Frost dates for 46221 — Indianapolis, IN
How Indianapolis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Indianapolis falls between April 2 and May 2, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 13 and November 7.
- The median last frost is 7 days earlier than the Indiana median of Apr 22.
- Its 194-day growing season is longer than 78% of the 733 Indiana places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 7 days earlier 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 106 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 2 |
| 50% (median) | April 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 13 |
| 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 46221 — Indianapolis, IN — last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 26, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Indianapolis, 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 31 – Sep 28 |
| Kale | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Broccoli | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Cabbage | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| 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 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 22 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 6 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | — | Apr 22 – May 6 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| 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 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 22 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 22 – May 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | — | — |
| 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 Indianapolis, IN weather station, 9 km away (elevation 791 ft (241 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
- Camby Apr 12 · Oct 27
- Greenwood Apr 20 · Oct 21
- Avon Apr 12 · Oct 29
- Plainfield Apr 12 · Oct 27
- Brownsburg Apr 12 · Oct 29
- Mooresville 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 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 2, 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 13.
How long is the growing season in Indianapolis, IN?
About 194 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.