Frost Dates for Medford, OR 97501
Medford has 2 ZIP codes. The Medford, OR frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 12 · First fall frost October 3 · 144 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b
ZIP 97501 has about 44,700 people, one of 2 ZIP codes in Medford.
Moderate season: 144 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 22–May 31 (39 days). Fall frost risk spans September 16–October 20 (34 days).
Frost probability for 97501
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 31 | May 12 | April 22 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 16 | October 3 | October 20 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MEDFORD EXP STN (2.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 144-day season in Medford
In Medford (144 frost-free days, a moderate season), 38 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 17 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 7 | May 26–Jun 2 | 102 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 102 available after May 26. | Jun 3 |
| Pepper | Mar 31 | May 26–Jun 2 | 102 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 102 available after May 26. | Jun 8 |
| Lettuce | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 12 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 186 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 21. | Aug 1 |
| Cucumber | Apr 21 | May 26–Jun 2 | 116 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 116 available after May 26. | Jul 7 |
| Beans | — | May 19–Jun 2 | 130 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 130 available after May 19. | Jul 14 |
| Peas | — | Mar 17–May 26 | 207 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 207 available after Mar 17. | Jul 23 |
| Zucchini | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 116 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 116 available after May 26. | Jul 12 |
| Onion | Feb 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 179 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 17–May 5 | 221 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 31 |
| Kale | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Broccoli | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 179 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 14. | Jul 8 |
| Cabbage | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 193 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 14. | Aug 1 |
| Radish | — | Mar 17–Jun 9 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Oct 10. | Sep 1 |
| Beets | — | Mar 17–Jun 9 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 28–May 5 | 165 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 3 | 249 | overwinter: Plant Oct 3 to Oct 24; harvest the following summer. | Oct 24 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 7–Jun 2 | 200 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 7; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 14 | May 19–May 26 | 116 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 116 available after May 19. | Jun 15 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 28 | May 26–May 26 | 109 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 109 available after May 26. | — |
| Cauliflower | Mar 31 | May 5–May 19 | 158 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 158 available after May 5. | Jul 13 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 17 | Apr 28–Apr 28 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 17–Jun 9 | 221 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 31 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 193 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 14. | Jul 2 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 109 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 109 available after May 26. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 24 | May 26–Jun 2 | 102 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 102 available after May 26. | Jun 13 |
| Okra | Apr 14 | May 19–May 26 | 123 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 123 available after May 19. | Jul 12 |
| Basil | Apr 7 | Jun 2–Jun 2 | 109 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 109 available after Jun 2. | Jul 7 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 14–May 5 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 7 |
| Parsley | Mar 3 | May 19–May 26 | 144 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 144 available after May 19. | Jul 18 |
| Celery | Mar 3 | May 19–Jun 2 | 144 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 144 available after May 19. | May 29 |
| Scallions | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 11 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 21 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 14 | May 5–May 12 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 12 |
| Collards | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 11 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 102 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 102 available after May 26. | May 29 |
| Chives | Feb 17 | May 19–May 26 | 158 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 158 available after May 19. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 17–Jun 9 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Oregano | Mar 3 | May 19–May 26 | 158 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 158 available after May 19. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 17 | May 19–May 26 | 144 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 144 available after May 19. | — |
| Sage | Mar 17 | May 19–May 26 | 158 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 158 available after May 19. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 3 | May 19–May 26 | 158 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 158 available after May 19. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 12 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 7 |
| Cosmos | Apr 14 | May 12–May 26 | 130 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 130 available after May 12. | Jul 7 |
| Lavender | Feb 17 | May 12–May 26 | 165 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 165 available after May 12. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 31 | May 12–May 19 | 130 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 19. | Jul 17 |
| Melons | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 102 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 102 available after May 26. | May 29 |
| Mint | — | May 12–May 26 | 165 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 165 available after May 12. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 14 | May 12–May 19 | 130 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 12; both mature before Sep 19. | Jul 12 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 19–Jun 2 | 123 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 123 available after May 19. | Jul 2 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 109 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 109 available after May 26. | May 31 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 12–May 26 | 130 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 130 available after May 12. | Jun 27 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 17 | May 19–May 26 | 109 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 109 available after May 19. | Jun 8 |
| Watermelon | Apr 28 | May 19–May 26 | 109 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 109 available after May 19. | Jun 3 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 116 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 116 available after May 26. | Jul 12 |
| Zinnias | Apr 14 | May 12–May 26 | 130 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 130 available after May 12. | Jul 7 |
Month by month in Medford
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 17), Lavender (Feb 17), Onion (Feb 17), Rosemary (Feb 17). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 3), Collards (Mar 3), Kale (Mar 3), Oregano (Mar 3), Parsley (Mar 3), Scallions (Mar 3), +13 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 17), Beets (Mar 17), Dill (Mar 17), Peas (Mar 17), Radish (Mar 17), Spinach (Mar 17), +1 more. |
| April | Start indoors: Basil (Apr 7), Tomato (Apr 7), Bok Choy (Apr 14), Corn (Apr 14), Cosmos (Apr 14), Nasturtiums (Apr 14), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Apr 14), Turnip (Apr 14), Carrots (Apr 21), Potatoes (Apr 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 14), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 14), Cabbage (Apr 14), Collards (Apr 14), Kale (Apr 14), Lettuce (Apr 14), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 7). |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 12), Beans (May 19), Pole Beans (May 19). Transplant from: Bok Choy (May 5), Cauliflower (May 5), Cosmos (May 12), Lavender (May 12), Marigolds (May 12), Mint (May 12), +24 more. Last frost around May 12. Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (May 29), Celery (May 29), Melons (May 29), Spaghetti Squash (May 31). |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 2). Last sowing dates: Tomato (Jun 3), Watermelon (Jun 3), Pepper (Jun 8), Tomatillos (Jun 8), Eggplant (Jun 13), Corn (Jun 15), +1 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 2), Pole Beans (Jul 2), Basil (Jul 7), Cosmos (Jul 7), Cucumber (Jul 7), Zinnias (Jul 7), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 1), Carrots (Aug 1), Beets (Aug 2), Dill (Aug 2), Swiss Chard (Aug 2), Calendula (Aug 7), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Radish (Sep 1). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 3). First frost around October 3. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 24). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| 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 Medford, OR (ZIP 97501)?
The median last spring frost date for Medford, OR (ZIP code 97501) is around May 12. 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 22; one in ten it runs past May 31.
What is the first fall frost date in Medford, OR?
The median first fall frost date for Medford, OR is around October 3. 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 16 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Medford, OR?
The frost-free growing season in Medford is about 144 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 Medford (144 frost-free days, a moderate season), 38 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 17 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Medford, OR?
Medford, OR is in USDA hardiness zone 8b (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 Medford, OR?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 7 and plant out May 26 in Medford. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Medford?
Two: plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 10.
When do I plant garlic in Medford?
Oct 3 to Oct 24; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Medford (ZIP 97504) has 154 frost-free days, 10 more than Medford (ZIP 97501). See Medford ZIP 97504 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Medford, OR 97504 (5.6 mi)
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- Frost dates for Eagle Point, OR 97524 (17 mi)
- Frost dates for Ashland, OR 97520 (20.6 mi)
- Frost dates for White City, OR 97503 (20.6 mi)
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