Frost Dates for Portland, OR 97203
Portland has 34 ZIP codes. The Portland, OR frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 11 · First fall frost October 31 · 203 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
ZIP 97203 has about 33,100 people, one of 34 ZIP codes in Portland.
Long season: 203 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 13–May 10 (58 days). Fall frost risk spans October 5–November 27 (53 days).
Frost probability for 97203
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 10 | April 11 | March 13 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 5 | October 31 | November 27 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at HILLSBORO (21.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 203-day season in Portland
In Portland (203 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 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 161 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 25. | Jul 1 |
| Pepper | Feb 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 161 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 25. | Jul 6 |
| Lettuce | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 9 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 245 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 245 available after Mar 21. | Aug 29 |
| Cucumber | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 175 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 4 |
| Beans | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 11 |
| Peas | — | Feb 14–Apr 25 | 266 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 266 available after Feb 14. | Aug 20 |
| Zucchini | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 175 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 9 |
| Onion | Jan 17 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 238 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 238 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 14–Apr 4 | 280 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 28 |
| Kale | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 13 |
| Broccoli | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 238 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 238 available after Mar 14. | Aug 5 |
| Cabbage | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 252 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 14. | Aug 29 |
| Radish | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 266 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 29; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 29 |
| Beets | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 266 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 224 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 224 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 31 | 308 | overwinter: Plant Oct 31 to Nov 21; harvest the following summer. | Nov 21 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 7–May 2 | 259 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 7; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 175 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 18. | Jul 13 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 28 | Apr 25–Apr 25 | 168 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 25. | Jun 18 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 28 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 217 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 4. | Aug 10 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Mar 28 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 280 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 28 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 252 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 14. | Jul 30 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 168 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 25. | Jun 18 |
| Eggplant | Feb 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 161 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 25. | Jul 11 |
| Okra | Mar 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 9 |
| Basil | Mar 7 | May 2–May 2 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 4 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 14–Apr 4 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 4 |
| Parsley | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 203 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 18. | Aug 15 |
| Celery | Jan 31 | Apr 18–May 2 | 203 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 18. | Jun 26 |
| Scallions | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 8 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 18 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 266 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 13 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 14 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 9 |
| Collards | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 8 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 161 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 25. | Jun 26 |
| Chives | Jan 17 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 217 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 266 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Oregano | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 217 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 17 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 203 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Sage | Feb 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 217 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 217 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 4 |
| Cosmos | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 4 |
| Lavender | Jan 17 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 224 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 224 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 28 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 14 |
| Melons | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 161 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 25. | Jun 26 |
| Mint | — | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 224 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 224 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 9 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 182 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 18. | Jul 30 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 168 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 25. | Jun 28 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 189 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 11. | Jul 25 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 168 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 18. | Jul 6 |
| Watermelon | Mar 28 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 168 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 18. | Jul 1 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 175 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 9 |
| Zinnias | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 4 |
Month by month in Portland
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 17), Lavender (Jan 17), Onion (Jan 17), Rosemary (Jan 17), Celery (Jan 31), Collards (Jan 31), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 14), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 14), Cabbage (Feb 14), Lettuce (Feb 14), Sage (Feb 14), Swiss Chard (Feb 14), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 14), Beets (Feb 14), Dill (Feb 14), Peas (Feb 14), Radish (Feb 14), Spinach (Feb 14), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 7), Tomato (Mar 7), Bok Choy (Mar 14), Corn (Mar 14), Cosmos (Mar 14), Nasturtiums (Mar 14), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 14), Turnip (Mar 14), Carrots (Mar 21), Potatoes (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 14), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 14), Cabbage (Mar 14), Collards (Mar 14), Kale (Mar 14), Lettuce (Mar 14), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 7). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 11), Beans (Apr 18), Pole Beans (Apr 18). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 4), Cauliflower (Apr 4), Cosmos (Apr 11), Lavender (Apr 11), Marigolds (Apr 11), Mint (Apr 11), +24 more. Last frost around April 11. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 2). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 18), Pumpkin (Jun 18), Cantaloupe (Jun 26), Celery (Jun 26), Melons (Jun 26), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 28). |
| July | Last sowing dates: Tomato (Jul 1), Watermelon (Jul 1), Pepper (Jul 6), Tomatillos (Jul 6), Eggplant (Jul 11), Corn (Jul 13), +3 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Basil (Aug 4), Cosmos (Aug 4), Cucumber (Aug 4), Zinnias (Aug 4), Broccoli (Aug 5), Nasturtiums (Aug 9), +13 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Sep 4), Cilantro (Sep 4), Collards (Sep 8), Scallions (Sep 8), Bok Choy (Sep 9), Lettuce (Sep 9), +6 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 31). First frost around October 31. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 21). |
| 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 Portland, OR (ZIP 97203)?
The median last spring frost date for Portland, OR (ZIP code 97203) is around April 11. 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 13; one in ten it runs past May 10.
What is the first fall frost date in Portland, OR?
The median first fall frost date for Portland, OR is around October 31. 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 October 5 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Portland, OR?
The frost-free growing season in Portland is about 203 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 Portland (203 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 Portland, OR?
Portland, OR is in USDA hardiness zone 9a (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 Portland, OR?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 7 and plant out Apr 25 in Portland. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Portland?
Two: plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 7.
When do I plant garlic in Portland?
Oct 31 to Nov 21; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Portland?
Yes: plant out Apr 25 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jul 1 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Portland (ZIP 97209) has 237 frost-free days, 34 more than Portland (ZIP 97203). See Portland ZIP 97209 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Portland, OR 97229 (4.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Portland, OR 97209 (6.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Vancouver, WA 98661 (6.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Vancouver, WA 98665 (6.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Portland, OR 97225 (7.4 mi)
- When to plant in Portland, OR: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in OR
- When to plant Peppers in OR
- When to plant Cucumbers in OR
- When to plant Zucchini in OR
- When to plant Butternut Squash in OR
- When to plant Basil in OR
- When to plant Sweet Corn in OR
- Look up another ZIP