Frost dates for 97038Molalla, OR
The average last spring frost in Molalla is March 28 and the average first fall frost is November 10, giving a typical growing season of about 227 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 28
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 10
- Growing season
- 227 days
Safer after Apr 19 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 25 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 10 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 5 · Apr 25 · May 11 | Oct 9 · Oct 26 · Nov 11 | 184 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 1 · Mar 28 · Apr 19 | Oct 25 · Nov 10 · Dec 1 | 227 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 18 · Feb 25 · Mar 23 | Nov 4 · Nov 28 · Dec 24 | 278 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Molalla
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – May 3 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 13 – Jul 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 28 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 27 – May 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 14 – Apr 12 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 27 – May 28 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 27 – Jul 31 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 13 – May 28 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 27 – May 28 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 13 – Aug 23 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 13 – Jul 21 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 27 – May 28 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 20 – May 13 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 25 – Apr 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 25 – Apr 27 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 14 – Feb 10 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 14 – Apr 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 7 – Mar 13 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 14 – Apr 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 11 – Jul 21 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 10 – Aug 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 28 – Feb 25 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 25 – Mar 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 1 – Jul 31 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 31 – Aug 31 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 25 – May 13 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 31 – Sep 16 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 18 – Apr 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 17 – Sep 21 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 25 – Apr 17 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 31 – Oct 1 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 14 – Apr 3 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 24 – Aug 31 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 28 – May 13 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 1 – Aug 16 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 31 – Dec 1 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 97038 is matched to the NOAA station Silverton, OR, 20.3 km away, at 408 ft elevation (91 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverton, OR (used) | 408 ft | Mar 28 | Nov 10 |
| Molalla 7Ne, OR | 647 ft | Mar 16 | Nov 19 |
| Scotts Mills 9 Se, OR | 2,315 ft | Apr 27 | Nov 4 |
| Aurora State Ap, OR | 196 ft | Mar 16 | Nov 14 |
Frost dates near Molalla
- Mulino, OR 97042 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Colton, OR 97017 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Scotts Mills, OR 97375 · last Apr 30, first Oct 22
- Canby, OR 97013 · last Mar 16, first Nov 14
- Beavercreek, OR 97004 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Mount Angel, OR 97362 · last Mar 28, first Nov 10
- Saint Benedict, OR 97373 · last Apr 27, first Nov 4
- Hubbard, OR 97032 · last Mar 16, first Nov 14
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Molalla, OR?
- For ZIP code 97038, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 28, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Silverton, OR weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 19.
- When is the first frost in Molalla, OR?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 10. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 25, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 97038?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 227 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.