Frost dates for 38125 — Memphis, TN
How Memphis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Memphis falls between March 5 and April 9, a 35-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 26 and November 23.
- The median last frost is 16 days earlier than the Tennessee median of Apr 7.
- Its 230-day growing season is among the longest of the 548 Tennessee places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 7 days earlier than the zone 8a median of Mar 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 66 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 5 |
| 50% (median) | March 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 26 |
| 50% (median) | November 7 |
| 90% (late) | November 23 |
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 Memphis, TN
Frost dates for 38125 — Memphis, TN — last frost Mar 22, first frost Nov 7, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Memphis, TN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Feb 22 – Mar 29 | Sep 12 – Oct 10 |
| Kale | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Broccoli | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cabbage | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Okra | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — |
| Basil | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 8 – Mar 1 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 8 – Mar 1 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 15 – Mar 29 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | — | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | — | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 29 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 22 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 8 – Apr 5 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 8 – Mar 29 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 24 – Nov 28 |
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 Germantown 4se, TN weather station, 8 km away (elevation 322 ft (98 m)).
ZIP codes in Memphis: 37501 37544 38101 38103 38104 38105 38106 38107 38108 38109 38111 38112 38113 38114 38115 38116 38117 38118 38119 38120 38122 38124 38125 38126 38127 38128 38130 38131 38132 38133 38134 38135 38136 38137 38141 38145 38148 38150 38151 38152 38157 38159 38161 38163 38166 38167 38168 38173 38174 38175 38177 38181 38182 38184 38186 38187 38188 38190 38193 38194 …
Frost dates near Memphis
- Germantown Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Collierville Mar 29 · Nov 3
- Cordova Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Eads Mar 29 · Nov 3
- Ellendale Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Rossville Mar 29 · Nov 3
- Brunswick Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Arlington Mar 29 · Nov 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Memphis, TN?
The median last spring frost in Memphis, TN is March 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Memphis, TN?
The median first fall frost is November 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 26.
How long is the growing season in Memphis, TN?
About 230 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Memphis, TN?
Memphis, TN is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.