What can I grow in Raleigh?

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 76°F (24°C) · Ideal: 68–86°F (20–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 17 in (426 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm) · covered by irrigation

Maturity groups are matched to latitude because flowering is triggered by shortening days.

Glycine max. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Glycine max; FAO Crop Water Information: soybean. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 72°F (22°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 48°F (9°C) · Ideal: at least 43°F (6°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 16 in (401 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm)

Deep roots make it fairly drought tolerant.

Helianthus annuus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Helianthus annuus; FAO Crop Water Information: sunflower. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 76°F (24°C) · Ideal: 64–81°F (18–27°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 17 in (426 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm)

Fruit set fails when nights drop below ~10 °C or days top ~35 °C. Wet seasons bring blight.

Solanum lycopersicum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum lycopersicum; FAO Crop Water Information: tomato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 30 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 0°F (-18°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 210 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 4,320 °F·days (2,400 °C·days)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 30–59 in (750–1,500 mm)

Needs a long, hot season to fill the nuts.

Carya illinoinensis. Sources: Wells 2017, Pecan: America's Native Nut Tree (University of Alabama Press); FAO ECOCROP: Carya illinoinensis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 76°F (24°C) · Ideal: 72–91°F (22–33°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 17 in (426 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm)

Handles heat and drought better than maize.

Sorghum bicolor. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Sorghum bicolor; FAO Crop Water Information: sorghum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 61°F (16°C) · Ideal: 57–75°F (14–24°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 40°F (5°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 11 in (287 mm) · Ideal: 5.9–18 in (150–450 mm)

Grown as a short-season crop in most commercial systems; day-neutral types fruit through summer.

Fragaria × ananassa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Fragaria × ananassa; UC ANR: Strawberry production. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 65°F (18°C) · Ideal: 55–68°F (13–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 40°F (5°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 16 in (394 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm)

Tubers form best with cool nights; above ~25 °C tuber growth stalls. In the tropics it's a highland or cool-season crop.

Solanum tuberosum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum tuberosum; FAO Crop Water Information: potato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 77°F (25°C) · Ideal: 72–88°F (22–31°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 62°F (17°C) · Ideal: at least 59°F (15°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 18 in (448 mm) · Ideal: 28–79 in (700–2,000 mm) · covered by irrigation

Paddy rice is usually flooded from irrigation or monsoon rain; nights below ~15 °C at flowering cause empty grains.

Oryza sativa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Oryza sativa; FAO Crop Water Information: rice. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: 54–70°F (12–21°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 14 in (368 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–22 in (250–550 mm)

Heat over ~30 °C at flowering cuts yield; a cool-season crop in warm climates.

Brassica napus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Brassica napus; Canola Council of Canada: Canola Encyclopedia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: 52–68°F (11–20°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 14 in (368 mm) · Ideal: 7.9–20 in (200–500 mm)

The most cold- and drought-tolerant small grain; malting barley wants a cool, dry finish.

Hordeum vulgare. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Hordeum vulgare; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: 54–72°F (12–22°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 33°F (1°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 14 in (368 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm)

In mild-winter climates spring wheat is sown in autumn and grows through the cool season.

Triticum aestivum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Triticum aestivum; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 76°F (24°C) · Ideal: 64–86°F (18–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 17 in (426 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,980 °F·days (1,100 °C·days)

Hybrids are matched to season length by relative maturity. Heat over ~35 °C at silking hurts pollination.

Zea mays. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Zea mays; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979, Yield response to water). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 55 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -20°F (-29°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 140 days

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 10 days · Ideal: at most 15 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 30–59 in (750–1,500 mm)

Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5), which climate can't tell us. Shallow roots: irrigate in dry spells.

Vaccinium corymbosum / V. virgatum. Sources: Retamales & Hancock, Blueberries (CABI, 2nd ed.); NC State Extension: blueberry chill requirements. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 72°F (22°C) · Ideal: 61–79°F (16–26°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100

  Here: 48°F (9°C) · Ideal: at least 41°F (5°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 16 in (401 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm)

• Longest day100

  Here: 14.6 h · Ideal: at least 14.5 h

Grain and fibre cultivars bred at high latitudes flower too early under the short days of the tropics. Licensing rules vary by country.

