State growing guide
Oklahoma Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7a/7b · Last frost Mar 25 · First frost Nov 10 · 229 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Oklahoma.
Frost Dates by City — Oklahoma
Average frost dates for major Oklahoma cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | 7a | Mar 25 | Nov 10 | ~2 wks after (Mar 25) |
| Tulsa | 7a | Mar 25 | Nov 10 | ~2 wks after (Mar 25) |
| Lawton | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Ardmore | 8a | Mar 10 | Nov 25 | ~2 wks after (Mar 10) |
| Enid | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Oklahoma Gardeners
- Oklahoma City gardeners transplant tomatoes mid-to-late March
- Oklahoma summers get intense — shade cloth in July–August helps extend production
- Fall garden is excellent — plant in August for October harvest
Common Challenges in Oklahoma
- ⚠ Tornadoes and hail storms can destroy gardens instantly
- ⚠ Hot dry summers in western Oklahoma demand drip irrigation
- ⚠ Red clay soils compact severely — raised beds often necessary
Best Crops for Oklahoma
Tomatoes Peppers Okra Sweet Potatoes Watermelon Pecans Squash Beans Cantaloupe
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Oklahoma
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Oklahoma Gardening
What zone is Oklahoma?
Oklahoma spans Zone 6a (panhandle) to Zone 8a (southeast). Oklahoma City and Tulsa are Zone 7a, Lawton is Zone 7b, and Ardmore is Zone 8a.