Frost Dates for Selma, AL 36701

Last spring frost March 19 · First fall frost November 12 · 238 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b

Frost probability for 36701

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 5March 19March 2
Fall (first frost)October 25November 12November 29

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (57.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Selma, AL

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
36701March 19November 128b
36703March 22November 98b

Month by month in Selma

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 19). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
FebruaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MarchLast frost around March 19. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
AprilFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MaySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JuneHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JulyMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 12). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 12. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 238-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Selma, AL (ZIP 36701)?

The median last spring frost date for Selma, AL (ZIP code 36701) is around March 19. 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.

What is the first fall frost date in Selma, AL?

The median first fall frost date for Selma, AL is around November 12. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Selma, AL?

The frost-free growing season in Selma is about 238 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.

What USDA hardiness zone is Selma, AL?

Based on frost date patterns, Selma falls approximately in 8b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Selma, AL?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 19). For Selma, that's roughly January 23 to February 6. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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