Frost Dates for Oxford, MS 38655
Last spring frost April 11 · First fall frost October 22 · 194 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
ZIP 38655 has about 46,200 people, the largest of 2 ZIP codes in Oxford.
Long season: 194 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 28–April 25 (28 days). Fall frost risk spans October 5–November 8 (34 days).
Frost probability for 38655
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 25 | April 11 | March 28 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 5 | October 22 | November 8 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at UNIVERSITY (6.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Oxford, MS
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38655 | April 11 | October 22 | 8a |
| 38677 | April 11 | October 22 | 7b |
Which crops fit a 194-day season in Oxford
In Oxford (194 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 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 152 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 25. | Jun 22 |
| Pepper | Feb 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 152 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 25. | Jun 27 |
| Lettuce | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 31 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 236 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 236 available after Mar 21. | Aug 20 |
| Cucumber | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Beans | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Peas | — | Feb 14–Apr 25 | 257 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 14. | Aug 11 |
| Zucchini | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Onion | Jan 17 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 229 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 229 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 14–Apr 4 | 271 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 19 |
| Kale | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 4 |
| Broccoli | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 229 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 229 available after Mar 14. | Jul 27 |
| Cabbage | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 243 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 243 available after Mar 14. | Aug 20 |
| Radish | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 257 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 20; both mature before Oct 29. | Sep 20 |
| Beets | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 257 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 215 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 215 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 22 | 299 | overwinter: Plant Oct 22 to Nov 12; harvest the following summer. | Nov 12 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 7–May 2 | 250 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 7; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 166 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 18. | Jul 4 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 28 | Apr 25–Apr 25 | 159 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 25. | Jun 9 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 28 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 208 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 4. | Aug 1 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Mar 28 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 271 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 19 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 243 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 243 available after Mar 14. | Jul 21 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 159 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 25. | Jun 9 |
| Eggplant | Feb 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 152 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 25. | Jul 2 |
| Okra | Mar 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Basil | Mar 7 | May 2–May 2 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 14–Apr 4 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 26 |
| Parsley | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 194 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 194 available after Apr 18. | Aug 6 |
| Celery | Jan 31 | Apr 18–May 2 | 194 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 194 available after Apr 18. | Jun 17 |
| Scallions | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 12. | Aug 30 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 9 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 257 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 4 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 14 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 31 |
| Collards | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 12. | Aug 30 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 152 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 25. | Jun 17 |
| Chives | Jan 17 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 208 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 257 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Oregano | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 208 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 17 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 194 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 194 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Sage | Feb 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 208 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 208 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 26 |
| Cosmos | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Lavender | Jan 17 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 215 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 28 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 8. | Aug 5 |
| Melons | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 152 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 25. | Jun 17 |
| Mint | — | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 215 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 173 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 173 available after Apr 18. | Jul 21 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 159 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 25. | Jun 19 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 180 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 11. | Jul 16 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 159 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 18. | Jun 27 |
| Watermelon | Mar 28 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 159 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 18. | Jun 22 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Zinnias | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
Month by month in Oxford
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 17), Lavender (Jan 17), Onion (Jan 17), Rosemary (Jan 17), Celery (Jan 31), Collards (Jan 31), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 14), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 14), Cabbage (Feb 14), Lettuce (Feb 14), Sage (Feb 14), Swiss Chard (Feb 14), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 14), Beets (Feb 14), Dill (Feb 14), Peas (Feb 14), Radish (Feb 14), Spinach (Feb 14), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 7), Tomato (Mar 7), Bok Choy (Mar 14), Corn (Mar 14), Cosmos (Mar 14), Nasturtiums (Mar 14), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 14), Turnip (Mar 14), Carrots (Mar 21), Potatoes (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 14), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 14), Cabbage (Mar 14), Collards (Mar 14), Kale (Mar 14), Lettuce (Mar 14), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 7). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 11), Beans (Apr 18), Pole Beans (Apr 18). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 4), Cauliflower (Apr 4), Cosmos (Apr 11), Lavender (Apr 11), Marigolds (Apr 11), Mint (Apr 11), +24 more. Last frost around April 11. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 2). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 9), Pumpkin (Jun 9), Cantaloupe (Jun 17), Celery (Jun 17), Melons (Jun 17), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 19), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 2), Corn (Jul 4), Sunflowers (Jul 16), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 21), Pole Beans (Jul 21), Basil (Jul 26), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cauliflower (Aug 1), Beans (Aug 2), Marigolds (Aug 5), Parsley (Aug 6), Peas (Aug 11), Cabbage (Aug 20), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 4), Kohlrabi (Sep 4), Turnip (Sep 9), Arugula (Sep 19), Spinach (Sep 19), Radish (Sep 20). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 22). First frost around October 22. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 12). |
| 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 Oxford, MS (ZIP 38655)?
The median last spring frost date for Oxford, MS (ZIP code 38655) is around April 11. 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 March 28; one in ten it runs past April 25.
What is the first fall frost date in Oxford, MS?
The median first fall frost date for Oxford, MS is around October 22. 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 Oxford, MS?
The frost-free growing season in Oxford is about 194 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 Oxford (194 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 Oxford, MS?
Oxford, MS is in USDA hardiness zone 8a (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 Oxford, MS?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 7 and plant out Apr 25 in Oxford. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Oxford?
Two: plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 29.
When do I plant garlic in Oxford?
Oct 22 to Nov 12; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Oxford?
Yes: plant out Apr 25 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 22 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Pontotoc (ZIP 38863) has 206 frost-free days, 12 more than Oxford (ZIP 38655). See Pontotoc ZIP 38863 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Pontotoc, MS 38863 (27.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Batesville, MS 38606 (27.2 mi)
- Frost dates for New Albany, MS 38652 (29.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Holly Springs, MS 38635 (30.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Senatobia, MS 38668 (31.3 mi)
- When to plant in MS
- When to plant Peppers in MS
- When to plant Cucumbers in MS
- When to plant Zucchini in MS
- When to plant Butternut Squash in MS
- When to plant Basil in MS
- When to plant Sweet Corn in MS
- Look up another ZIP