Last spring frost
May 4
Frost Dates for Mulberry, NC
First fall frost
Oct 10
Growing season
158 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Mulberry, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 4 and the first fall frost is about Oct 10, giving roughly a 158-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 18 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 1 | May 15 | Apr 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 22 | May 4 | Apr 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 12 | Apr 20 | Apr 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 5 | Mar 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 1 | May 27 | May 23 | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 9 | May 5 | Apr 30 |
| 32°F | May 22 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 |
| 28°F | May 12 | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 24°F | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 |
| 20°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 |
| 16°F | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 13 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 16 | Oct 1 | Oct 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 27 | Oct 10 | Oct 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 20 | Nov 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 31 | Nov 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 |
| 32°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 |
| 28°F | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 |
| 24°F | Oct 15 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 15 |
| 20°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 16°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 18 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Transou, Nc, about 6.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,834 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Mulberry, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Mulberry, NC is about May 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Mulberry, NC typically arrives about Oct 10. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around May 4 on average, or Apr 18 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 158 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 28649 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026