Frost Dates for Bend, OR 97703
Last spring frost June 24 · First fall frost September 7 · 75 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 97703 has about 34,100 people, one of 5 ZIP codes in Bend.
Short season: 75 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans June 5–July 14 (39 days). Fall frost risk spans August 21–September 24 (34 days).
Frost probability for 97703
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | July 14 | June 24 | June 5 |
| Fall (first frost) | August 21 | September 7 | September 24 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at BEND (18.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 75-day season in Bend
In Bend (75 frost-free days, a short season), 24 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 9 get two plantings, 8 need an indoor start, 2 need a faster variety, 12 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | May 20 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Bend has 33 after Jul 8. | — |
| Pepper | May 13 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Bend has 33 after Jul 8. | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 110 | two-plantings: Plant May 27 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 14. | Jul 17 |
| Carrots | — | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 117 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 117 available after Jun 3. | Jul 6 |
| Cucumber | Jun 3 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 47 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 8, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Beans | — | Jul 1–Jul 15 | 61 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 61 available after Jul 1. | — |
| Peas | — | Apr 29–Jul 8 | 138 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 138 available after Apr 29. | Jun 27 |
| Zucchini | Jun 10 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 47 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 8, the outdoor season is about 8 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Onion | Apr 1 | May 27–Jun 10 | 110 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 110 available after May 27. | — |
| Spinach | — | Apr 29–Jun 17 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Sep 28. | Aug 5 |
| Kale | Apr 15 | May 27–Jun 10 | 124 | two-plantings: Plant May 27 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Broccoli | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 10 | 110 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 110 available after May 27. | Jun 12 |
| Cabbage | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 10 | 124 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 124 available after May 27. | Jul 6 |
| Radish | — | Apr 29–Jul 22 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Sep 14. | Aug 6 |
| Beets | — | Apr 29–Jul 22 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 7; both mature before Sep 14. | Jul 7 |
| Potatoes | — | Jun 10–Jun 17 | 96 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 10. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 7 | 180 | overwinter: Plant Sep 7 to Sep 28; harvest the following summer. | Sep 28 |
| Strawberry | — | May 20–Jul 15 | 131 | perennial: A perennial: plant May 20; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | May 27 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Bend has 47 after Jul 1. | — |
| Pumpkin | Jun 10 | Jul 8–Jul 8 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Bend has 40 after Jul 8. | — |
| Cauliflower | May 13 | Jun 17–Jul 1 | 89 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 89 available after Jun 17. | — |
| Swiss Chard | Apr 29 | Jun 10–Jun 10 | 96 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 10. | Jul 7 |
| Arugula | — | Apr 29–Jul 22 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Sep 28. | Aug 5 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 10 | 124 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 124 available after May 27. | Jun 6 |
| Butternut Squash | Jun 10 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Bend has 40 after Jul 8. | — |
| Eggplant | May 6 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Bend has 33 after Jul 8. | — |
| Okra | May 27 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 54 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 1, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Basil | May 20 | Jul 15–Jul 15 | 40 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 15, the outdoor season is about 20 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cilantro | — | May 27–Jun 17 | 110 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 110 available after May 27. | Jul 12 |
| Parsley | Apr 15 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 75 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 75 available after Jul 1. | — |
| Celery | Apr 15 | Jul 1–Jul 15 | 75 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; Bend has 75 after Jul 1. | — |
| Scallions | Apr 15 | May 27–Jun 10 | 124 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 124 available after May 27. | Jul 16 |
| Turnip | — | May 27–Jun 10 | 124 | two-plantings: Plant May 27 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Kohlrabi | — | May 13–May 27 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Bok Choy | May 27 | Jun 17–Jun 24 | 89 | fits: 45 days to maturity, 89 available after Jun 17. | Jul 17 |
| Collards | Apr 15 | May 27–Jun 10 | 124 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 124 available after May 27. | Jul 16 |
| Cantaloupe | Jun 10 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Bend has 33 after Jul 8. | — |
| Chives | Apr 1 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 89 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 1, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Dill | — | Apr 29–Jul 22 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 7; both mature before Sep 14. | Jul 7 |
| Oregano | Apr 15 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 89 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 89 available after Jul 1. | — |
