Coloma, MI frost dates
Last spring frostMay 5median date
First fall frostOct 15median date
Growing season163 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6bZone 6b
How Coloma compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Coloma falls between April 20 and May 26, a 36-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 28 and November 1.
- The median last frost is the same as the Michigan median of May 5.
- Its 163-day growing season is longer than 55% of the 878 Michigan places with a regular frost season (state median 162 days).
- The last frost is 13 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 128 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with South Bend, IN, 60 km away, the last frost here is 12 days later than there and the growing season is 20 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 20 |
| 50% (median) | May 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 28 |
| 50% (median) | October 15 |
| 90% (late) | November 1 |
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 Coloma, MI
Coloma, MI frost dates — last frost May 5, first frost Oct 15, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 10 to Feb 24Transplant outside: Apr 7 to Apr 21
Start indoors: Feb 24 to Mar 10Transplant outside: May 19 to Jun 2
Start indoors: Feb 24 to Mar 10Transplant outside: May 19 to Jun 2
Start indoors: Mar 10 to Mar 24Transplant outside: May 12 to May 26
Start indoors: Mar 10 to Mar 24Transplant outside: Apr 14 to Apr 28Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to May 12Plant for fall: Aug 20 to Sep 17
Start indoors: Mar 10 to Mar 24Transplant outside: Apr 7 to Apr 21Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Apr 21Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 27
Start indoors: Mar 10 to Mar 24Transplant outside: Apr 21 to May 5Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 30
Start indoors: Mar 10 to Mar 24Transplant outside: Apr 14 to Apr 28Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 30
Start indoors: Mar 10 to Mar 24Transplant outside: Apr 21 to May 5Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 30
Start indoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7Transplant outside: May 26 to Jun 9Sow outdoors: May 26 to Jun 9
Start indoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7Transplant outside: May 12 to May 26
Sow outdoors: Mar 24 to Apr 14Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 13
Sow outdoors: Mar 24 to Apr 14Plant for fall: Aug 20 to Sep 10
Sow outdoors: Mar 31 to May 12Plant for fall: Sep 3 to Sep 24
Start indoors: Apr 7 to Apr 14Transplant outside: May 19 to May 26Sow outdoors: May 12 to May 26Plant for fall: Jul 30 to Aug 13
Start indoors: Apr 7 to Apr 14Sow outdoors: May 12 to May 26Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 20
Start indoors: Apr 7 to Apr 14Sow outdoors: May 12 to May 26
Start indoors: Apr 7 to Apr 14Transplant outside: May 19 to Jun 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to May 12Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to May 12Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 20
Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to May 5
Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to May 19Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 20
Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to May 12Plant for fall: Aug 20 to Sep 10
Sow outdoors: May 12 to Jun 2Plant for fall: Jul 30 to Aug 13
Sow outdoors: May 12 to May 26
Transplant outside: May 19 to Jun 9
Plant for fall: Oct 1 to Nov 5
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Coloma, MI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | May 12 – May 26 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Apr 7 – May 12 | Aug 20 – Sep 17 |
| Kale | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Broccoli | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Cabbage | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Okra | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — |
| Basil | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | May 12 – May 26 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 24 – Apr 14 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 24 – Apr 14 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 31 – May 12 | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | May 19 – May 26 | May 12 – May 26 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | — | May 12 – May 26 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | — | May 12 – May 26 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 21 – May 19 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 21 – May 12 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 12 – Jun 2 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 12 – May 26 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 19 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 1 – Nov 5 |
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 Benton Harbor Ap, MI weather station, 12 km away (elevation 627 ft (191 m)).
Frost dates near Coloma
- Hagar Shores May 5 · Oct 15
- Watervliet May 5 · Oct 15
- Riverside May 5 · Oct 15
- Covert Apr 17 · Nov 5
- Hartford Apr 22 · Oct 30
- Benton Harbor May 5 · Oct 15
- Sodus May 5 · Oct 15
- Saint Joseph May 5 · Oct 15
- Eau Claire Apr 22 · Oct 30
- Bangor Apr 17 · Nov 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Coloma, MI?
The median last spring frost in Coloma, MI is May 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Coloma, MI?
The median first fall frost is October 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 28.
How long is the growing season in Coloma, MI?
About 163 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Coloma, MI?
Coloma, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.