Frost Dates for Aurora, MO 65605
Last spring frost April 21 · First fall frost October 12 · 174 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 65605 has about 11,500 people.
Moderate season: 174 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 8–May 5 (27 days). Fall frost risk spans September 29–October 25 (26 days).
Frost probability for 65605
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 5 | April 21 | April 8 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 29 | October 12 | October 25 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at GALENA (21.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 174-day season in Aurora
In Aurora (174 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 17 | May 5–May 12 | 132 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 132 available after May 5. | Jun 12 |
| Pepper | Mar 10 | May 5–May 12 | 132 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 132 available after May 5. | Jun 17 |
| Lettuce | Feb 24 | Mar 24–Mar 31 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 21 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 31–Apr 7 | 216 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 31. | Aug 10 |
| Cucumber | Mar 31 | May 5–May 12 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Beans | — | Apr 28–May 12 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Peas | — | Feb 24–May 5 | 237 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 237 available after Feb 24. | Aug 1 |
| Zucchini | Apr 7 | May 5–May 12 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Onion | Jan 27 | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 209 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 24. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 24–Apr 14 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 24 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 9 |
| Kale | Feb 10 | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Broccoli | Feb 24 | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 209 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 24. | Jul 17 |
| Cabbage | Feb 24 | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 223 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 24. | Aug 10 |
| Radish | — | Feb 24–May 19 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 24 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Oct 19. | Sep 10 |
| Beets | — | Feb 24–May 19 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 24 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 7–Apr 14 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 7. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 12 | 279 | overwinter: Plant Oct 12 to Nov 2; harvest the following summer. | Nov 2 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 17–May 12 | 230 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 17; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 24 | Apr 28–May 5 | 146 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 28. | Jun 24 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 7 | May 5–May 5 | 139 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 139 available after May 5. | May 30 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 10 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 188 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 14. | Jul 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 24 | Apr 7–Apr 7 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 24–May 19 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 24 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 9 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 24 | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 223 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 24. | Jul 11 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 7 | May 5–May 12 | 139 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 139 available after May 5. | May 30 |
| Eggplant | Mar 3 | May 5–May 12 | 132 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 132 available after May 5. | Jun 22 |
| Okra | Mar 24 | Apr 28–May 5 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Basil | Mar 17 | May 12–May 12 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 24–Apr 14 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 16 |
| Parsley | Feb 10 | Apr 28–May 5 | 174 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 28. | Jul 27 |
| Celery | Feb 10 | Apr 28–May 12 | 174 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 28. | Jun 7 |
| Scallions | Feb 10 | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 30 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 10–Mar 24 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 10 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 24 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 21 |
| Collards | Feb 10 | Mar 24–Apr 7 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 7 | May 5–May 12 | 132 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 132 available after May 5. | Jun 7 |
| Chives | Jan 27 | Apr 28–May 5 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 24–May 19 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 24 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Oregano | Feb 10 | Apr 28–May 5 | 188 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 27 | Apr 28–May 5 | 174 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Sage | Feb 24 | Apr 28–May 5 | 188 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 10 | Apr 28–May 5 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 10 | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 16 |
| Cosmos | Mar 24 | Apr 21–May 5 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Lavender | Jan 27 | Apr 21–May 5 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 10 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Melons | Apr 7 | May 5–May 12 | 132 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 132 available after May 5. | Jun 7 |
| Mint | — | Apr 21–May 5 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 28–May 12 | 153 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 28. | Jul 11 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 7 | May 5–May 12 | 139 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 139 available after May 5. | Jun 9 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 21–May 5 | 160 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 21. | Jul 6 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 24 | Apr 28–May 5 | 139 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 28. | Jun 17 |
| Watermelon | Apr 7 | Apr 28–May 5 | 139 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 28. | Jun 12 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 7 | May 5–May 12 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Zinnias | Mar 24 | Apr 21–May 5 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
Month by month in Aurora
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 27), Lavender (Jan 27), Onion (Jan 27), Rosemary (Jan 27). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 10), Collards (Feb 10), Kale (Feb 10), Oregano (Feb 10), Parsley (Feb 10), Scallions (Feb 10), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 24), Beets (Feb 24), Dill (Feb 24), Peas (Feb 24), Radish (Feb 24), Spinach (Feb 24). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 3), Calendula (Mar 10), Cauliflower (Mar 10), Marigolds (Mar 10), Pepper (Mar 10), Basil (Mar 17), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 10), Cilantro (Mar 24), Turnip (Mar 24), Carrots (Mar 31). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 24), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 24), Cabbage (Mar 24), Collards (Mar 24), Kale (Mar 24), Lettuce (Mar 24), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 17). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 7), Cantaloupe (Apr 7), Melons (Apr 7), Pumpkin (Apr 7), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 7), Watermelon (Apr 7), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 7), Sunflowers (Apr 21), Beans (Apr 28), Pole Beans (Apr 28). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 7), Swiss Chard (Apr 7), Bok Choy (Apr 14), Cauliflower (Apr 14), Cosmos (Apr 21), Lavender (Apr 21), +15 more. Last frost around April 21. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 5), Cantaloupe (May 5), Cucumber (May 5), Eggplant (May 5), Melons (May 5), Pepper (May 5), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 30), Pumpkin (May 30). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 7), Celery (Jun 7), Melons (Jun 7), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 9), Tomato (Jun 12), Watermelon (Jun 12), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 6), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 11), Pole Beans (Jul 11), Basil (Jul 16), Cosmos (Jul 16), Cucumber (Jul 16), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 1), Cabbage (Aug 10), Carrots (Aug 10), Beets (Aug 11), Dill (Aug 11), Swiss Chard (Aug 11), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 9), Spinach (Sep 9), Radish (Sep 10). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 12). First frost around October 12. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 2). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Aurora, MO (ZIP 65605)?
The median last spring frost date for Aurora, MO (ZIP code 65605) is around April 21. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 8; one in ten it runs past May 5.
What is the first fall frost date in Aurora, MO?
The median first fall frost date for Aurora, MO is around October 12. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 29 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Aurora, MO?
The frost-free growing season in Aurora is about 174 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Aurora (174 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Aurora, MO?
Aurora, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Aurora, MO?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 17 and plant out May 5 in Aurora. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Aurora?
Two: plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19.
When do I plant garlic in Aurora?
Oct 12 to Nov 2; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Republic (ZIP 65738) has 186 frost-free days, 12 more than Aurora (ZIP 65605). See Republic ZIP 65738 frost dates
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