Frost Dates for Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Spotsylvania has 2 ZIP codes. The Spotsylvania, VA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 20 · First fall frost October 19 · 182 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 22553 has about 17,200 people, one of 2 ZIP codes in Spotsylvania.
Long season: 182 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 6–May 5 (29 days). Fall frost risk spans October 4–November 3 (30 days).
Frost probability for 22553
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 5 | April 20 | April 6 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 4 | October 19 | November 3 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CORBIN (24.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 182-day season in Spotsylvania
In Spotsylvania (182 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 16 | May 4–May 11 | 140 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | Jun 19 |
| Pepper | Mar 9 | May 4–May 11 | 140 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | Jun 24 |
| Lettuce | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Mar 30 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 28 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 30–Apr 6 | 224 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 224 available after Mar 30. | Aug 17 |
| Cucumber | Mar 30 | May 4–May 11 | 154 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Beans | — | Apr 27–May 11 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Peas | — | Feb 23–May 4 | 245 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 245 available after Feb 23. | Aug 8 |
| Zucchini | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 154 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Onion | Jan 26 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 217 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 217 available after Mar 23. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 23–Apr 13 | 259 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 16 |
| Kale | Feb 9 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 1 |
| Broccoli | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 217 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 217 available after Mar 23. | Jul 24 |
| Cabbage | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 231 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 231 available after Mar 23. | Aug 17 |
| Radish | — | Feb 23–May 18 | 245 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Oct 26. | Sep 17 |
| Beets | — | Feb 23–May 18 | 245 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 203 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 6. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 19 | 287 | overwinter: Plant Oct 19 to Nov 9; harvest the following summer. | Nov 9 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 16–May 11 | 238 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 16; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 154 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 27. | Jul 1 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 6 | May 4–May 4 | 147 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 147 available after May 4. | Jun 6 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 9 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 196 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 13. | Jul 29 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 23 | Apr 6–Apr 6 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 23–May 18 | 259 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 16 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 231 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 231 available after Mar 23. | Jul 18 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 147 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 147 available after May 4. | Jun 6 |
| Eggplant | Mar 2 | May 4–May 11 | 140 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | Jun 29 |
| Okra | Mar 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Basil | Mar 16 | May 11–May 11 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant May 11 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 23–Apr 13 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 23 |
| Parsley | Feb 9 | Apr 27–May 4 | 182 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 27. | Aug 3 |
| Celery | Feb 9 | Apr 27–May 11 | 182 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 27. | Jun 14 |
| Scallions | Feb 9 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 9. | Aug 27 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 6 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 245 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 1 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 23 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 28 |
| Collards | Feb 9 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 9. | Aug 27 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 140 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | Jun 14 |
| Chives | Jan 26 | Apr 27–May 4 | 196 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 23–May 18 | 245 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Oregano | Feb 9 | Apr 27–May 4 | 196 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 26 | Apr 27–May 4 | 182 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Sage | Feb 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 196 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 9 | Apr 27–May 4 | 196 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 9 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 23 |
| Cosmos | Mar 23 | Apr 20–May 4 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Lavender | Jan 26 | Apr 20–May 4 | 203 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 9 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 5. | Aug 2 |
| Melons | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 140 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | Jun 14 |
| Mint | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 203 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 27–May 11 | 161 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 27. | Jul 18 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 147 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 147 available after May 4. | Jun 16 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 168 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 20. | Jul 13 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 147 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 147 available after Apr 27. | Jun 24 |
| Watermelon | Apr 6 | Apr 27–May 4 | 147 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 147 available after Apr 27. | Jun 19 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 154 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Zinnias | Mar 23 | Apr 20–May 4 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
Month by month in Spotsylvania
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 26), Lavender (Jan 26), Onion (Jan 26), Rosemary (Jan 26). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 9), Collards (Feb 9), Kale (Feb 9), Oregano (Feb 9), Parsley (Feb 9), Scallions (Feb 9), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 23), Beets (Feb 23), Dill (Feb 23), Peas (Feb 23), Radish (Feb 23), Spinach (Feb 23). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 2), Calendula (Mar 9), Cauliflower (Mar 9), Marigolds (Mar 9), Pepper (Mar 9), Basil (Mar 16), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 9), Cilantro (Mar 23), Turnip (Mar 23), Carrots (Mar 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 23), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 23), Cabbage (Mar 23), Collards (Mar 23), Kale (Mar 23), Lettuce (Mar 23), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 16). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 6), Cantaloupe (Apr 6), Melons (Apr 6), Pumpkin (Apr 6), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 6), Watermelon (Apr 6), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 6), Sunflowers (Apr 20), Beans (Apr 27), Pole Beans (Apr 27). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 6), Swiss Chard (Apr 6), Bok Choy (Apr 13), Cauliflower (Apr 13), Cosmos (Apr 20), Lavender (Apr 20), +15 more. Last frost around April 20. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 4), Cantaloupe (May 4), Cucumber (May 4), Eggplant (May 4), Melons (May 4), Pepper (May 4), +6 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 6), Pumpkin (Jun 6), Cantaloupe (Jun 14), Celery (Jun 14), Melons (Jun 14), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 16), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Corn (Jul 1), Sunflowers (Jul 13), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 18), Pole Beans (Jul 18), Basil (Jul 23), Cosmos (Jul 23), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Aug 2), Parsley (Aug 3), Peas (Aug 8), Cabbage (Aug 17), Carrots (Aug 17), Beets (Aug 18), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 1), Kohlrabi (Sep 1), Turnip (Sep 6), Arugula (Sep 16), Spinach (Sep 16), Radish (Sep 17). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 19). First frost around October 19. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 9). |
| 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 Spotsylvania, VA (ZIP 22553)?
The median last spring frost date for Spotsylvania, VA (ZIP code 22553) is around April 20. 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 6; one in ten it runs past May 5.
What is the first fall frost date in Spotsylvania, VA?
The median first fall frost date for Spotsylvania, VA is around October 19. 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 4 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Spotsylvania, VA?
The frost-free growing season in Spotsylvania is about 182 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 Spotsylvania (182 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 Spotsylvania, VA?
Spotsylvania, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (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 Spotsylvania, VA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 16 and plant out May 4 in Spotsylvania. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Spotsylvania?
Two: plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26.
When do I plant garlic in Spotsylvania?
Oct 19 to Nov 9; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Spotsylvania?
Yes: plant out May 4 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 19 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Locust Grove (ZIP 22508) has 194 frost-free days, 12 more than Spotsylvania (ZIP 22553). See Locust Grove ZIP 22508 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (3.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Spotsylvania, VA 22551 (7.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Locust Grove, VA 22508 (8.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Fredericksburg, VA 22406 (10.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Stafford, VA 22556 (16.7 mi)
- 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