When to plant in Marion, AR
USDA Zone 8aEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in Marion, Arkansas — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
In zone 8a, Marion supports a wide range of perennials year-round; the frost dates above are what set your annual vegetable timing.
Frost probability
WEST MEMPHIS MUNI AP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Marion’s own odds, recorded at WEST MEMPHIS MUNI AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 13 | Mar 29 | Mar 9 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Apr 3 | Mar 16 | Feb 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 11 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 22 | Mar 2 | Feb 10 | Nov 7 | Nov 24 | Dec 17 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Marion, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 26 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Marion planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Marion, AR?
Marion's average last spring frost falls near March 16 — the 50% mark at 32°F in the 1991–2020 normals. Hold tender transplants until the risk has passed, then plant out.
When is the first fall frost in Marion, AR?
The first fall frost in Marion typically arrives around November 11 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Marion in?
Marion is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. In zone 8a, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in Marion?
Marion has about 240 frost-free days — a long growing season — between the average last spring frost (March 16) and first fall frost (November 11).
When should I plant tomatoes in Marion?
For Marion, sow tomatoes indoors about January 19–February 2 and move the seedlings out around March 23, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Marion
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Marion’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- West Memphis · 6 km
- Memphis · 24 km
- Millington · 31 km
- Horn Lake · 31 km
- Southaven · 35 km
- Bartlett · 35 km
- Germantown · 41 km
- Olive Branch · 43 km
Frost dates recorded at WEST MEMPHIS MUNI AP, 8 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Marion, AR — Frost Dates & Zone 8a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00053959. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/arkansas/marion.