Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 67880 — Ulysses, KS

ZIP code 67880 (Ulysses, Grant County) is in USDA zone 6b: the coldest winter night averages −5 to 0 °F. The median last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost October 16.

Where ZIP 67880 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone6b−5 to 0 °F

Coldest night−20.6 to −17.8 °C

Last frostApr 28

First frostOct 16

2012 zone6a

Was 6a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 6b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Ulysses, KS…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Ulysses, KS

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostApril 28median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 10only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 16median — 10% chance by Oct 2

Growing season171 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 16 and returns around October 24.

From the NOAA station Ulysses 3ne, KS — 2 miles away, elevation 3,094 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 67880

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 17 – Apr 7

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 17 – Mar 3

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

TomatoesTransplant · May 5 – May 19

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 17 – Mar 3

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 12 – May 26

BeansSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 21 – Sep 4

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 2 – Nov 6

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 28) and first fall frost (Oct 16) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 67880 came on Feb 22 — 20 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 14).

average
Mar 142026
Feb 22

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 6b in Kansas

431 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Kansas, and rated by the USDA to survive −5 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 6b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Ulysses, KS.

Soil in Ulysses, KS

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 67880 is Lesho — clay loam, somewhat poorly drained.

TextureClay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH8.2alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Lesho, saline-Las Animas complex, occasionally flooded.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 67880; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Ulysses, KS

Summer high93 °Faverage high, July

Winter low16 °Faverage low, January

Hot days73days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights150nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days3,792base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 46 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 34 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation19.6 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Ulysses 3ne, KS (2 mi away); precipitation: Ulysses 3.8 Ene, KS (2 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

2 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Kansas planting zones →

Questions about 67880

What planting zone is ZIP code 67880?

ZIP code 67880 (Ulysses, KS) is in USDA hardiness zone 6b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −5 to 0 °F (−20.6 to −17.8 °C).

When is the last frost in Ulysses, KS?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 67880 is April 28; after May 10 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Ulysses 3ne station.

When is the first frost in Ulysses, KS?

The median first fall frost near 67880 is October 16, giving a median frost-free growing season of 171 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 67880?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 3 – Mar 17 and set transplants outside around May 5 – May 19, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 67880 get?

About 19.6 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Ulysses 3.8 Ene station).

How hot do summers get in Ulysses, KS?

The average high peaks at 93 °F in July, with about 73 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 67880 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Lesho at the center of ZIP 67880: clay loam, somewhat poorly drained, pH about 8.2 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Ulysses, KS in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 67880 came on Feb 22 in 2026, 20 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 14), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Ulysses, KS?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 67880 is 14 h 46 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 67880 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 67880 in zone 6a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.