Frost Dates for Richmond, VA 23221
Richmond has 18 ZIP codes. The Richmond, VA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 6 · First fall frost October 27 · 204 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 23221 has about 14,400 people, one of 18 ZIP codes in Richmond.
Long season: 204 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 24–April 21 (28 days). Fall frost risk spans October 11–November 12 (32 days).
Frost probability for 23221
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 21 | April 6 | March 24 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 11 | October 27 | November 12 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at RICHMOND INTL AP (15.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 204-day season in Richmond
In Richmond (204 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 2 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 162 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 162 available after Apr 20. | Jun 27 |
| Pepper | Feb 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 162 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 162 available after Apr 20. | Jul 2 |
| Lettuce | Feb 9 | Mar 9–Mar 16 | 239 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 5 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 16–Mar 23 | 246 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 246 available after Mar 16. | Aug 25 |
| Cucumber | Mar 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 13. | Jul 31 |
| Beans | — | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 7 |
| Peas | — | Feb 9–Apr 20 | 267 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 9. | Aug 16 |
| Zucchini | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Onion | Jan 12 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 239 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 239 available after Mar 9. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 9–Mar 30 | 281 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 24 |
| Kale | Jan 26 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Broccoli | Feb 9 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 239 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 239 available after Mar 9. | Aug 1 |
| Cabbage | Feb 9 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 253 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 253 available after Mar 9. | Aug 25 |
| Radish | — | Feb 9–May 4 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 25 |
| Beets | — | Feb 9–May 4 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 23–Mar 30 | 225 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 225 available after Mar 23. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 27 | 309 | overwinter: Plant Oct 27 to Nov 17; harvest the following summer. | Nov 17 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 2–Apr 27 | 260 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 2; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 9 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 176 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 176 available after Apr 13. | Jul 9 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 20 | 169 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 20. | Jun 14 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 23 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 218 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 218 available after Mar 30. | Aug 6 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 9 | Mar 23–Mar 23 | 225 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 9–May 4 | 281 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 24 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 9 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 253 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 253 available after Mar 9. | Jul 26 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 169 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 20. | Jun 14 |
| Eggplant | Feb 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 162 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 162 available after Apr 20. | Jul 7 |
| Okra | Mar 9 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Basil | Mar 2 | Apr 27–Apr 27 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 13. | Jul 31 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 9–Mar 30 | 239 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 31 |
| Parsley | Jan 26 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 204 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 13. | Aug 11 |
| Celery | Jan 26 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 204 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 13. | Jun 22 |
| Scallions | Jan 26 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 14 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 23–Mar 9 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 9 | Mar 30–Apr 6 | 218 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 5 |
| Collards | Jan 26 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 162 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 162 available after Apr 20. | Jun 22 |
| Chives | Jan 12 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 218 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 218 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 9–May 4 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Oregano | Jan 26 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 218 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 218 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 12 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 204 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Sage | Feb 9 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 218 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 218 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 26 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 218 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 218 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 225 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 31 |
| Cosmos | Mar 9 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 13. | Jul 31 |
| Lavender | Jan 12 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 225 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 225 available after Apr 6. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 23 | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Melons | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 162 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 162 available after Apr 20. | Jun 22 |
| Mint | — | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 225 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 225 available after Apr 6. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 9 | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 183 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 13. | Jul 26 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 169 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 20. | Jun 24 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 190 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 190 available after Apr 6. | Jul 21 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 9 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 169 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 13. | Jul 2 |
| Watermelon | Mar 23 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 169 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 13. | Jun 27 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Zinnias | Mar 9 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 13. | Jul 31 |
Month by month in Richmond
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 12), Lavender (Jan 12), Onion (Jan 12), Rosemary (Jan 12), Celery (Jan 26), Collards (Jan 26), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 9), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 9), Cabbage (Feb 9), Lettuce (Feb 9), Sage (Feb 9), Swiss Chard (Feb 9), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 9), Beets (Feb 9), Dill (Feb 9), Peas (Feb 9), Radish (Feb 9), Spinach (Feb 9), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 2), Tomato (Mar 2), Bok Choy (Mar 9), Corn (Mar 9), Cosmos (Mar 9), Nasturtiums (Mar 9), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 9), Turnip (Mar 9), Carrots (Mar 16), Potatoes (Mar 23). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 9), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 9), Cabbage (Mar 9), Collards (Mar 9), Kale (Mar 9), Lettuce (Mar 9), +6 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 2). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 6), Beans (Apr 13), Pole Beans (Apr 13). Transplant from: Cosmos (Apr 6), Lavender (Apr 6), Marigolds (Apr 6), Mint (Apr 6), Nasturtiums (Apr 6), Zinnias (Apr 6), +23 more. Last frost around April 6. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 14), Pumpkin (Jun 14), Cantaloupe (Jun 22), Celery (Jun 22), Melons (Jun 22), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 24), +2 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Pepper (Jul 2), Tomatillos (Jul 2), Eggplant (Jul 7), Corn (Jul 9), Sunflowers (Jul 21), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 26), +5 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Broccoli (Aug 1), Nasturtiums (Aug 5), Okra (Aug 5), Yellow Squash (Aug 5), Zucchini (Aug 5), Cauliflower (Aug 6), +11 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Collards (Sep 4), Scallions (Sep 4), Bok Choy (Sep 5), Lettuce (Sep 5), Kale (Sep 9), Kohlrabi (Sep 9), +4 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 27). First frost around October 27. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 17). |
| 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 Richmond, VA (ZIP 23221)?
The median last spring frost date for Richmond, VA (ZIP code 23221) is around April 6. 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 24; one in ten it runs past April 21.
What is the first fall frost date in Richmond, VA?
The median first fall frost date for Richmond, VA is around October 27. 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 11 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Richmond, VA?
The frost-free growing season in Richmond is about 204 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 Richmond (204 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 Richmond, VA?
Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 2 and plant out Apr 20 in Richmond. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Richmond?
Two: plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 3.
When do I plant garlic in Richmond?
Oct 27 to Nov 17; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Richmond?
Yes: plant out Apr 20 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 27 for a fall crop.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Richmond, VA 23220 (1.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Richmond, VA 23225 (2.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Richmond, VA 23227 (5 mi)
- Frost dates for Richmond, VA 23223 (6.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Richmond, VA 23237 (10.6 mi)
- When to plant in Richmond, VA: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in VA
- When to plant Peppers in VA
- When to plant Cucumbers in VA
- When to plant Zucchini in VA
- When to plant Butternut Squash in VA
- When to plant Basil in VA
- When to plant Sweet Corn in VA
- Look up another ZIP