Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 27553 — Manson, NC

ZIP code 27553 (Manson, Vance County) is in USDA zone 7b: the coldest winter night averages 5 to 10 °F. The median last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost November 1.

Where ZIP 27553 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone7b5 to 10 °F

Coldest night−15 to −12.2 °C

Last frostApr 5

First frostNov 1

2012 zone7b

Same zone as on the 2012 map. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 7b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Manson, NC…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Manson, NC

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostApril 5median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 19only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 1median — 10% chance by Oct 20

Growing season210 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 24 and returns around November 11.

From the NOAA station John H Kerr Dam, VA — 8 miles away, elevation 249 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 27553

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 22 – Mar 8

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 22 – Mar 15

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 25 – Feb 8

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 15 – Mar 29

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 8 – Mar 22

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 8 – Mar 22

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 8 – Feb 22

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 12 – Apr 26

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 25 – Feb 8

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 19 – May 3

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 12 – Apr 26

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 12 – Apr 26

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 12 – Apr 26

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 6 – Sep 20

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 18 – Nov 22

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 5) and first fall frost (Nov 1) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 27553 came on Mar 1 — 5 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 24).

average
Feb 242026
Mar 1

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 7b in North Carolina

596 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in North Carolina, and rated by the USDA to survive 5 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 7b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Manson, NC.

Soil in Manson, NC

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 27553 is Appling — sandy loam, well drained.

TextureSandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.3slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 27553; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Manson, NC

Summer high92 °Faverage high, July

Winter low29 °Faverage low, January

Hot days59days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights80nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days4,896base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 39 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 40 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation46.8 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: John H Kerr Dam, VA (8 mi away); precipitation: Norlina 5.0 N, NC (6 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

1 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

275707b

Ridgeway, NC · 5 mi

275567b

Middleburg, NC · 6 mi

Townsville, NC · 8 mi

239177b

Boydton, VA · 10 mi

275377b

Henderson, NC · 10 mi

239198a

Bracey, VA · 11 mi

North Carolina planting zones →

Questions about 27553

What planting zone is ZIP code 27553?

ZIP code 27553 (Manson, NC) is in USDA hardiness zone 7b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 5 to 10 °F (−15 to −12.2 °C).

When is the last frost in Manson, NC?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 27553 is April 5; after April 19 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, John H Kerr Dam station.

When is the first frost in Manson, NC?

The median first fall frost near 27553 is November 1, giving a median frost-free growing season of 210 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 27553?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 8 – Feb 22 and set transplants outside around Apr 12 – Apr 26, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 27553 get?

About 46.8 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Norlina 5.0 N station).

How hot do summers get in Manson, NC?

The average high peaks at 92 °F in July, with about 59 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 27553 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Appling at the center of ZIP 27553: sandy loam, well drained, pH about 6.3 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Manson, NC in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 27553 came on Mar 1 in 2026, 5 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 24), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Manson, NC?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 27553 is 14 h 39 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.