Bancroft, ID frost dates
How Bancroft compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Bancroft falls between May 6 and June 11, a 36-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 3 and October 6.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the Idaho median of May 14.
- Its 123-day growing season is longer than 22% of the 244 Idaho places with a regular frost season (state median 138 days).
- The last frost is 18 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 178 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Pocatello, ID, 49 km away, the last frost here is 19 days later than there and the growing season is 39 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 6 |
| 50% (median) | May 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 3 |
| 50% (median) | September 21 |
| 90% (late) | October 6 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Bancroft, ID
Bancroft, ID frost dates — last frost May 21, first frost Sep 21, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Bancroft, ID
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 23 – May 28 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 |
| Kale | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Broccoli | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 6 |
| Cabbage | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 6 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 7 – May 21 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 6 |
| Okra | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 | — |
| Basil | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Jun 29 – Jul 20 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 16 – May 28 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Jun 4 – Jun 11 | May 28 – Jun 11 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | — | May 28 – Jun 11 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | — | May 28 – Jun 11 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 7 – Jun 4 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 7 – May 28 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 28 – Jun 11 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Jun 4 – Jun 25 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 7 – Oct 12 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Lava Hot Springs, ID weather station, 18 km away (elevation 4,596 ft (1,401 m)).
Frost dates near Bancroft
- Lava Hot Springs May 21 · Sep 21
- Conda frost any month
- Grace May 29 · Sep 17
- Soda Springs frost any month
- McCammon May 23 · Sep 24
- Arimo May 23 · Sep 24
- Inkom May 23 · Sep 24
- Downey May 31 · Sep 18
- Thatcher May 29 · Sep 17
- Swanlake May 31 · Sep 18
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bancroft, ID?
The median last spring frost in Bancroft, ID is May 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bancroft, ID?
The median first fall frost is September 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 3.
How long is the growing season in Bancroft, ID?
About 123 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bancroft, ID?
Bancroft, ID is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.