Helvetia, WV frost dates
How Helvetia compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Helvetia falls between April 10 and May 13, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 4 and November 2.
- The median last frost is 2 days later than the West Virginia median of Apr 23.
- Its 177-day growing season is longer than 36% of the 745 West Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6b, where the median is Apr 22.
- The weather station records an average of 123 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Harrisonburg, VA, 117 km away, the last frost here is 4 days later than there and the growing season is 8 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 10 |
| 50% (median) | April 25 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 4 |
| 50% (median) | October 19 |
| 90% (late) | November 2 |
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 Helvetia, WV
Helvetia, WV frost dates — last frost Apr 25, first frost Oct 19, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Helvetia, WV
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Mar 28 – May 2 | Aug 24 – Sep 21 |
| Kale | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Broccoli | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cabbage | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Okra | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Basil | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 21 – May 2 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 16 | May 2 – May 16 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | — | May 2 – May 16 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | — | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 11 – May 9 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 11 – May 2 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 2 – May 23 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 9 – May 30 | — | — |
| 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 Pickens 2 N, WV weather station, 11 km away (elevation 2,881 ft (878 m)).
Frost dates near Helvetia
- Selbyville Apr 25 · Oct 19
- Tallmansville Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Pickens Apr 25 · Oct 19
- Mill Creek May 7 · Oct 6
- Rock Cave Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Adrian Apr 26 · Oct 21
- French Creek Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Frenchton Apr 26 · Oct 21
- Huttonsville May 7 · Oct 6
- Ellamore Apr 29 · Oct 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Helvetia, WV?
The median last spring frost in Helvetia, WV is April 25. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Helvetia, WV?
The median first fall frost is October 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 4.
How long is the growing season in Helvetia, WV?
About 177 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Helvetia, WV?
Helvetia, WV is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.