Java, VA frost dates
How Java compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Java falls between April 7 and May 9, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 9 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 17 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 Lynchburg, VA, 57 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 7 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 7 |
| 50% (median) | April 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 9 |
| 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 Java, VA
Java, VA frost dates — last frost Apr 22, first frost Oct 23, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Java, 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 Chatham, VA weather station, 20 km away (elevation 646 ft (197 m)).
Frost dates near Java
- Vernon Hill Apr 10 · Oct 30
- Keeling Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Gretna Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Nathalie Apr 17 · Oct 24
- Chatham Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Long Island Apr 17 · Oct 24
- Crystal Hill Apr 10 · Oct 30
- Halifax Apr 10 · Oct 30
- Blairs Apr 10 · Oct 28
- Sutherlin Apr 10 · Oct 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Java, VA?
The median last spring frost in Java, VA is April 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Java, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 9.
How long is the growing season in Java, VA?
About 184 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Java, VA?
Java, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.