Elliston, VA frost dates
How Elliston compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Elliston falls between April 11 and May 14, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 6 and November 1.
- The median last frost is 11 days later than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 178-day growing season is longer than 15% of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 198 days).
- The last frost is 19 days later than the zone 7b median of Apr 5. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 125 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Roanoke, VA, 26 km away, the last frost here is 21 days later than there and the growing season is 34 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 11 |
| 50% (median) | April 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 6 |
| 50% (median) | October 19 |
| 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 Elliston, VA
Elliston, VA frost dates — last frost Apr 24, first frost Oct 19, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Elliston, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Mar 27 – May 1 | Aug 24 – Sep 21 |
| Kale | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Broccoli | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cabbage | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Okra | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Basil | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 20 – May 1 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 10 – May 8 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 8 – May 29 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 5 – Nov 9 |
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 Blacksburg Nwso, VA weather station, 16 km away (elevation 2,103 ft (641 m)).
Frost dates near Elliston
- Shawsville Apr 19 · Oct 23
- Bent Mountain Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Blacksburg Apr 24 · Oct 19
- Mc Coy Apr 24 · Oct 19
- Salem Apr 3 · Nov 1
- Christiansburg Apr 19 · Oct 23
- Check Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Copper Hill Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Catawba Apr 3 · Nov 1
- Pilot Apr 19 · Oct 23
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Elliston, VA?
The median last spring frost in Elliston, VA is April 24. 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 Elliston, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 6.
How long is the growing season in Elliston, VA?
About 178 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Elliston, VA?
Elliston, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.