Frost Dates for Capitol Heights, MD 20743
Last spring frost April 15 · First fall frost October 20 · 188 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 20743 has about 41,100 people.
Long season: 188 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 1–April 29 (28 days). Fall frost risk spans October 5–November 3 (29 days).
Frost probability for 20743
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 29 | April 15 | April 1 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 5 | October 20 | November 3 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at UPPER MARLBORO 3 NNW (11.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 188-day season in Capitol Heights
In Capitol Heights (188 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 11 | Apr 29–May 6 | 146 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | Jun 20 |
| Pepper | Mar 4 | Apr 29–May 6 | 146 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | Jun 25 |
| Lettuce | Feb 18 | Mar 18–Mar 25 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 29 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 25–Apr 1 | 230 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 230 available after Mar 25. | Aug 18 |
| Cucumber | Mar 25 | Apr 29–May 6 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Beans | — | Apr 22–May 6 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 13. | Jul 31 |
| Peas | — | Feb 18–Apr 29 | 251 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 251 available after Feb 18. | Aug 9 |
| Zucchini | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Onion | Jan 21 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 223 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 18. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 18–Apr 8 | 265 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 17 |
| Kale | Feb 4 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Feb 18 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 223 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 18. | Jul 25 |
| Cabbage | Feb 18 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 237 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 237 available after Mar 18. | Aug 18 |
| Radish | — | Feb 18–May 13 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 18 |
| Beets | — | Feb 18–May 13 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 209 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 20 | 293 | overwinter: Plant Oct 20 to Nov 10; harvest the following summer. | Nov 10 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 11–May 6 | 244 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 11; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 160 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 22. | Jul 2 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 1 | Apr 29–Apr 29 | 153 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 29. | Jun 7 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 4 | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 202 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 8. | Jul 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 1 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 18–May 13 | 265 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 17 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 18 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 237 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 237 available after Mar 18. | Jul 19 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 153 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 29. | Jun 7 |
| Eggplant | Feb 25 | Apr 29–May 6 | 146 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | Jun 30 |
| Okra | Mar 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Basil | Mar 11 | May 6–May 6 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 18–Apr 8 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Parsley | Feb 4 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 188 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 22. | Aug 4 |
| Celery | Feb 4 | Apr 22–May 6 | 188 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 22. | Jun 15 |
| Scallions | Feb 4 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 7 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 4–Mar 18 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 2 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 18 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 202 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 29 |
| Collards | Feb 4 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 146 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | Jun 15 |
| Chives | Jan 21 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 202 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 18–May 13 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Oregano | Feb 4 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 202 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 21 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 188 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Sage | Feb 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 202 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 4 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 202 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Cosmos | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Lavender | Jan 21 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 209 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 6. | Aug 3 |
| Melons | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 146 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | Jun 15 |
| Mint | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 209 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 22–May 6 | 167 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 22. | Jul 19 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 153 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 29. | Jun 17 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 174 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 15. | Jul 14 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 153 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 22. | Jun 25 |
| Watermelon | Apr 1 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 153 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 22. | Jun 20 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Zinnias | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
Month by month in Capitol Heights
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 21), Lavender (Jan 21), Onion (Jan 21), Rosemary (Jan 21). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 4), Collards (Feb 4), Kale (Feb 4), Oregano (Feb 4), Parsley (Feb 4), Scallions (Feb 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 18), Beets (Feb 18), Dill (Feb 18), Peas (Feb 18), Radish (Feb 18), Spinach (Feb 18). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 4), Cauliflower (Mar 4), Marigolds (Mar 4), Pepper (Mar 4), Basil (Mar 11), Tomato (Mar 11), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 4), Cilantro (Mar 18), Turnip (Mar 18), Carrots (Mar 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 18), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 18), Cabbage (Mar 18), Collards (Mar 18), Kale (Mar 18), Lettuce (Mar 18), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 11). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 1), Cantaloupe (Apr 1), Melons (Apr 1), Pumpkin (Apr 1), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 1), Watermelon (Apr 1), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 1), Sunflowers (Apr 15), Beans (Apr 22), Pole Beans (Apr 22). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 1), Swiss Chard (Apr 1), Bok Choy (Apr 8), Cauliflower (Apr 8), Cosmos (Apr 15), Lavender (Apr 15), +26 more. Last frost around April 15. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 6). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 7), Pumpkin (Jun 7), Cantaloupe (Jun 15), Celery (Jun 15), Melons (Jun 15), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 17), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Corn (Jul 2), Sunflowers (Jul 14), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 19), Pole Beans (Jul 19), Basil (Jul 24), Cosmos (Jul 24), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Aug 3), Parsley (Aug 4), Peas (Aug 9), Cabbage (Aug 18), Carrots (Aug 18), Beets (Aug 19), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 2), Kohlrabi (Sep 2), Turnip (Sep 7), Arugula (Sep 17), Spinach (Sep 17), Radish (Sep 18). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 20). First frost around October 20. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 10). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Capitol Heights, MD (ZIP 20743)?
The median last spring frost date for Capitol Heights, MD (ZIP code 20743) is around April 15. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 1; one in ten it runs past April 29.
What is the first fall frost date in Capitol Heights, MD?
The median first fall frost date for Capitol Heights, MD is around October 20. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 5 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Capitol Heights, MD?
The frost-free growing season in Capitol Heights is about 188 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Capitol Heights (188 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Capitol Heights, MD?
Capitol Heights, MD is in USDA hardiness zone 7b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Capitol Heights, MD?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 11 and plant out Apr 29 in Capitol Heights. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Capitol Heights?
Two: plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27.
When do I plant garlic in Capitol Heights?
Oct 20 to Nov 10; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Capitol Heights?
Yes: plant out Apr 29 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 20 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Washington (ZIP 20019) has 200 frost-free days, 12 more than Capitol Heights (ZIP 20743). See Washington ZIP 20019 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for District Heights, MD 20747 (2.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Washington, DC 20019 (2.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Suitland, MD 20746 (3.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Washington, DC 20020 (4.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Washington, DC 20002 (5.1 mi)
- When to plant in MD
- When to plant Peppers in MD
- When to plant Cucumbers in MD
- When to plant Zucchini in MD
- When to plant Butternut Squash in MD
- When to plant Basil in MD
- When to plant Sweet Corn in MD
- Look up another ZIP