Ilion, NY frost dates
How Ilion compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Ilion falls between April 24 and May 20, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 21 and October 19.
- The median last frost is 2 days later than the New York median of May 3.
- Its 152-day growing season is longer than 28% of the 1,610 New York places with a regular frost season (state median 163 days).
- The last frost is 4 days later than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 164 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Utica, NY, 18 km away, the last frost here is 4 days later than there and the growing season is 13 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 24 |
| 50% (median) | May 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 21 |
| 50% (median) | October 4 |
| 90% (late) | October 19 |
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 Ilion, NY
Ilion, NY frost dates — last frost May 5, first frost Oct 4, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Ilion, NY
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | May 12 – May 26 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Apr 7 – May 12 | Aug 9 – Sep 6 |
| Kale | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Broccoli | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cabbage | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Okra | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — |
| Basil | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | May 12 – May 26 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 24 – Apr 14 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 24 – Apr 14 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 31 – May 12 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | May 19 – May 26 | May 12 – May 26 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | — | May 12 – May 26 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | — | May 12 – May 26 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 21 – May 19 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 21 – May 12 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 12 – Jun 2 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 12 – May 26 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 19 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 20 – Oct 25 |
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 Little Falls City Rsch, NY weather station, 16 km away (elevation 892 ft (272 m)).
Frost dates near Ilion
- Mohawk May 5 · Oct 4
- Herkimer May 5 · Oct 4
- Frankfort May 5 · Oct 4
- Jordanville May 5 · Oct 4
- Little Falls May 5 · Oct 4
- Clayville May 1 · Oct 13
- Sauquoit May 1 · Oct 13
- West Winfield May 7 · Oct 7
- Middleville May 5 · Oct 4
- Chadwicks May 1 · Oct 13
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ilion, NY?
The median last spring frost in Ilion, NY is May 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ilion, NY?
The median first fall frost is October 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 21.
How long is the growing season in Ilion, NY?
About 152 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ilion, NY?
Ilion, NY is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.