Swords Creek Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Raven Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Shortt Gap Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Pounding Mill Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Jewell Ridge Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Whitewood Apr 27 · Oct 18
- Rosedale Apr 25 · Oct 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Doran, VA?
The median last spring frost in Doran, VA is April 27. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Doran, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Doran, VA?
About 174 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Doran, VA?
Doran, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.