What to plant in April in Kansas
In Kansas (KS), the average last frost (April 15) falls in April itself. The state averages 188 frost-free days a year (last frost April 15, first frost October 20; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
90 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion, mizuna, onion - and 59 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from Kansas frost dates (last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant arugula, beet or onion in Kansas.
Kansas: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 4) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 4) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 11) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 11) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 11) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (121)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in April, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
Start seeds indoors in April (7)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on Apr 4 and Apr 16 and Apr 28
- Spinach: sow again on Apr 4 and Apr 16 and Apr 28
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on Apr 8 and Apr 22
Harvesting in April
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Kansas
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Kansas: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Main planting month: April garden jobs in Kansas
- With the average last frost on April 15, 87 crops can go in outdoors this month, including arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion.
- Transplant on a cloudy afternoon and water in well - see transplanting seedlings without shock.
- Once the soil has warmed, lay mulch around established plants to hold moisture and smother weeds.
- Sow quick crops little and often - lettuce, radish and beans every two to three weeks give a steady harvest instead of a glut (succession planting).
USDA zone chart for Kansas
Kansas spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Kansas in April?
90 crops have a window in April: arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion, mizuna, onion, radish, shallot, tatsoi, cabbage and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Kansas in April?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 15 – May 2 in Kansas.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Kansas in April?
No - direct sow (spring) runs Mar 20 – Apr 8 in Kansas, so do it before April 8.
When is the first frost in Kansas?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 15. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in April in Kansas?
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Cucumber (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Pumpkin (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Sunflower (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Watermelon (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Winter Squash (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Mar 18 – Apr 1).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Kansas’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.