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

Planting zone for 36256 — Daviston, AL

ZIP code 36256 (Daviston, Tallapoosa County) is in USDA zone 8a: the coldest winter night averages 10 to 15 °F. The median last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost October 27.

Where ZIP 36256 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.

Zone8a10 to 15 °F

Coldest night−12.2 to −9.4 °C

Last frostApr 11

First frostOct 27

2012 zone7b

Was 7b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 8a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Daviston, AL…

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 Daviston, AL

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 11median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 26only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 27median — 10% chance by Oct 16

Growing season201 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 31 and returns around November 6.

From the NOAA station Camp Hill 2nw, AL — 16 miles away, elevation 679 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 36256

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 21

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 31 – Feb 14

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 14 – Mar 28

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 14 – Mar 28

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 18 – May 2

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 31 – Feb 14

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 25 – May 9

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 1 – Sep 15

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 13 – Nov 17

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 11) and first fall frost (Oct 27) 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 36256 came on Feb 14 — 6 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 8).

average
Feb 82026
Feb 14

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 8a in Alabama

550 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Alabama, and rated by the USDA to survive 10 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8a. 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 Daviston, AL.

Soil in Daviston, AL

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 36256 is Madison — fine sandy loam, well drained.

TextureFine sandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH4.7strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Madison-Louisa complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded.

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 36256; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Daviston, AL

Summer high91 °Faverage high, July

Winter low29 °Faverage low, January

Hot days63days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights86nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days4,916base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 20 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 58 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation57.9 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: Camp Hill 2nw, AL (16 mi away); precipitation: Wadley Nr 2, AL (9 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 8a.

Jacksons Gap, AL · 14 mi

350118a

Alexander City, AL · 15 mi

362518a

Ashland, AL · 15 mi

350108a

Alexander City, AL · 16 mi

368538a

Dadeville, AL · 17 mi

362678a

Millerville, AL · 17 mi

Alabama planting zones →

Questions about 36256

What planting zone is ZIP code 36256?

ZIP code 36256 (Daviston, AL) is in USDA hardiness zone 8a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 10 to 15 °F (−12.2 to −9.4 °C).

When is the last frost in Daviston, AL?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 36256 is April 11; after April 26 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Camp Hill 2nw station.

When is the first frost in Daviston, AL?

The median first fall frost near 36256 is October 27, giving a median frost-free growing season of 201 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 36256?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 14 – Feb 28 and set transplants outside around Apr 18 – May 2, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 36256 get?

About 57.9 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Wadley Nr 2 station).

How hot do summers get in Daviston, AL?

The average high peaks at 91 °F in July, with about 63 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 36256 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Madison at the center of ZIP 36256: fine sandy loam, well drained, pH about 4.7 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Daviston, AL in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 36256 came on Feb 14 in 2026, 6 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 8), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Daviston, AL?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 36256 is 14 h 20 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 36256 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 36256 in zone 7b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.