Last frost date in Richmond, Virginia

April 3

Average last frost in spring. In an early year (1 in 10) it's over by March 19; in a late year (1 in 10) it comes after April 18.

November 4

Average first frost in fall. 1 year in 10 it comes by October 23.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Richmond International AP (USW00013740), 8.7 miles from Richmond, elevation 164 ft. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. These are long-term averages, not a forecast.

What to plant now

Frost dates for Richmond, Virginia
Early yearAverageLate year
Last frost in springMar 19Apr 3Apr 18
First frost in fallOct 23Nov 4Nov 19

An early or late year is one in 10: 1 year in 10 the frost comes before the early date, and 1 year in 10 after the late date.

Frost-free days in an average year: 215

Planting calendar for Richmond

Fall planting

USDA dates for places whose average first freeze is about October 30 (Richmond: November 4).

USDA lists chervil and chives, garlic, horseradish, leeks, parsnips, shallots as generally spring-planted here.

Spring planting

USDA dates for places whose average last freeze is about March 30 (Richmond: April 3).

USDA lists chinese cabbage as generally fall-planted here.

Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” tables 4 and 5 (earliest safe spring and latest safe fall dates), applied to this place's NOAA frost dates. “Plants” means setting out transplants, not sowing seed. How we match the table.

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