Universal, IN frost dates
How Universal compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Universal falls between March 31 and May 3, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 4 and November 2.
- The median last frost is 7 days earlier than the Indiana median of Apr 22.
- Its 187-day growing season is longer than 67% of the 733 Indiana places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 14 days earlier than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 116 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Universal shares its weather station with Terre Haute, IN, 18 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 31 |
| 50% (median) | April 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 4 |
| 50% (median) | October 19 |
| 90% (late) | November 2 |
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 Universal, IN
Universal, IN frost dates — last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 19, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Universal, IN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Mar 18 – Apr 22 | Aug 24 – Sep 21 |
| Kale | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Broccoli | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cabbage | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Okra | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Basil | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 22 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 6 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | — | Apr 22 – May 6 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | — | Apr 22 – May 6 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 22 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 22 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 22 – May 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 5 – Nov 9 |
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 Terre Haute Indiana State, IN weather station, 17 km away (elevation 509 ft (155 m)).
Frost dates near Universal
- Shepardsville Apr 15 · Oct 19
- New Goshen Apr 15 · Oct 19
- Clinton Apr 30 · Oct 12
- Blanford Apr 21 · Oct 20
- Saint Mary Of The Woods Apr 15 · Oct 19
- Rosedale Apr 30 · Oct 12
- West Terre Haute Apr 15 · Oct 19
- Mecca Apr 30 · Oct 12
- Hillsdale Apr 30 · Oct 12
- Terre Haute Apr 15 · Oct 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Universal, IN?
The median last spring frost in Universal, IN is April 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Universal, IN?
The median first fall frost is October 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 4.
How long is the growing season in Universal, IN?
About 187 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Universal, IN?
Universal, IN is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.