Frost dates for 46231 — Indianapolis, IN
How Indianapolis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Indianapolis falls between March 31 and April 28, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 14 and November 7.
- The median last frost is 10 days earlier than the Indiana median of Apr 22.
- Its 198-day growing season is longer than 85% of the 733 Indiana places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 10 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 108 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 31 |
| 50% (median) | April 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 14 |
| 50% (median) | October 27 |
| 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 46231 — Indianapolis, IN — last frost Apr 12, first frost Oct 27, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Indianapolis, IN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Mar 15 – Apr 19 | Sep 1 – Sep 29 |
| Kale | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Broccoli | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cabbage | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Okra | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Basil | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 22 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 22 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 8 – Apr 19 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | Apr 26 – May 3 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | — | Apr 19 – May 3 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | — | Apr 19 – May 3 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 19 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 19 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 19 – May 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 26 – May 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 13 – Nov 17 |
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 Nwfo, IN weather station, 2 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
- West Newton Apr 12 · Oct 27
- Camby Apr 12 · Oct 27
- Plainfield Apr 12 · Oct 27
- Avon Apr 12 · Oct 29
- Mooresville Apr 12 · Oct 27
- Clayton Apr 12 · Oct 27
- Brownsburg Apr 12 · Oct 29
- Greenwood Apr 20 · Oct 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Indianapolis, IN?
The median last spring frost in Indianapolis, IN is April 12. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 28, 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 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 14.
How long is the growing season in Indianapolis, IN?
About 198 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.