Frost Dates for Emporia, KS 66801
Last spring frost April 15 · First fall frost October 13 · 181 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 66801 has about 27,600 people.
Long season: 181 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 2–April 28 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans September 28–October 29 (31 days).
Frost probability for 66801
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 28 | April 15 | April 2 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 28 | October 13 | October 29 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at COUNCIL GROVE LAKE (38.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 181-day season in Emporia
In Emporia (181 frost-free days, a long 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 11 | Apr 29–May 6 | 139 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 29. | Jun 13 |
| Pepper | Mar 4 | Apr 29–May 6 | 139 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 29. | Jun 18 |
| Lettuce | Feb 18 | Mar 18–Mar 25 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 22 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 25–Apr 1 | 223 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 25. | Aug 11 |
| Cucumber | Mar 25 | Apr 29–May 6 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Beans | — | Apr 22–May 6 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Peas | — | Feb 18–Apr 29 | 244 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 244 available after Feb 18. | Aug 2 |
| Zucchini | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Onion | Jan 21 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 216 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 18. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 18–Apr 8 | 258 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 10 |
| Kale | Feb 4 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Broccoli | Feb 18 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 216 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 18. | Jul 18 |
| Cabbage | Feb 18 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 230 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 230 available after Mar 18. | Aug 11 |
| Radish | — | Feb 18–May 13 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Oct 20. | Sep 11 |
| Beets | — | Feb 18–May 13 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 202 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 13 | 286 | overwinter: Plant Oct 13 to Nov 3; harvest the following summer. | Nov 3 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 11–May 6 | 237 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 11; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 153 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 22. | Jun 25 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 1 | Apr 29–Apr 29 | 146 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | May 31 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 4 | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 195 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 8. | Jul 23 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 1 | 202 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 18–May 13 | 258 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 10 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 18 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 230 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 230 available after Mar 18. | Jul 12 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 146 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | May 31 |
| Eggplant | Feb 25 | Apr 29–May 6 | 139 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 29. | Jun 23 |
| Okra | Mar 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Basil | Mar 11 | May 6–May 6 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 18–Apr 8 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 17 |
| Parsley | Feb 4 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 181 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 22. | Jul 28 |
| Celery | Feb 4 | Apr 22–May 6 | 181 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 22. | Jun 8 |
| Scallions | Feb 4 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 31 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 4–Mar 18 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 18 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 22 |
| Collards | Feb 4 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 139 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 29. | Jun 8 |
| Chives | Jan 21 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 18–May 13 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 18 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Oregano | Feb 4 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 195 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 21 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 181 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Sage | Feb 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 195 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 4 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 202 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 17 |
| Cosmos | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Lavender | Jan 21 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 202 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 27 |
| Melons | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 139 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 29. | Jun 8 |
| Mint | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 202 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 22–May 6 | 160 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 22. | Jul 12 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 146 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | Jun 10 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 167 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 15. | Jul 7 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 146 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 22. | Jun 18 |
| Watermelon | Apr 1 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 146 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 22. | Jun 13 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Zinnias | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
Month by month in Emporia
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 21), Lavender (Jan 21), Onion (Jan 21), Rosemary (Jan 21). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 4), Collards (Feb 4), Kale (Feb 4), Oregano (Feb 4), Parsley (Feb 4), Scallions (Feb 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 18), Beets (Feb 18), Dill (Feb 18), Peas (Feb 18), Radish (Feb 18), Spinach (Feb 18). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 4), Cauliflower (Mar 4), Marigolds (Mar 4), Pepper (Mar 4), Basil (Mar 11), Tomato (Mar 11), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 4), Cilantro (Mar 18), Turnip (Mar 18), Carrots (Mar 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 18), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 18), Cabbage (Mar 18), Collards (Mar 18), Kale (Mar 18), Lettuce (Mar 18), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 11). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 1), Cantaloupe (Apr 1), Melons (Apr 1), Pumpkin (Apr 1), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 1), Watermelon (Apr 1), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 1), Sunflowers (Apr 15), Beans (Apr 22), Pole Beans (Apr 22). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 1), Swiss Chard (Apr 1), Bok Choy (Apr 8), Cauliflower (Apr 8), Cosmos (Apr 15), Lavender (Apr 15), +26 more. Last frost around April 15. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 6). Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 31), Pumpkin (May 31). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 8), Celery (Jun 8), Melons (Jun 8), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 10), Tomato (Jun 13), Watermelon (Jun 13), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 7), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 12), Pole Beans (Jul 12), Basil (Jul 17), Cosmos (Jul 17), Cucumber (Jul 17), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 2), Cabbage (Aug 11), Carrots (Aug 11), Beets (Aug 12), Dill (Aug 12), Swiss Chard (Aug 12), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 10), Spinach (Sep 10), Radish (Sep 11). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 13). First frost around October 13. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 3). |
| 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 Emporia, KS (ZIP 66801)?
The median last spring frost date for Emporia, KS (ZIP code 66801) is around April 15. 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 2; one in ten it runs past April 28.
What is the first fall frost date in Emporia, KS?
The median first fall frost date for Emporia, KS is around October 13. 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 28 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Emporia, KS?
The frost-free growing season in Emporia is about 181 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 Emporia (181 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Emporia, KS?
Emporia, KS 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 Emporia, KS?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 11 and plant out Apr 29 in Emporia. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Emporia?
Two: plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20.
When do I plant garlic in Emporia?
Oct 13 to Nov 3; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Emporia?
Yes: plant out Apr 29 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 13 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Ottawa (ZIP 66067) has 195 frost-free days, 14 more than Emporia (ZIP 66801). See Ottawa ZIP 66067 frost dates
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