Cannabis sativa. Sources: Amaducci et al. 2015, Key cultivation techniques for hemp in Europe and China (Industrial Crops and Products); FAO ECOCROP: Cannabis sativa. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 42 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 14°F (-10°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 240 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,520 °F·days (1,400 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 10 days · Ideal: at most 30 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 39–79 in (1,000–2,000 mm)

Shoots are tender to spring frost; vines need shelter from wind.

Actinidia deliciosa. Sources: Zespri / New Zealand kiwifruit growing guidance; FAO ECOCROP: Actinidia deliciosa. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 40 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -6°F (-21°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 170 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,340 °F·days (1,300 °C·days)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 24–47 in (600–1,200 mm)

Flower buds are killed around −23 °C in midwinter and by frost after bloom.

Prunus persica. Sources: Fadón et al. 2020, Chilling and heat requirements of temperate stone fruit trees (Prunus sp.) (Agronomy); FAO ECOCROP: Prunus persica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -18°F (-28°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 150 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,800 °F·days (1,000 °C·days)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 24–47 in (600–1,200 mm)

Warm, humid springs raise fire blight risk.

Pyrus communis / P. pyrifolia. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); FAO ECOCROP: Pyrus communis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 45 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -8°F (-22°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 180 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,700 °F·days (1,500 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 10 days · Ideal: at most 75 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 26–47 in (650–1,200 mm)

Late-leafing varieties (Chandler) dodge spring frost. Very hot days sunburn the nuts.

Juglans regia. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); UC ANR: Walnut Production Manual. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -26°F (-32°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 140 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,800 °F·days (1,000 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)99

  Here: 10 days · Ideal: at most 10 days

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 26–51 in (650–1,300 mm)

Rootstock and variety set cold hardiness; the hardiest survive zone 3. Hot summers hurt colour and cause sunburn.

Malus domestica. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); FAO ECOCROP: Malus domestica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 75°F (24°C) · Ideal: 72–86°F (22–30°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)98

  Here: 57°F (14°C) · Ideal: at least 57°F (14°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 22 in (548 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm)

Needs warm, light soil for pods to develop underground.

Arachis hypogaea. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Arachis hypogaea; FAO Crop Water Information: groundnut. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Average temperature100

  Here: 61°F (16°C) · Ideal: 61–77°F (16–25°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 14°F (-10°C)

• Yearly rain100

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 59–118 in (1,500–3,000 mm) · covered by irrigation

• Dry-season length100

  Here: 0 months · Ideal: at most 2 months

• Days above 95°F (35°C)99

  Here: 10 days · Ideal: at most 10 days

Needs acidic soil and steady rain; the finest teas come from cool highlands.

Camellia sinensis. Sources: Carr 1972, The climatic requirements of the tea plant: a review (Experimental Agriculture); FAO ECOCROP: Camellia sinensis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -11°F (-24°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 150 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,440 °F·days (800 °C·days)

• Days above 95°F (35°C)100

  Here: 10 days · Ideal: at most 30 days

• Yearly rain80

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

Rain near harvest splits sweet cherries. Spring frosts at bloom are the main yield risk.

Prunus avium / P. cerasus. Sources: Fadón et al. 2020, Chilling and heat requirements of temperate stone fruit trees (Prunus sp.) (Agronomy); FAO ECOCROP: Prunus avium. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest-month average100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: at most 43°F (6°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -22°F (-30°C)

• Warmest-month average88

  Here: 80°F (27°C) · Ideal: 61–79°F (16–26°C)

• Yearly rain80

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 16–39 in (400–1,000 mm)

Planted in autumn and harvested in early summer; cloves need weeks below ~10 °C to form bulbs (hardnecks more than softnecks).

Allium sativum. Sources: UC ANR: Garlic production in California; FAO ECOCROP: Allium sativum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winkler index (Apr–Oct degree days)100

  Here: 4,583 °F·days (2,546 °C·days) · Ideal: 3,420–4,680 °F·days (1,900–2,600 °C·days)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 10°F (-12°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 180 days

• Yearly rain63

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

Winkler regions: I < 1389, II 1389–1667, III 1667–1944, IV 1944–2222, V > 2222 °C·days (Apr–Oct, base 10 °C). Wet summers mean mildew pressure.

