Frost dates for 46218 — Indianapolis, IN
How Indianapolis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Indianapolis falls between April 3 and May 6, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 12 and November 7.
- The median last frost is 4 days earlier than the Indiana median of Apr 22.
- Its 191-day growing season is longer than 74% of the 733 Indiana places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 11 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 113 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 3 |
| 50% (median) | April 18 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 12 |
| 50% (median) | October 26 |
| 90% (late) | November 7 |
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
Frost dates for 46218 — Indianapolis, IN — last frost Apr 18, first frost Oct 26, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Indianapolis, IN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Mar 21 – Apr 25 | Aug 31 – Sep 28 |
| Kale | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Broccoli | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Cabbage | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Okra | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 23 | May 9 – May 23 | — |
| Basil | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 25 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 9 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 2 – May 23 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 12 – Nov 16 |
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 Castleton 2 S, IN weather station, 9 km away (elevation 823 ft (251 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
- Fishers Apr 21 · Oct 21
- Mccordsville Apr 18 · Oct 26
- New Palestine Apr 20 · Oct 21
- Carmel Apr 21 · Oct 21
- Zionsville Apr 21 · Oct 20
- Greenwood Apr 20 · Oct 21
- West Newton 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 18. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 6, 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 26, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 12.
How long is the growing season in Indianapolis, IN?
About 191 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Indianapolis, IN?
Indianapolis, IN is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.