Medford, OR planting zone & frost dates
Medford is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 8 and the first fall frost around October 29, for a growing season of about 204 days.
Planting calendar for Medford
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 8) 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 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 3 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 29).
Useful for zone 8b 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 17 | Apr 8 | Apr 30 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 16 | Oct 29 | Oct 14 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 30, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 14. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 10.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Medford
- 97501 zone 8b
- 97504 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Central Point zone 8b, last frost Apr 8
- Ashland zone 8a, last frost May 6
- Grants Pass zone 8b, last frost Apr 8
- Roseburg zone 8b, last frost Mar 23
- Klamath Falls zone 6b, last frost Jun 9
- Altamont zone 6b, last frost Jun 9
- Coos Bay zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Springfield zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is Medford, OR?
Medford is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Medford?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Medford is April 8. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 30.
When can I plant tomatoes in Medford?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 15 – Apr 22. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Medford Rogue Vly Ap, OR (USW00024225), 6.1 km (3.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 395 m, based on 26 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.