Vitis vinifera. Sources: Amerine & Winkler 1944, Composition and quality of musts and wines of California grapes (Hilgardia); Jones et al. 2010, Spatial analysis of climate in winegrape growing regions in the western United States (American Journal of Enology and Viticulture). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Growing-season average100

  Here: 73°F (23°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)67

  Here: 50°F (10°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)

• Growing-season rain100

  Here: 25 in (625 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 190 days

Needs a long, hot season and dry weather when bolls open.

Gossypium hirsutum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Gossypium hirsutum; FAO Crop Water Information: cotton. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 77 portions · Ideal: at least 25 portions

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 9°F (-13°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 210 days

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 3,420 °F·days (1,900 °C·days)

• Yearly rain48

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

Blooms in late winter, so spring frosts are the main risk. Humid springs bring disease. Mostly irrigated.

Prunus dulcis. Sources: Fadón et al. 2020, Chilling and heat requirements of temperate stone fruit trees (Prunus sp.) (Agronomy); UC ANR: Almond Production Manual. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -11°F (-24°C)

• Warmest-month average86

  Here: 80°F (27°C) · Ideal: 63–79°F (17–26°C)

• Coldest-month average100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: at most 50°F (10°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 120 days

• Yearly rain43

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 14–33 in (350–850 mm)

Dislikes wet winters and humid summers more than cold. Needs sharp drainage.

Lavandula angustifolia / L. × intermedia. Sources: University extension lavender production guides (e.g. Oregon State, Washington State); FAO ECOCROP: Lavandula angustifolia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)58

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 18°F (-8°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 80°F (27°C) · Ideal: 72–90°F (22–32°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 200 days

• Yearly rain84

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–39 in (250–1,000 mm)

Tops die back around −10 °C but roots often regrow. Rain at ripening splits fruit.

Ficus carica. Sources: UC ANR: Fig production; FAO ECOCROP: Ficus carica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)58

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 18°F (-8°C)

• Chill hours (9 winters in 10)100

  Here: 1,421 hours · Ideal: at least 300 hours

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 80°F (27°C) · Ideal: 73–86°F (23–30°C)

• Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100

  Here: 4,873 °F·days (2,707 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 3,240 °F·days (1,800 °C·days)

• Yearly rain63

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm)

Needs a mild winter chill to flower well, and long warm summers to ripen. Humid summers bring olive knot and peacock spot.

Olea europaea. Sources: Connor & Fereres 2005, The physiology of adaptation and yield expression in olive (Horticultural Reviews); FAO ECOCROP: Olea europaea. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Longest day60

  Here: 14.6 h · Ideal: at least 15.0 h

• Coldest-month average100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: at most 43°F (6°C)

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least -18°F (-28°C)

• Frost-free days100

  Here: 244 days · Ideal: at least 130 days

• Warmest-month average46

  Here: 80°F (27°C) · Ideal: 63–75°F (17–24°C)

• Yearly rain73

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)

Long summer days drive cone yield, which is why production clusters between 35° and 55° latitude. Needs a cold winter for dormancy.

Humulus lupulus. Sources: Neve 1991, Hops (Chapman & Hall); FAO ECOCROP: Humulus lupulus. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.

• Coldest night of the year (average)100

  Here: 15°F (-10°C) · Ideal: at least 1°F (-17°C)

• Coldest-month average100

  Here: 41°F (5°C) · Ideal: 30–50°F (-1 to 10°C)

• Warmest-month average100

  Here: 80°F (27°C) · Ideal: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

• Dry-season length40

  Here: 0 months · Ideal: at least 2 months

• Yearly rain8

  Here: 46 in (1,161 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–28 in (250–700 mm)

Corms rest through a hot, dry summer and flower in autumn. Wet summers rot them.

Crocus sativus. Sources: Gresta et al. 2008, Saffron, an alternative crop for sustainable agricultural systems (Agronomy for Sustainable Development); Kafi et al. 2006, Saffron (Crocus sativus): Production and Processing. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.