What to plant in April in North Carolina
In North Carolina (NC), April comes about 1 week after the average last frost (April 5). The state averages 203 frost-free days a year (last frost April 5, first frost October 25; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).
84 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including asparagus, bok choy / pak choi, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, chives - and 42 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from North Carolina frost dates (last frost Apr 5, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cauliflower or lettuce in North Carolina.
North Carolina covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
North Carolina: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 1) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 1) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 1) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by Apr 1) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by Apr 5) · Fennel (Bulb) (transplant outdoors, by Apr 8) · Globe Artichoke (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 8) · Lemon Balm (transplant outdoors, by Apr 8) · Mint (transplant outdoors, by Apr 8) · Tarragon (transplant outdoors, by Apr 8) · Fennel (Bulb) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 12) · Lemon Balm (direct sow (spring), by Apr 12) · Parsnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 12) · Swiss Chard (direct sow (spring), by Apr 12) · Celeriac (transplant outdoors, by Apr 15) · Celery (transplant outdoors, by Apr 15) · Oregano (transplant outdoors, by Apr 15) · Sage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 15) · Thyme (transplant outdoors, by Apr 15) · Dill (direct sow (spring), by Apr 19) · Sunflower (direct sow (spring), by Apr 19)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (95)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in April, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Mar 15 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 17 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Mar 22 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 24 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 24 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 24 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 24 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 31 – Apr 19 | Last chance - ends Apr 19 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 31 – Apr 19 | Last chance - ends Apr 19 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Apr 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 22 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on Apr 6 and Apr 18 and Apr 30
- Spinach: sow again on Apr 6 and Apr 18 and Apr 30
- Carrot: sow again on Apr 2 and Apr 20
- Beet: sow again on Apr 13
- Radish: sow again on Apr 7 and Apr 17 and Apr 27
- Arugula: sow again on Apr 1 and Apr 13 and Apr 25
- Turnip: sow again on Apr 12 and Apr 26
- Kohlrabi: sow again on Apr 12 and Apr 26
- Mustard Greens: sow again on Apr 12 and Apr 26
- Green Onion / Scallion: sow again on Apr 19
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on Apr 12 and Apr 26
- Rapini (Broccoli Raab): sow again on Apr 12 and Apr 26
- Tatsoi: sow again on Apr 1 and Apr 13 and Apr 25
- Mizuna: sow again on Apr 1 and Apr 13 and Apr 25
- Chervil: sow again on Apr 12 and Apr 26
Harvesting in April
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in North Carolina
Every crop has its own full-year dates for North Carolina: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Main planting month: April garden jobs in North Carolina
- With the average last frost on April 5, 69 crops can go in outdoors this month, including asparagus, bok choy / pak choi, broccoli, brussels sprouts.
- Transplant on a cloudy afternoon and water in well - see transplanting seedlings without shock.
- Once the soil has warmed, lay mulch around established plants to hold moisture and smother weeds.
- Sow quick crops little and often - lettuce, radish and beans every two to three weeks give a steady harvest instead of a glut (succession planting).
USDA zone chart for North Carolina
North Carolina spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in North Carolina in April?
84 crops have a window in April: asparagus, bok choy / pak choi, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, chives, endive & escarole, leek, lettuce, napa cabbage and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in North Carolina in April?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 5 – Apr 22 in North Carolina, so do it before April 22.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in North Carolina in April?
No - transplant outdoors runs Mar 15 – Apr 1 in North Carolina, so do it before April 1.
When is the first frost in North Carolina?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 5. North Carolina covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in North Carolina in April?
From plantings made on time: radish, spinach, arugula, tatsoi, mizuna, mustard greens, mache (corn salad), lettuce, turnip, rapini (broccoli raab).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from North Carolina’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.