What to plant in April in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma (OK), April comes about 2 weeks after the average last frost (April 1). The state averages 214 frost-free days a year (last frost April 1, first frost November 1; USDA zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a).
78 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including bok choy / pak choi, borage, cilantro / coriander, collard greens, kale, leek - and 27 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from Oklahoma frost dates (last frost Apr 1, first frost Nov 1). For one crop in detail, see when to plant kale, potato or swiss chard in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Fennel (Bulb) (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Globe Artichoke (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 4) · Lemon Balm (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Mint (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Tarragon (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Fennel (Bulb) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Lemon Balm (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Parsnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Swiss Chard (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Celeriac (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Celery (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Oregano (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Sage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Thyme (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Dill (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Sunflower (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (80)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on Apr 2 and Apr 14 and Apr 26
- Lettuce: sow again on Apr 11 and Apr 23
- Spinach: sow again on Apr 2 and Apr 14 and Apr 26
- Carrot: sow again on Apr 16
- Beet: sow again on Apr 9 and Apr 27
- Radish: sow again on Apr 3 and Apr 13 and Apr 23
- Arugula: sow again on Apr 9 and Apr 21
- Turnip: sow again on Apr 8 and Apr 22
- Kohlrabi: sow again on Apr 8 and Apr 22
- Mustard Greens: sow again on Apr 8 and Apr 22
- Green Onion / Scallion: sow again on Apr 15
- Endive & Escarole: sow again on Apr 1 and Apr 15 and Apr 29
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on Apr 8 and Apr 22
- Rapini (Broccoli Raab): sow again on Apr 8 and Apr 22
- Tatsoi: sow again on Apr 9 and Apr 21
- Mizuna: sow again on Apr 9 and Apr 21
- Chervil: sow again on Apr 8 and Apr 22
- Watercress: sow again on Apr 8 and Apr 29
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 Oklahoma
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Oklahoma: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Main planting month: April garden jobs in Oklahoma
- With the average last frost on April 1, 60 crops can go in outdoors this month, including bok choy / pak choi, borage, cilantro / coriander, collard greens.
- 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 Oklahoma
Oklahoma spans USDA zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. 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 Oklahoma in April?
78 crops have a window in April: bok choy / pak choi, borage, cilantro / coriander, collard greens, kale, leek, napa cabbage, parsley, potato, radicchio and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Oklahoma in April?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 1 – Apr 18 in Oklahoma, so do it before April 18.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Oklahoma in April?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Oklahoma the next lettuce window opens around August 27: sow for a fall crop.
When is the first frost in Oklahoma?
The statewide average first fall frost is around November 1 and the last spring frost around April 1. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Oklahoma in April?
From plantings made on time: radish, spinach, arugula, tatsoi, mizuna, mustard greens, mache (corn salad), lettuce, turnip, rapini (broccoli raab).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Oklahoma’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.