Frost Dates for Stephens City, VA 22655
Last spring frost April 28 · First fall frost October 12 · 167 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 22655 has about 22,700 people.
Moderate season: 167 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 13–May 13 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans September 26–October 29 (33 days).
Frost probability for 22655
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 13 | April 28 | April 13 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 26 | October 12 | October 29 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at WOODSTOCK 2 NE (29.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 167-day season in Stephens City
In Stephens City (167 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 24 | May 12–May 19 | 125 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 125 available after May 12. | Jun 12 |
| Pepper | Mar 17 | May 12–May 19 | 125 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 125 available after May 12. | Jun 17 |
| Lettuce | Mar 3 | Mar 31–Apr 7 | 202 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 21 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 7–Apr 14 | 209 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 7. | Aug 10 |
| Cucumber | Apr 7 | May 12–May 19 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Beans | — | May 5–May 19 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Peas | — | Mar 3–May 12 | 230 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 230 available after Mar 3. | Aug 1 |
| Zucchini | Apr 14 | May 12–May 19 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Onion | Feb 3 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 202 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 202 available after Mar 31. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 3–Apr 21 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 3 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 9 |
| Kale | Feb 17 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Broccoli | Mar 3 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 202 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 202 available after Mar 31. | Jul 17 |
| Cabbage | Mar 3 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 216 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 31. | Aug 10 |
| Radish | — | Mar 3–May 26 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 3 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Oct 19. | Sep 10 |
| Beets | — | Mar 3–May 26 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 3 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 12 | 272 | overwinter: Plant Oct 12 to Nov 2; harvest the following summer. | Nov 2 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 24–May 19 | 223 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 24; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 31 | May 5–May 12 | 139 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 139 available after May 5. | Jun 24 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 14 | May 12–May 12 | 132 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 132 available after May 12. | May 30 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 17 | Apr 21–May 5 | 181 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 21. | Jul 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 14 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 3–May 26 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 3 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 9 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 3 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 216 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 31. | Jul 11 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 14 | May 12–May 19 | 132 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 132 available after May 12. | May 30 |
| Eggplant | Mar 10 | May 12–May 19 | 125 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 125 available after May 12. | Jun 22 |
| Okra | Mar 31 | May 5–May 12 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Basil | Mar 24 | May 19–May 19 | 132 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 132 available after May 19. | Jul 16 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 31–Apr 21 | 202 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 16 |
| Parsley | Feb 17 | May 5–May 12 | 167 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 167 available after May 5. | Jul 27 |
| Celery | Feb 17 | May 5–May 19 | 167 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 167 available after May 5. | Jun 7 |
| Scallions | Feb 17 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 30 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 31 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 21 |
| Collards | Feb 17 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 14 | May 12–May 19 | 125 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 125 available after May 12. | Jun 7 |
| Chives | Feb 3 | May 5–May 12 | 181 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 181 available after May 5. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 3–May 26 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 3 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Oregano | Feb 17 | May 5–May 12 | 181 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 181 available after May 5. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 3 | May 5–May 12 | 167 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 167 available after May 5. | — |
| Sage | Mar 3 | May 5–May 12 | 181 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 181 available after May 5. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 17 | May 5–May 12 | 181 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 181 available after May 5. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 16 |
| Cosmos | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 12 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Lavender | Feb 3 | Apr 28–May 12 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 17 | Apr 28–May 5 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Melons | Apr 14 | May 12–May 19 | 125 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 125 available after May 12. | Jun 7 |
| Mint | — | Apr 28–May 12 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 5–May 19 | 146 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 146 available after May 5. | Jul 11 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 14 | May 12–May 19 | 132 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 132 available after May 12. | Jun 9 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 28–May 12 | 153 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 28. | Jul 6 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 3 | May 5–May 12 | 132 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 132 available after May 5. | Jun 17 |
| Watermelon | Apr 14 | May 5–May 12 | 132 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 132 available after May 5. | Jun 12 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 14 | May 12–May 19 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Zinnias | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 12 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
Month by month in Stephens City
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 3), Lavender (Feb 3), Onion (Feb 3), Rosemary (Feb 3), Celery (Feb 17), Collards (Feb 17), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 3), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 3), Cabbage (Mar 3), Lettuce (Mar 3), Sage (Mar 3), Swiss Chard (Mar 3), +14 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 3), Beets (Mar 3), Dill (Mar 3), Peas (Mar 3), Radish (Mar 3), Spinach (Mar 3), +3 more. Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 31), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 31), Cabbage (Mar 31), Collards (Mar 31), Kale (Mar 31), Lettuce (Mar 31), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 24). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 7), Butternut Squash (Apr 14), Cantaloupe (Apr 14), Melons (Apr 14), Pumpkin (Apr 14), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 14), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 7), Potatoes (Apr 14), Sunflowers (Apr 28). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 14), Swiss Chard (Apr 14), Bok Choy (Apr 21), Cauliflower (Apr 21), Cosmos (Apr 28), Lavender (Apr 28), +4 more. Last frost around April 28. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 5), Pole Beans (May 5). Transplant from: Celery (May 5), Chives (May 5), Corn (May 5), Okra (May 5), Oregano (May 5), Parsley (May 5), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 30), Pumpkin (May 30). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 7), Celery (Jun 7), Melons (Jun 7), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 9), Tomato (Jun 12), Watermelon (Jun 12), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 6), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 11), Pole Beans (Jul 11), Basil (Jul 16), Cosmos (Jul 16), Cucumber (Jul 16), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 1), Cabbage (Aug 10), Carrots (Aug 10), Beets (Aug 11), Dill (Aug 11), Swiss Chard (Aug 11), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 9), Spinach (Sep 9), Radish (Sep 10). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 12). First frost around October 12. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 2). |
| 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 Stephens City, VA (ZIP 22655)?
The median last spring frost date for Stephens City, VA (ZIP code 22655) is around April 28. 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 13; one in ten it runs past May 13.
What is the first fall frost date in Stephens City, VA?
The median first fall frost date for Stephens City, VA is around October 12. 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 September 26 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Stephens City, VA?
The frost-free growing season in Stephens City is about 167 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 Stephens City (167 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Stephens City, VA?
Stephens City, 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 Stephens City, VA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 24 and plant out May 12 in Stephens City. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Stephens City?
Two: plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19.
When do I plant garlic in Stephens City?
Oct 12 to Nov 2; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Winchester (ZIP 22601) has 180 frost-free days, 13 more than Stephens City (ZIP 22655). See Winchester ZIP 22601 frost dates
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