Frost dates for 46288 — Indianapolis, IN
How Indianapolis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Indianapolis falls between April 5 and May 8, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 6 and November 2.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the Indiana median of Apr 22.
- Its 183-day growing season is longer than 50% of the 733 Indiana places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 8 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 122 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 5 |
| 50% (median) | April 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 6 |
| 50% (median) | October 21 |
| 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 Indianapolis, IN
Frost dates for 46288 — Indianapolis, IN — last frost Apr 21, first frost Oct 21, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Indianapolis, IN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 19 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 19 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Mar 24 – Apr 28 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 |
| Kale | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cabbage | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Okra | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | May 12 – May 26 | May 12 – May 26 | — |
| Basil | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 28 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 5 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 5 – May 19 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 7 – May 5 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 28 – May 19 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 5 – May 26 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 7 – Nov 11 |
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 Carmel 3 E, IN weather station, 9 km away (elevation 751 ft (229 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
- Zionsville Apr 21 · Oct 20
- Carmel Apr 21 · Oct 21
- Westfield Apr 21 · Oct 21
- Fishers Apr 21 · Oct 21
- Whitestown Apr 21 · Oct 20
- Noblesville Apr 21 · Oct 21
- Mccordsville Apr 18 · Oct 26
- Brownsburg Apr 12 · Oct 29
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Indianapolis, IN?
The median last spring frost in Indianapolis, IN is April 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 8, 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 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 6.
How long is the growing season in Indianapolis, IN?
About 183 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.