Frost dates and planting calendar
Madras, OR
The typical last spring frost in Madras is May 19, and the first fall frost is around October 4. Plant peas from Apr 20; plant tomatoes from May 25.
NOAA 1991–2020 frost normals, Madras station. Where these dates come from
About Madras
Madras sits at about 2,400 feet on a plateau north of Redmond. Irrigation water from the Deschutes River turned the dry land around it into farms, and Jefferson County is one of the country's main growers of carrot seed.
Chance of frost through the year
Frost over in 9 years out of 10: after Jun 7
Tomatoes go out May 25 – Jun 22, under frost cover at first
- Very likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
In 9 years out of 10, the last spring frost has passed by Jun 7 and the first fall frost holds off until Sep 20.
What to plant now
Turn on JavaScript to see what's in season today. The full calendar is below.
Make a garden plan for Madras Pick your plants and get a dated, printable to-do list.
High desert. Central Oregon, the high, cold valleys of eastern Oregon, and Idaho mountain towns like McCall and Salmon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.
Gardening in Central Oregon and the high desert. Many gardens here are on light, volcanic pumice soil that drains fast and holds few nutrients, so add compost every year and water often. Nights stay cold even in summer, so keep row covers handy for warm crops.
How the season in Madras compares
With 138 frost-free days, Madras has the 73rd-longest season of the 86 Oregon, Washington and Idaho towns we cover. They run from 72 days in McCall to 330 days in Brookings and Gold Beach.
The typical last frost here, May 19, is the earliest of the towns we cover in Central Oregon and the high desert: 13 days earlier than Prineville and 23 days earlier than Burns.
The gap between the typical last frost and the date it's over in 9 years out of 10 is 19 days, about average for the towns on this site. Frost after the typical date still happens about half the time, so plan on covering warm crops until June 7.
The season is long enough for every warm crop on our list, even pumpkins and sweet potatoes, to finish from a normal planting date.
For a fall and winter garden, sow carrots by July 26 and set out kale plants by August 9. Fall crops here are timed to the first frost (October 4 on average) and to shortening days.
Planting calendar
Pick a group to see when each plant goes in, or search for one.
Salad greens 7 plants
- SpinachPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – May 25
- Again for fall Aug 9–30
- LettucePlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 9–23
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Again for fall Aug 9–23
- Swiss chardPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- ArugulaPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 1
- Again for fall Aug 16 – Sep 6
- CeleryPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 16–30
- Plant May 25 – Jun 29
- MâchePlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – May 25
- Again for fall Aug 2 – Sep 6
- RadicchioPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – May 26
- Again for fall Jun 28 – Jul 19
Cabbage family 9 plants
- KalePlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- BroccoliPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 3–17
- Plant Apr 21 – May 26
- Again for fall Jul 12–26
- CabbagePlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 3–17
- Plant Apr 21 – May 26
- Again for fall Jul 12–26
- CauliflowerPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 3–17
- Plant Apr 21 – May 19
- Again for fall Jul 5–19
- Brussels sproutsPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Bok choyPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 16–30
- Plant Apr 20 – May 25
- Again for fall Aug 9–23
- KohlrabiPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Again for fall Aug 2–16
- CollardsPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- Mustard greensPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 1
- Again for fall Aug 9–30
Root vegetables 7 plants
- RadishesPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Again for fall Aug 23 – Sep 6
- CarrotsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Again for fall Jul 12–26
- BeetsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- PotatoesPlant seed potatoes
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- TurnipsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 1
- Again for fall Aug 2–16
- ParsnipsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Sweet potatoesPlant rooted cuttings (slips)
- Plant Jun 5–26
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
Onion family 4 plants
Peas and beans 4 plants
- PeasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 1
- Bush beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- Pole beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jun 30
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- Fava beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – May 25
Tomatoes and summer crops 6 plants
- Sweet cornPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jun 30
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- TomatoesPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 30 – Apr 13
- Plant May 25 – Jun 22
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- PeppersPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 27 – Apr 10
- Plant Jun 5–26
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- EggplantPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 27 – Apr 10
- Plant Jun 5–26
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- TomatillosPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 30 – Apr 13
- Plant May 25 – Jun 22
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- Ground cherriesPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Apr 6–20
- Plant May 25 – Jun 22
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
Squash, cucumbers and melons 5 plants
- CucumbersPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 27 – May 4
- Plant May 25 – Jun 22
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- Zucchini and summer squashPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 27 – May 4
- Plant May 25 – Jun 22
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- Winter squashPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 27 – May 4
- Plant May 25 – Jun 15
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- MelonsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors May 8–15
- Plant Jun 5–26
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- PumpkinsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 27 – May 4
- Plant May 25 – Jun 15