| Rosemary | Apr 1 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 75 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 1, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sage | Apr 29 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 89 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 89 available after Jul 1. | — |
| Thyme | Apr 15 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 89 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 1, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Calendula | May 13 | Jun 10–Jun 24 | 96 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 10. | Jul 12 |
| Cosmos | May 27 | Jun 24–Jul 8 | 61 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 61 available after Jun 24. | — |
| Lavender | Apr 1 | Jun 24–Jul 8 | 96 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 24. | — |
| Marigolds | May 13 | Jun 24–Jul 1 | 61 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 61 available after Jun 24. | — |
| Melons | Jun 10 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Bend has 33 after Jul 8. | — |
| Mint | — | Jun 24–Jul 8 | 96 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 96 available after Jun 24. | — |
| Nasturtiums | May 27 | Jun 24–Jul 1 | 61 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 61 available after Jun 24. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Jul 1–Jul 15 | 54 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 54 days. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jun 10 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Bend has 40 after Jul 8. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Jun 24–Jul 8 | 61 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 61 days. | — |
| Tomatillos | Apr 29 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Bend has 40 after Jul 1. | — |
| Watermelon | Jun 10 | Jul 1–Jul 8 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Bend has 40 after Jul 1. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Jun 10 | Jul 8–Jul 15 | 47 | head-start: Even planted out Jul 8, the outdoor season is about 8 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Zinnias | May 27 | Jun 24–Jul 8 | 61 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 61 available after Jun 24. | — |
Month by month in Bend
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Organize planting supplies and seed-starting mix. Check stored garden tools. |
| April | Start indoors: Chives (Apr 1), Lavender (Apr 1), Onion (Apr 1), Rosemary (Apr 1), Celery (Apr 15), Collards (Apr 15), +12 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Apr 29), Beets (Apr 29), Dill (Apr 29), Peas (Apr 29), Radish (Apr 29), Spinach (Apr 29). |
| May | Start indoors: Eggplant (May 6), Calendula (May 13), Cauliflower (May 13), Marigolds (May 13), Pepper (May 13), Basil (May 20), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (May 13), Cilantro (May 27), Turnip (May 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (May 27), Brussel Sprouts (May 27), Cabbage (May 27), Collards (May 27), Kale (May 27), Lettuce (May 27), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (May 20). |
| June | Start indoors: Cucumber (Jun 3), Butternut Squash (Jun 10), Cantaloupe (Jun 10), Melons (Jun 10), Pumpkin (Jun 10), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 10), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Jun 3), Potatoes (Jun 10), Sunflowers (Jun 24). Transplant from: Calendula (Jun 10), Swiss Chard (Jun 10), Bok Choy (Jun 17), Cauliflower (Jun 17), Cosmos (Jun 24), Lavender (Jun 24), +4 more. Last frost around June 24. Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jun 6), Broccoli (Jun 12), Peas (Jun 27). |
| July | Direct sow from: Beans (Jul 1), Pole Beans (Jul 1). Transplant from: Celery (Jul 1), Chives (Jul 1), Corn (Jul 1), Okra (Jul 1), Oregano (Jul 1), Parsley (Jul 1), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Jul 6), Carrots (Jul 6), Beets (Jul 7), Dill (Jul 7), Swiss Chard (Jul 7), Calendula (Jul 12), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Aug 5), Spinach (Aug 5), Radish (Aug 6). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 7). First frost around September 7. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Sep 28). |
| October | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| 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 Bend, OR (ZIP 97703)?
The median last spring frost date for Bend, OR (ZIP code 97703) is around June 24. 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 June 5; one in ten it runs past July 14.
What is the first fall frost date in Bend, OR?
The median first fall frost date for Bend, OR is around September 7. 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 August 21 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Bend, OR?
The frost-free growing season in Bend is about 75 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 Bend (75 frost-free days, a short season), 24 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 9 get two plantings, 8 need an indoor start, 2 need a faster variety, 12 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Bend, OR?
Bend, OR is in USDA hardiness zone 6b (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 Bend, OR?
Start tomatoes indoors May 20 and plant out Jul 8 in Bend. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Bend?
Two: plant May 27 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 14.
When do I plant garlic in Bend?
Sep 7 to Sep 28; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Bend?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; Bend has 75 after Jul 1.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Madras (ZIP 97741) has 100 frost-free days, 25 more than Bend (ZIP 97703). See Madras ZIP 97741 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Bend, OR 97702 (16.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Redmond, OR 97756 (21.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Bend, OR 97701 (24.6 mi)
- Frost dates for La Pine, OR 97739 (27.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Madras, OR 97741 (46.8 mi)
- When to plant in Bend, OR: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in OR
- When to plant Beets in OR
- When to plant Broccoli in OR
- When to plant Carrots in OR
- When to plant Kale in OR
- When to plant Onions in OR
- When to plant Peas in OR
- Look up another ZIP