Bristol, VA planting zone & frost dates
Bristol is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 21 and the first fall frost around October 20, for a growing season of about 182 days.
Planting calendar for Bristol
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 21) 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: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 25 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 20).
Useful for zone 7a 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 5 | Apr 21 | May 10 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 3 | Oct 20 | Oct 8 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 10, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 8. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 7.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Bristol
- 24201 zone 7a
- 24202 zone 7a
- 24203 zone 7a
- 24205 zone 7a
- 24209 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Radford zone 7a, last frost Apr 26
- Christiansburg zone 7a, last frost Apr 19
- Blacksburg zone 7a, last frost Apr 24
- Salem zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Cave Spring zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Martinsville zone 7b, last frost Apr 24
- Roanoke zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Hollins zone 7b, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is Bristol, VA?
Bristol is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Bristol?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Bristol is April 21. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Bristol?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 28 – May 5. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Abingdon 3S, VA (USC00440021), 21.5 km (13.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 587 m, based on 29 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.