Kansas Planting Guide & Growing Season
Kansas is in USDA hardiness zone 5b-7a with a growing season of 185 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 15 and the average first fall frost is Oct 15. Climate data based on Topeka.
Growing Conditions in Kansas
How Kansas Compares
Compare Kansas's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas (KS) | 5b-7a | Apr 15 | Oct 15 | 185 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Kansas
When should I start seeds indoors in Kansas?
In Kansas, the average last frost date is Apr 15. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Kansas is 5b-7a, with a growing season of approximately 185 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Kansas?
Kansas falls in USDA hardiness zones 5b-7a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Kansas?
The average first frost date in Kansas is Oct 15. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Kansas?
Kansas has an average growing season of 185 days, from the last frost (Apr 15) to first frost (Oct 15). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.