Frost Dates for Topeka, KS 66617
Topeka has 18 ZIP codes. The Topeka, KS frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 19 · First fall frost October 11 · 175 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 66617 has about 8,900 people, one of 18 ZIP codes in Topeka.
Moderate season: 175 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 6–May 3 (27 days). Fall frost risk spans September 24–October 27 (33 days).
Frost probability for 66617
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 3 | April 19 | April 6 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 24 | October 11 | October 27 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at TOPEKA ASOS (7.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 175-day season in Topeka
In Topeka (175 frost-free days, a moderate 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 15 | May 3–May 10 | 133 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 133 available after May 3. | Jun 11 |
| Pepper | Mar 8 | May 3–May 10 | 133 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 133 available after May 3. | Jun 16 |
| Lettuce | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Mar 29 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 20 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 29–Apr 5 | 217 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 217 available after Mar 29. | Aug 9 |
| Cucumber | Mar 29 | May 3–May 10 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 15 |
| Beans | — | Apr 26–May 10 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 22 |
| Peas | — | Feb 22–May 3 | 238 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 238 available after Feb 22. | Jul 31 |
| Zucchini | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 20 |
| Onion | Jan 25 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 210 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 210 available after Mar 22. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 22–Apr 12 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 1. | Sep 8 |
| Kale | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 24 |
| Broccoli | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 210 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 210 available after Mar 22. | Jul 16 |
| Cabbage | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 224 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 224 available after Mar 22. | Aug 9 |
| Radish | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Oct 18. | Sep 9 |
| Beets | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 10 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 5–Apr 12 | 196 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 5. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 11 | 280 | overwinter: Plant Oct 11 to Nov 1; harvest the following summer. | Nov 1 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 15–May 10 | 231 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 15; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 147 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 147 available after Apr 26. | Jun 23 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 5 | May 3–May 3 | 140 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 140 available after May 3. | May 29 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 8 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 189 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 12. | Jul 21 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 22 | Apr 5–Apr 5 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 10 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 1. | Sep 8 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 224 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 224 available after Mar 22. | Jul 10 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 140 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 140 available after May 3. | May 29 |
| Eggplant | Mar 1 | May 3–May 10 | 133 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 133 available after May 3. | Jun 21 |
| Okra | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 154 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 20 |
| Basil | Mar 15 | May 10–May 10 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 10 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 15 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 22–Apr 12 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 15 |
| Parsley | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 175 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 26. | Jul 26 |
| Celery | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 10 | 175 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 26. | Jun 6 |
| Scallions | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 19 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 29 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 8–Mar 22 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 8 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 24 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 22 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 20 |
| Collards | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 19 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 133 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 133 available after May 3. | Jun 6 |
| Chives | Jan 25 | Apr 26–May 3 | 189 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 10 |
| Oregano | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 189 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 25 | Apr 26–May 3 | 175 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Sage | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 189 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 189 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 8 | Apr 5–Apr 19 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 15 |
| Cosmos | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 15 |
| Lavender | Jan 25 | Apr 19–May 3 | 196 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 8 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 25 |
| Melons | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 133 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 133 available after May 3. | Jun 6 |
| Mint | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 196 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 22 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 20 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 26–May 10 | 154 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 26. | Jul 10 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 140 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 140 available after May 3. | Jun 8 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 161 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 19. | Jul 5 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 140 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 140 available after Apr 26. | Jun 16 |
| Watermelon | Apr 5 | Apr 26–May 3 | 140 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 140 available after Apr 26. | Jun 11 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 20 |
| Zinnias | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 27. | Jul 15 |
Month by month in Topeka
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 25), Lavender (Jan 25), Onion (Jan 25), Rosemary (Jan 25). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 8), Collards (Feb 8), Kale (Feb 8), Oregano (Feb 8), Parsley (Feb 8), Scallions (Feb 8), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 22), Beets (Feb 22), Dill (Feb 22), Peas (Feb 22), Radish (Feb 22), Spinach (Feb 22). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 1), Calendula (Mar 8), Cauliflower (Mar 8), Marigolds (Mar 8), Pepper (Mar 8), Basil (Mar 15), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 8), Cilantro (Mar 22), Turnip (Mar 22), Carrots (Mar 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 22), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 22), Cabbage (Mar 22), Collards (Mar 22), Kale (Mar 22), Lettuce (Mar 22), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 15). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 5), Cantaloupe (Apr 5), Melons (Apr 5), Pumpkin (Apr 5), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 5), Watermelon (Apr 5), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 5), Sunflowers (Apr 19), Beans (Apr 26), Pole Beans (Apr 26). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 5), Swiss Chard (Apr 5), Bok Choy (Apr 12), Cauliflower (Apr 12), Cosmos (Apr 19), Lavender (Apr 19), +15 more. Last frost around April 19. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 3), Cantaloupe (May 3), Cucumber (May 3), Eggplant (May 3), Melons (May 3), Pepper (May 3), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 29), Pumpkin (May 29). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 6), Celery (Jun 6), Melons (Jun 6), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 8), Tomato (Jun 11), Watermelon (Jun 11), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 5), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 10), Pole Beans (Jul 10), Basil (Jul 15), Cosmos (Jul 15), Cucumber (Jul 15), +11 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 9), Carrots (Aug 9), Beets (Aug 10), Dill (Aug 10), Swiss Chard (Aug 10), Calendula (Aug 15), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 8), Spinach (Sep 8), Radish (Sep 9). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 11). First frost around October 11. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 1). |
| 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 Topeka, KS (ZIP 66617)?
The median last spring frost date for Topeka, KS (ZIP code 66617) is around April 19. 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 6; one in ten it runs past May 3.
What is the first fall frost date in Topeka, KS?
The median first fall frost date for Topeka, KS is around October 11. 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 24 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Topeka, KS?
The frost-free growing season in Topeka is about 175 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 Topeka (175 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Topeka, KS?
Topeka, 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 Topeka, KS?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 15 and plant out May 3 in Topeka. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Topeka?
Two: plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 18.
When do I plant garlic in Topeka?
Oct 11 to Nov 1; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Lawrence (ZIP 66049) has 184 frost-free days, 9 more than Topeka (ZIP 66617). See Lawrence ZIP 66049 frost dates
Nearby and related
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- Frost dates for Lawrence, KS 66049 (18.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Lawrence, KS 66047 (22.8 mi)
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- Frost dates for Tonganoxie, KS 66086 (29.2 mi)
- When to plant in Topeka, KS: month-by-month guide
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- When to plant Cucumbers in KS
- When to plant Zucchini in KS
- When to plant Butternut Squash in KS
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