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
Herbs 13 plants
- BasilPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Apr 24 – May 8
- Plant Jun 5 – Jul 3
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- CilantroPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 8
- Again for fall Aug 16–30
- ParsleyPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- DillPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 23
- ChivesPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- MintPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- RosemaryPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- ThymePlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- OreganoPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- LavenderPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- SagePlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Lemon balmPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- TarragonPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
Berries 10 plants
- StrawberriesPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- BlueberriesPlant potted or bare-root bushes
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- RaspberriesPlant bare-root canes
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- BlackberriesPlant bare-root or potted canes
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 8
- GrapesPlant bare-root or potted vines
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Hardy kiwiPlant potted vines
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- HoneyberriesPlant potted bushes
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- CurrantsPlant bare-root or potted bushes
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- GooseberriesPlant bare-root or potted bushes
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- ElderberriesPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
Perennial vegetables 5 plants
- AsparagusPlant dormant crowns
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- RhubarbPlant dormant crowns
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 1
- ArtichokesPlant young plants (starts)
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- SorrelPlant seeds or young plants
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- HorseradishPlant root cuttings
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 1
Fruit and nut trees 11 plants
- Apple treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Pear treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Plum treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Cherry treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Fig treesPlant potted trees
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Peach treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Hazelnut treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Persimmon treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Asian pear treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Quince treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Mulberry treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
Native plants 15 plants
- HuckleberriesPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Oregon grapePlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Red-flowering currantPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- ServiceberryPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- CamasPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 20 – Oct 20
- ThimbleberryPlant bare-root or potted plants
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- SalmonberryPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- SalalPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- KinnikinnickPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Western columbinePlant potted plants or seeds
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Douglas asterPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Oregon sunshinePlant potted plants or seeds
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Pacific ninebarkPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Sword fernPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
- Oregon irisPlant potted plants or divisions
- Plant Apr 20 – Jun 15
Flowers 13 plants
- DahliasPlant tubers
- Plant May 25 – Jun 22
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- SunflowersPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- Sweet peasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 20 – May 25
- TulipsPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 20 – Oct 20
- DaffodilsPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 20 – Oct 20
- ZinniasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- PeoniesPlant bare-root divisions
- Fall Sep 20 – Oct 20
- CosmosPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 14–28
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- NasturtiumsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- MarigoldsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 13–27
- Plant May 25 – Jun 29
Frost possible until about Jun 7: keep frost cover handy.
- CalendulaPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- RanunculusPlant soaked corms
- Plant Apr 21 – May 26
- SnapdragonsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Start seeds indoors
- Plant in the garden
- Plant again for fall
- Today
- Frost possible
- Frost likely
New to this? Read the beginner's guide or look up a term in the glossary.
ZIP codes that use these dates: 97741, 97734. Look up another ZIP.
Where these dates come from
The frost dates for Madras come from NOAA's Madras weather station, about 2 miles north of Madras, at 2,440 feet. It's the closest weather station to Madras with NOAA's 1991–2020 frost records. It's a NOAA cooperative station, not an airport station.
They're NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals: 30-year averages, not a forecast. How we pick each town's station.
Common questions about frost in Madras
When is the last frost in Madras?
May 19 in a typical year. Frost is over by June 7 in 9 years out of 10, Tender plants like tomatoes wait longer than that, for warm soil: see the tomato question below.
When is the first frost in Madras?
Around October 4. It comes as early as September 20 in 1 year out of 10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Madras?
Set out tomato plants May 25 – Jun 22, after starting seeds indoors Mar 30 – Apr 13. Keep frost cover handy until about Jun 7.
When should I plant garlic in Madras?
Plant garlic cloves Sep 20 – Oct 20, and harvest next summer when the lower leaves turn brown.
How long is the growing season in Madras?
About 138 frost-free days, shorter than most of the 86 Oregon, Washington and Idaho towns we cover.