Frost Dates for Hutchinson, KS

In Hutchinson, KS, the average last spring frost is around Apr 18 and the average first fall frost around Oct 21, for a growing season of about 186 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 2, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 1850% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 2only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2150% chance of frost before this date
Growing season186 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Hutchinson, KS weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 1,540 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%May 2Oct 7
20%Apr 28Oct 12
30%Apr 24Oct 16
40%Apr 21Oct 19
50%Apr 18Oct 21
60%Apr 15Oct 24
70%Apr 12Oct 27
80%Apr 8Oct 31
90%Apr 2Nov 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 28Oct 13
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 18Oct 21
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 7Oct 31

Planting calendar for Hutchinson

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Peppers
Indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Basil
Indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 21 – Mar 28
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 21 – Mar 28
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 25 – May 9
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 21 – Mar 28
Sow or transplant May 2 – May 16
Green beans
Sow Apr 25 – May 9
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 25 – May 9
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21
Sow or transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 23
Spinach
Sow Mar 7 – Mar 28
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 16
Peas
Sow Mar 7 – Mar 21
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Aug 26
Kale
Indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7
Sow or transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Sep 9
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Carrots
Sow Mar 28 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Radishes
Sow Mar 14 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Sep 30
Beets
Sow Mar 28 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Aug 26
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 24 – Feb 7
Plant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Potatoes
Plant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Garlic
Plant Oct 21 – Nov 18

Based on the average last frost (Apr 18) and first frost (Oct 21). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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