Frost Dates for La Grande, OR 97850
Last spring frost May 21 · First fall frost September 20 · 122 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 97850 has about 16,900 people.
Moderate season: 122 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 1–June 18 (48 days). Fall frost risk spans September 6–October 4 (28 days).
Frost probability for 97850
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 18 | May 21 | May 1 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 6 | September 20 | October 4 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LA GRANDE (4.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 122-day season in La Grande
In La Grande (122 frost-free days, a moderate season), 35 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 16 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 80 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 80 available after Jun 4. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 9 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 80 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 80 available after Jun 4. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 26 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 30 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 30–May 7 | 164 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 30. | Jul 19 |
| Cucumber | Apr 30 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 94 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 94 available after Jun 4. | Jun 24 |
| Beans | — | May 28–Jun 11 | 108 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 108 available after May 28. | Jul 1 |
| Peas | — | Mar 26–Jun 4 | 185 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 185 available after Mar 26. | Jul 10 |
| Zucchini | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 94 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 94 available after Jun 4. | Jun 29 |
| Onion | Feb 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 157 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 26–May 14 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 18 |
| Kale | Mar 12 | Apr 23–May 7 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 3 |
| Broccoli | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 157 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 23. | Jun 25 |
| Cabbage | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 171 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 23. | Jul 19 |
| Radish | — | Mar 26–Jun 18 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Sep 27. | Aug 19 |
| Beets | — | Mar 26–Jun 18 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 20 |
| Potatoes | — | May 7–May 14 | 143 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 143 available after May 7. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 20 | 227 | overwinter: Plant Sep 20 to Oct 11; harvest the following summer. | Oct 11 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 16–Jun 11 | 178 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 16; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 23 | May 28–Jun 4 | 94 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 94 available after May 28. | Jun 2 |
| Pumpkin | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 4 | 87 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 9 | May 14–May 28 | 136 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 136 available after May 14. | Jun 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 26 | May 7–May 7 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 20 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 26–Jun 18 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 18 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 171 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 23. | Jun 19 |
| Butternut Squash | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 87 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 2 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 80 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 80 available after Jun 4. | — |
| Okra | Apr 23 | May 28–Jun 4 | 101 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 101 available after May 28. | Jun 29 |
| Basil | Apr 16 | Jun 11–Jun 11 | 87 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 87 available after Jun 11. | Jun 24 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 23–May 14 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 25 |
| Parsley | Mar 12 | May 28–Jun 4 | 122 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 122 available after May 28. | Jul 5 |
| Celery | Mar 12 | May 28–Jun 11 | 122 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 122 available after May 28. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 12 | Apr 23–May 7 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 11. | Jul 29 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 23–May 7 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 8 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 3 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 23 | May 14–May 21 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 30 |
| Collards | Mar 12 | Apr 23–May 7 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 11. | Jul 29 |
| Cantaloupe | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 80 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Chives | Feb 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 136 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 136 available after May 28. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 26–Jun 18 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 20 |
| Oregano | Mar 12 | May 28–Jun 4 | 136 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 136 available after May 28. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 122 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 122 available after May 28. | — |
| Sage | Mar 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 136 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 136 available after May 28. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 12 | May 28–Jun 4 | 136 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 136 available after May 28. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 9 | May 7–May 21 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 25 |
| Cosmos | Apr 23 | May 21–Jun 4 | 108 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 108 available after May 21. | Jun 24 |
| Lavender | Feb 26 | May 21–Jun 4 | 143 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 143 available after May 21. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 9 | May 21–May 28 | 108 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 108 available after May 21. | Jul 4 |
| Melons | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 80 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Mint | — | May 21–Jun 4 | 143 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 143 available after May 21. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 23 | May 21–May 28 | 108 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 108 available after May 21. | Jun 29 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 28–Jun 11 | 101 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 101 available after May 28. | Jun 19 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 87 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 21–Jun 4 | 108 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 108 available after May 21. | Jun 14 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 87 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 87 available after May 28. | — |
| Watermelon | May 7 | May 28–Jun 4 | 87 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 87 available after May 28. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 94 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 94 available after Jun 4. | Jun 29 |
| Zinnias | Apr 23 | May 21–Jun 4 | 108 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 108 available after May 21. | Jun 24 |
Month by month in La Grande
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 26), Lavender (Feb 26), Onion (Feb 26), Rosemary (Feb 26). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 12), Collards (Mar 12), Kale (Mar 12), Oregano (Mar 12), Parsley (Mar 12), Scallions (Mar 12), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 26), Beets (Mar 26), Dill (Mar 26), Peas (Mar 26), Radish (Mar 26), Spinach (Mar 26). |
| April | Start indoors: Eggplant (Apr 2), Calendula (Apr 9), Cauliflower (Apr 9), Marigolds (Apr 9), Pepper (Apr 9), Basil (Apr 16), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 9), Cilantro (Apr 23), Turnip (Apr 23), Carrots (Apr 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 23), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 23), Cabbage (Apr 23), Collards (Apr 23), Kale (Apr 23), Lettuce (Apr 23), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 16). |
| May | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (May 7), Cantaloupe (May 7), Melons (May 7), Pumpkin (May 7), Spaghetti Squash (May 7), Watermelon (May 7), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (May 7), Sunflowers (May 21), Beans (May 28), Pole Beans (May 28). Transplant from: Calendula (May 7), Swiss Chard (May 7), Bok Choy (May 14), Cauliflower (May 14), Cosmos (May 21), Lavender (May 21), +15 more. Last frost around May 21. |
| June | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jun 4), Cantaloupe (Jun 4), Cucumber (Jun 4), Eggplant (Jun 4), Melons (Jun 4), Pepper (Jun 4), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Corn (Jun 2), Sunflowers (Jun 14), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 19), Pole Beans (Jun 19), Basil (Jun 24), Cosmos (Jun 24), +8 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Beans (Jul 1), Marigolds (Jul 4), Parsley (Jul 5), Peas (Jul 10), Cabbage (Jul 19), Carrots (Jul 19), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Kale (Aug 3), Kohlrabi (Aug 3), Turnip (Aug 8), Arugula (Aug 18), Spinach (Aug 18), Radish (Aug 19). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 20). First frost around September 20. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 11). |
| 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 La Grande, OR (ZIP 97850)?
The median last spring frost date for La Grande, OR (ZIP code 97850) is around May 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 May 1; one in ten it runs past June 18.
What is the first fall frost date in La Grande, OR?
The median first fall frost date for La Grande, OR is around September 20. 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 6 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in La Grande, OR?
The frost-free growing season in La Grande is about 122 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 La Grande (122 frost-free days, a moderate season), 35 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is La Grande, OR?
La Grande, 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 La Grande, OR?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 16 and plant out Jun 4 in La Grande. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in La Grande?
Two: plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Sep 27.
When do I plant garlic in La Grande?
Sep 20 to Oct 11; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in La Grande?
Yes, with help. Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Pendleton (ZIP 97801) has 166 frost-free days, 44 more than La Grande (ZIP 97850). See Pendleton ZIP 97801 frost dates
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