Topeka, KS planting zone & frost dates
Topeka is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 16 and the first fall frost around October 22, for a growing season of about 189 days.
Planting calendar for Topeka
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 16) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 27 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 22).
Useful for zone 6b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 1 | Apr 16 | Apr 27 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 4 | Oct 22 | Oct 6 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 27, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 6. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 5.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Topeka
- 66601 zone 6b
- 66603 zone 6b
- 66604 zone 6b
- 66605 zone 6b
- 66606 zone 6b
- 66607 zone 6b
- 66608 zone 6b
- 66609 zone 6b
- 66610 zone 6b
- 66611 zone 6b
- 66612 zone 6b
- 66614 zone 6b
- 66615 zone 6b
- 66616 zone 6b
- 66617 zone 6b
- 66618 zone 6b
- 66619 zone 6b
- 66620 zone 6b
- 66621 zone 6b
- 66622 zone 6b
- 66624 zone 6b
- 66625 zone 6b
- 66626 zone 6b
- 66629 zone 6b
- 66630 zone 6b
- 66636 zone 6b
- 66647 zone 6b
- 66667 zone 6b
- 66675 zone 6b
- 66683 zone 6b
- 66699 zone 6b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Topeka, KS?
Topeka is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Topeka?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Topeka is April 16. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 27.
When can I plant tomatoes in Topeka?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 23 – Apr 30. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Topeka - Nws, KS (USC00148171), 4.9 km (3.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 268 m, based on 10 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.