Indianapolis, IN frost dates
How Indianapolis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Indianapolis falls between April 6 and May 5, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 7 and November 3.
- The median last frost is 2 days earlier than the Indiana median of Apr 22.
- Its 184-day growing season is longer than 58% of the 733 Indiana places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6b, where the median is Apr 22.
- The weather station records an average of 120 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 6 |
| 50% (median) | April 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 7 |
| 50% (median) | October 21 |
| 90% (late) | November 3 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis, IN frost dates — last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 21, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Indianapolis, IN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Mar 23 – Apr 27 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 |
| Kale | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cabbage | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Okra | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Basil | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 9 – Mar 30 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 9 – Mar 30 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 27 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 4 – May 11 | Apr 27 – May 11 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | — | Apr 27 – May 11 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | — | Apr 27 – May 11 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 27 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 27 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 6 – May 4 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 6 – Apr 27 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 27 – May 18 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 27 – May 11 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 4 – May 25 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 7 – Nov 11 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Indianapolis Se Side, IN weather station, 11 km away (elevation 846 ft (258 m)).
ZIP codes in Indianapolis: 46201 46202 46203 46204 46205 46206 46207 46208 46209 46211 46213 46214 46216 46217 46218 46219 46220 46221 46222 46224 46225 46226 46227 46228 46229 46230 46231 46234 46235 46236 46237 46239 46240 46241 46242 46244 46247 46249 46250 46251 46253 46254 46255 46256 46259 46260 46262 46266 46268 46274 46275 46277 46278 46280 46282 46283 46285 46288 46290 46291 …
Frost dates near Indianapolis
- Beech Grove Apr 20 · Oct 21
- West Newton Apr 12 · Oct 27
- Fishers Apr 21 · Oct 21
- Zionsville Apr 21 · Oct 20
- Greenwood Apr 20 · Oct 21
- New Palestine Apr 20 · Oct 21
- Mccordsville Apr 18 · Oct 26
- Brownsburg Apr 12 · Oct 29
- Avon Apr 12 · Oct 29
- Camby Apr 12 · Oct 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Indianapolis, IN?
The median last spring frost in Indianapolis, IN is April 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Indianapolis, IN?
The median first fall frost is October 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 7.
How long is the growing season in Indianapolis, IN?
About 184 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Indianapolis, IN?
Indianapolis, IN is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.