Frost Dates for Winston Salem, NC 27127
Winston Salem has 9 ZIP codes. The Winston Salem, NC frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 11 · First fall frost October 21 · 193 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 27127 has about 41,400 people, one of 9 ZIP codes in Winston Salem.
Long season: 193 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 24–April 28 (35 days). Fall frost risk spans October 8–November 4 (27 days).
Frost probability for 27127
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 28 | April 11 | March 24 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 8 | October 21 | November 4 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LEXINGTON (19.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 193-day season in Winston Salem
In Winston Salem (193 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 | 151 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 25. | Jun 21 |
| Pepper | Feb 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 151 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 25. | Jun 26 |
| Lettuce | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 30 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 235 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 21. | Aug 19 |
| Cucumber | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Beans | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Peas | — | Feb 14–Apr 25 | 256 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 256 available after Feb 14. | Aug 10 |
| Zucchini | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Onion | Jan 17 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 228 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 14–Apr 4 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 18 |
| Kale | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 3 |
| Broccoli | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 228 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 14. | Jul 26 |
| Cabbage | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 242 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 14. | Aug 19 |
| Radish | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Oct 28. | Sep 19 |
| Beets | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 214 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 21 | 298 | overwinter: Plant Oct 21 to Nov 11; harvest the following summer. | Nov 11 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 7–May 2 | 249 | 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 | 165 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 18. | Jul 3 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 28 | Apr 25–Apr 25 | 158 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 25. | Jun 8 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 28 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 207 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 4. | Jul 31 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Mar 28 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 18 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 242 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 14. | Jul 20 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 158 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 25. | Jun 8 |
| Eggplant | Feb 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 151 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 25. | Jul 1 |
| Okra | Mar 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Basil | Mar 7 | May 2–May 2 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 14–Apr 4 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 25 |
| Parsley | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 193 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 18. | Aug 5 |
| Celery | Jan 31 | Apr 18–May 2 | 193 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 18. | Jun 16 |
| Scallions | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 11. | Aug 29 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 8 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 3 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 14 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 30 |
| Collards | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 11. | Aug 29 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 151 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 25. | Jun 16 |
| Chives | Jan 17 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Oregano | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 207 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 17 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 193 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Sage | Feb 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 207 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 25 |
| Cosmos | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Lavender | Jan 17 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 214 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 214 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 28 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 7. | Aug 4 |
| Melons | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 151 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 25. | Jun 16 |
| Mint | — | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 214 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 214 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 172 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 18. | Jul 20 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 158 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 25. | Jun 18 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 179 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 11. | Jul 15 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 158 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 18. | Jun 26 |
| Watermelon | Mar 28 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 158 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 18. | Jun 21 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Zinnias | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
Month by month in Winston Salem
| 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 8), Pumpkin (Jun 8), Cantaloupe (Jun 16), Celery (Jun 16), Melons (Jun 16), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 18), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 1), Corn (Jul 3), Sunflowers (Jul 15), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 20), Pole Beans (Jul 20), Basil (Jul 25), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Beans (Aug 1), Marigolds (Aug 4), Parsley (Aug 5), Peas (Aug 10), Cabbage (Aug 19), Carrots (Aug 19), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 3), Kohlrabi (Sep 3), Turnip (Sep 8), Arugula (Sep 18), Spinach (Sep 18), Radish (Sep 19). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 21). First frost around October 21. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 11). |
| 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 Winston Salem, NC (ZIP 27127)?
The median last spring frost date for Winston Salem, NC (ZIP code 27127) 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 24; one in ten it runs past April 28.
What is the first fall frost date in Winston Salem, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Winston Salem, NC is around October 21. 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 8 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Winston Salem, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Winston Salem is about 193 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 Winston Salem (193 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 Winston Salem, NC?
Winston Salem, NC 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 Winston Salem, NC?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 7 and plant out Apr 25 in Winston Salem. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Winston Salem?
Two: plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28.
When do I plant garlic in Winston Salem?
Oct 21 to Nov 11; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Winston Salem?
Yes: plant out Apr 25 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 21 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Winston Salem (ZIP 27107) has 204 frost-free days, 11 more than Winston Salem (ZIP 27127). See Winston Salem ZIP 27107 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Winston Salem, NC 27103 (3.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Clemmons, NC 27012 (5.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Winston Salem, NC 27107 (5.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Advance, NC 27006 (10.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Lewisville, NC 27023 (10.8 mi)
- When to plant in Winston Salem, NC: month-by-month guide
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- When to plant Cucumbers in NC
- When to plant Zucchini in NC
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- Look up another ZIP