Frost Dates for Derby, KS

In Derby, KS, the average last spring frost is around Apr 14 and the average first fall frost around Oct 22, for a growing season of about 189 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 30, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 1450% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 30only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2250% chance of frost before this date
Growing season189 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Haysville 3Se, KS weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 1,240 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Apr 30Oct 5
20%Apr 24Oct 12
30%Apr 21Oct 16
40%Apr 17Oct 19
50%Apr 14Oct 22
60%Apr 12Oct 24
70%Apr 8Oct 27
80%Apr 4Oct 30
90%Mar 30Nov 4

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 24Oct 12
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 14Oct 22
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 3Oct 31

Planting calendar for Derby

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Peppers
Indoors Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Apr 28 – May 12
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Apr 28 – May 12
Basil
Indoors Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 17 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 17 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Apr 21 – May 5
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 21 – May 5
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 17 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Apr 28 – May 12
Green beans
Sow Apr 21 – May 5
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 21 – May 5
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 3 – Mar 17
Sow or transplant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 24
Spinach
Sow Mar 3 – Mar 24
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 17
Peas
Sow Mar 3 – Mar 17
Fall sowing Aug 13 – Aug 27
Kale
Indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3
Sow or transplant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Fall sowing Aug 13 – Sep 10
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Fall sowing Jul 30 – Aug 13
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Mar 24 – Apr 7
Fall sowing Jul 30 – Aug 13
Carrots
Sow Mar 24 – Apr 14
Fall sowing Jul 30 – Aug 13
Radishes
Sow Mar 10 – Mar 31
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Oct 1
Beets
Sow Mar 24 – Apr 14
Fall sowing Aug 13 – Aug 27
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 20 – Feb 3
Plant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Potatoes
Plant Mar 24 – Apr 7
Garlic
Plant Oct 22 – Nov 19

Based on the average last frost (Apr 14) and first frost (Oct 22). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

WichitaHutchinsonSalinaManhattanTopekaLawrenceDodge CityGardnerAll Kansas towns