Frost Dates for Wake Forest, NC 27587
Last spring frost April 10 · First fall frost October 28 · 201 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
ZIP 27587 has about 82,900 people.
Long season: 201 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 25–April 25 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans October 14–November 10 (27 days).
Frost probability for 27587
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 25 | April 10 | March 25 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 14 | October 28 | November 10 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at RALEIGH AP (23.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 201-day season in Wake Forest
In Wake Forest (201 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 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 159 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 24. | Jun 28 |
| Pepper | Feb 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 159 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 24. | Jul 3 |
| Lettuce | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 6 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 20–Mar 27 | 243 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 243 available after Mar 20. | Aug 26 |
| Cucumber | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Beans | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 8 |
| Peas | — | Feb 13–Apr 24 | 264 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 264 available after Feb 13. | Aug 17 |
| Zucchini | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Onion | Jan 16 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 236 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 236 available after Mar 13. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 13–Apr 3 | 278 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 25 |
| Kale | Jan 30 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 10 |
| Broccoli | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 236 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 236 available after Mar 13. | Aug 2 |
| Cabbage | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 250 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 250 available after Mar 13. | Aug 26 |
| Radish | — | Feb 13–May 8 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 26; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 26 |
| Beets | — | Feb 13–May 8 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 27–Apr 3 | 222 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 222 available after Mar 27. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 28 | 306 | overwinter: Plant Oct 28 to Nov 18; harvest the following summer. | Nov 18 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 6–May 1 | 257 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 6; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 173 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 173 available after Apr 17. | Jul 10 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 27 | Apr 24–Apr 24 | 166 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 24. | Jun 15 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 27 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 215 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 3. | Aug 7 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 13 | Mar 27–Mar 27 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 13–May 8 | 278 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 25 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 250 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 250 available after Mar 13. | Jul 27 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 166 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 24. | Jun 15 |
| Eggplant | Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 159 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 24. | Jul 8 |
| Okra | Mar 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Basil | Mar 6 | May 1–May 1 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 13–Apr 3 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 1 |
| Parsley | Jan 30 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 201 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 17. | Aug 12 |
| Celery | Jan 30 | Apr 17–May 1 | 201 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 17. | Jun 23 |
| Scallions | Jan 30 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 5 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 15 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 27–Mar 13 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 10 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 13 | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 6 |
| Collards | Jan 30 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 5 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 159 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 24. | Jun 23 |
| Chives | Jan 16 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 215 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 13–May 8 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Oregano | Jan 30 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 215 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 16 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 201 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Sage | Feb 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 215 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 30 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 215 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 27 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 1 |
| Cosmos | Mar 13 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Lavender | Jan 16 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 222 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 222 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 27 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 11 |
| Melons | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 159 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 24. | Jun 23 |
| Mint | — | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 222 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 222 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 13 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 180 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 17. | Jul 27 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 166 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 24. | Jun 25 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 187 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 10. | Jul 22 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 166 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 17. | Jul 3 |
| Watermelon | Mar 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 166 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 17. | Jun 28 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Zinnias | Mar 13 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
Month by month in Wake Forest
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 16), Lavender (Jan 16), Onion (Jan 16), Rosemary (Jan 16), Celery (Jan 30), Collards (Jan 30), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 13), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 13), Cabbage (Feb 13), Lettuce (Feb 13), Sage (Feb 13), Swiss Chard (Feb 13), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 13), Beets (Feb 13), Dill (Feb 13), Peas (Feb 13), Radish (Feb 13), Spinach (Feb 13), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 6), Tomato (Mar 6), Bok Choy (Mar 13), Corn (Mar 13), Cosmos (Mar 13), Nasturtiums (Mar 13), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 13), Turnip (Mar 13), Carrots (Mar 20), Potatoes (Mar 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 13), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 13), Cabbage (Mar 13), Collards (Mar 13), Kale (Mar 13), Lettuce (Mar 13), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 6). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 10), Beans (Apr 17), Pole Beans (Apr 17). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 3), Cauliflower (Apr 3), Cosmos (Apr 10), Lavender (Apr 10), Marigolds (Apr 10), Mint (Apr 10), +24 more. Last frost around April 10. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 1). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 15), Pumpkin (Jun 15), Cantaloupe (Jun 23), Celery (Jun 23), Melons (Jun 23), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 25), +2 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Pepper (Jul 3), Tomatillos (Jul 3), Eggplant (Jul 8), Corn (Jul 10), Sunflowers (Jul 22), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 27), +1 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Basil (Aug 1), Cosmos (Aug 1), Cucumber (Aug 1), Zinnias (Aug 1), Broccoli (Aug 2), Nasturtiums (Aug 6), +13 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Sep 1), Cilantro (Sep 1), Collards (Sep 5), Scallions (Sep 5), Bok Choy (Sep 6), Lettuce (Sep 6), +6 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 28). First frost around October 28. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 18). |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC (ZIP 27587)?
The median last spring frost date for Wake Forest, NC (ZIP code 27587) is around April 10. 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 25; one in ten it runs past April 25.
What is the first fall frost date in Wake Forest, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Wake Forest, NC is around October 28. 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 14 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Wake Forest, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Wake Forest is about 201 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 Wake Forest (201 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 Wake Forest, NC?
Wake Forest, NC 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 Wake Forest, NC?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 6 and plant out Apr 24 in Wake Forest. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Wake Forest?
Two: plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 4.
When do I plant garlic in Wake Forest?
Oct 28 to Nov 18; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Wake Forest?
Yes: plant out Apr 24 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 28 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Knightdale (ZIP 27545) has 212 frost-free days, 11 more than Wake Forest (ZIP 27587). See Knightdale ZIP 27545 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Youngsville, NC 27596 (6.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Franklinton, NC 27525 (10.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Raleigh, NC 27609 (10.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Creedmoor, NC 27522 (11.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Knightdale, NC 27545 (14.1 mi)
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- Look up another ZIP