Daphne, AL planting zone & frost dates
Daphne is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 15 and the first fall frost around November 19, for a growing season of about 251 days.
Planting calendar for Daphne
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 15) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 24 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 19).
Useful for zone 9a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 17 | Mar 15 | Apr 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 10 | Nov 19 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 28.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Daphne
- 36526 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Fairhope zone 9a, last frost Mar 10
- Mobile zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Prichard zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Tillmans Corner zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Saraland zone 8b, last frost Feb 21
- Foley zone 9a, last frost Mar 5
- Gulf Shores zone 9a, last frost Mar 5
- Atmore zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
Questions
What growing zone is Daphne, AL?
Daphne is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Daphne?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Daphne is March 15. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Daphne?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 22 – Mar 29. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Fairhope 3 Ne, AL (USW00063869), 6.7 km (4.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 29 m, based on 14 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.