Frost Dates for Lawrence, KS 66047
Last spring frost April 13 · First fall frost October 17 · 187 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 66047 has about 20,500 people, one of 5 ZIP codes in Lawrence.
Long season: 187 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 30–April 25 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans September 30–November 4 (35 days).
Frost probability for 66047
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 25 | April 13 | March 30 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 30 | October 17 | November 4 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at OTTAWA (30.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 187-day season in Lawrence
In Lawrence (187 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 9 | Apr 27–May 4 | 145 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 145 available after Apr 27. | Jun 17 |
| Pepper | Mar 2 | Apr 27–May 4 | 145 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 145 available after Apr 27. | Jun 22 |
| Lettuce | Feb 16 | Mar 16–Mar 23 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 26 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 23–Mar 30 | 229 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 229 available after Mar 23. | Aug 15 |
| Cucumber | Mar 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Beans | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Peas | — | Feb 16–Apr 27 | 250 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 250 available after Feb 16. | Aug 6 |
| Zucchini | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Onion | Jan 19 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 222 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 222 available after Mar 16. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 16–Apr 6 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 14 |
| Kale | Feb 2 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Broccoli | Feb 16 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 222 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 222 available after Mar 16. | Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Feb 16 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 236 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 236 available after Mar 16. | Aug 15 |
| Radish | — | Feb 16–May 11 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Oct 24. | Sep 15 |
| Beets | — | Feb 16–May 11 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 30–Apr 6 | 208 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 208 available after Mar 30. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 17 | 292 | overwinter: Plant Oct 17 to Nov 7; harvest the following summer. | Nov 7 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 9–May 4 | 243 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 9; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 159 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 20. | Jun 29 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 30 | Apr 27–Apr 27 | 152 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 27. | Jun 4 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 2 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 201 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 6. | Jul 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 16 | Mar 30–Mar 30 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 16–May 11 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 14 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 16 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 236 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 236 available after Mar 16. | Jul 16 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 152 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 27. | Jun 4 |
| Eggplant | Feb 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 145 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 145 available after Apr 27. | Jun 27 |
| Okra | Mar 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Basil | Mar 9 | May 4–May 4 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 16–Apr 6 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 21 |
| Parsley | Feb 2 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 187 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 20. | Aug 1 |
| Celery | Feb 2 | Apr 20–May 4 | 187 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 20. | Jun 12 |
| Scallions | Feb 2 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 25 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 4 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 2–Mar 16 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 16 | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 26 |
| Collards | Feb 2 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 25 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 145 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 145 available after Apr 27. | Jun 12 |
| Chives | Jan 19 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 201 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 16–May 11 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Oregano | Feb 2 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 201 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 19 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 187 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Sage | Feb 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 201 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 2 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 201 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 21 |
| Cosmos | Mar 16 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Lavender | Jan 19 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 208 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 2 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 31 |
| Melons | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 145 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 145 available after Apr 27. | Jun 12 |
| Mint | — | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 208 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 16 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 166 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 20. | Jul 16 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 152 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 27. | Jun 14 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 173 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 173 available after Apr 13. | Jul 11 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 152 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 20. | Jun 22 |
| Watermelon | Mar 30 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 152 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 20. | Jun 17 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Zinnias | Mar 16 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
Month by month in Lawrence
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 19), Lavender (Jan 19), Onion (Jan 19), Rosemary (Jan 19). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 2), Collards (Feb 2), Kale (Feb 2), Oregano (Feb 2), Parsley (Feb 2), Scallions (Feb 2), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 16), Beets (Feb 16), Dill (Feb 16), Peas (Feb 16), Radish (Feb 16), Spinach (Feb 16). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 2), Cauliflower (Mar 2), Marigolds (Mar 2), Pepper (Mar 2), Basil (Mar 9), Tomato (Mar 9), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 2), Cilantro (Mar 16), Turnip (Mar 16), Carrots (Mar 23), Potatoes (Mar 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 16), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 16), Cabbage (Mar 16), Collards (Mar 16), Kale (Mar 16), Lettuce (Mar 16), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 9). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 13), Beans (Apr 20), Pole Beans (Apr 20). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 6), Cauliflower (Apr 6), Cosmos (Apr 13), Lavender (Apr 13), Marigolds (Apr 13), Mint (Apr 13), +24 more. Last frost around April 13. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 4). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 4), Pumpkin (Jun 4), Cantaloupe (Jun 12), Celery (Jun 12), Melons (Jun 12), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 14), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 11), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 16), Pole Beans (Jul 16), Basil (Jul 21), Cosmos (Jul 21), Cucumber (Jul 21), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Parsley (Aug 1), Peas (Aug 6), Cabbage (Aug 15), Carrots (Aug 15), Beets (Aug 16), Dill (Aug 16), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Sep 4), Arugula (Sep 14), Spinach (Sep 14), Radish (Sep 15). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 17). First frost around October 17. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 7). |
| 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 Lawrence, KS (ZIP 66047)?
The median last spring frost date for Lawrence, KS (ZIP code 66047) is around April 13. 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 March 30; one in ten it runs past April 25.
What is the first fall frost date in Lawrence, KS?
The median first fall frost date for Lawrence, KS is around October 17. 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 30 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Lawrence, KS?
The frost-free growing season in Lawrence is about 187 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 Lawrence (187 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 Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence, 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 Lawrence, KS?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 9 and plant out Apr 27 in Lawrence. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Lawrence?
Two: plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24.
When do I plant garlic in Lawrence?
Oct 17 to Nov 7; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Lawrence?
Yes: plant out Apr 27 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 17 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Ottawa (ZIP 66067) has 195 frost-free days, 8 more than Lawrence (ZIP 66047). See Ottawa ZIP 66067 frost dates
Nearby and related
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