Portis, KS frost dates
How Portis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Portis falls between April 16 and May 11, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 28 and October 27.
- The median last frost is 11 days later than the Kansas median of Apr 18.
- Its 166-day growing season is longer than 7% of the 632 Kansas places with a regular frost season (state median 187 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6a, where the median is Apr 29.
- The weather station records an average of 155 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 16 |
| 50% (median) | April 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 28 |
| 50% (median) | October 12 |
| 90% (late) | October 27 |
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 Portis, KS
Portis, KS frost dates — last frost Apr 29, first frost Oct 12, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Portis, KS
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 1 – May 6 | Aug 17 – Sep 14 |
| Kale | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Okra | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Basil | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 6 – May 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 28 – Nov 2 |
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 Alton 1 W, KS weather station, 25 km away (elevation 1,686 ft (514 m)).
Frost dates near Portis
- Downs Apr 29 · Oct 15
- Osborne Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Gaylord Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Cawker City Apr 29 · Oct 15
- Cedar Apr 30 · Oct 7
- Alton Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Tipton Apr 29 · Oct 15
- Smith Center Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Athol Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Lebanon Apr 24 · Oct 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Portis, KS?
The median last spring frost in Portis, KS is April 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Portis, KS?
The median first fall frost is October 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 28.
How long is the growing season in Portis, KS?
About 166 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Portis, KS?
Portis, KS is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.