When to plant in Lorton, VA
USDA Zone 7bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Lorton, Virginia — all computed from Lorton's nearest NOAA weather station.
Lorton's nearest full-normals station sits about 22 km out, so treat these as a close estimate — local microclimate can nudge your first and last frost. Zone 7b means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in Lorton, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
OXON HILL · 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 Lorton’s own odds, recorded at OXON HILL.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 2 | Apr 15 | Apr 1 | Oct 14 | Oct 27 | Nov 10 |
| 32°F | Apr 15 | Apr 3 | Mar 19 | Oct 24 | Nov 8 | Nov 23 |
| 28°F | Apr 3 | Mar 21 | Mar 5 | Nov 5 | Nov 19 | Dec 8 |
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 Lorton, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 23 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.
Lorton planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Lorton, VA?
Plan for the last spring frost in Lorton around April 3 (the date it has a 50% chance of a 32°F freeze). Anything frost-sensitive should go out after it.
When is the first fall frost in Lorton, VA?
The first fall frost in Lorton typically arrives around November 8 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Lorton in?
Lorton is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. In zone 7b, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Lorton?
There are roughly 219 frost-free days in Lorton (a long growing season), running from the average last frost around April 3 to the first fall frost near November 8.
When should I plant tomatoes in Lorton?
In Lorton, start tomato seeds indoors around February 6–February 20, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 10 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Lorton
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Lorton’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Newington · 4 km
- Newington Forest · 5 km
- Woodbridge · 7 km
- Lake Ridge · 8 km
- West Springfield · 9 km
- Franconia · 9 km
- Kingstowne · 10 km
- Woodlawn · 10 km
Frost dates recorded at OXON HILL, 22 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 Lorton, VA — Frost Dates & Zone 7b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00186800. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/virginia/lorton.