Frost dates for 46845 — Fort Wayne, IN
How Fort Wayne compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Fort Wayne falls between April 19 and May 16, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 26 and October 24.
- The median last frost is 10 days later than the Indiana median of Apr 22.
- Its 161-day growing season is among the shortest of the 733 Indiana places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is typical for zone 6a, where the median is Apr 29.
- The weather station records an average of 129 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 19 |
| 50% (median) | May 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 26 |
| 50% (median) | October 10 |
| 90% (late) | October 24 |
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 Fort Wayne, IN
Frost dates for 46845 — Fort Wayne, IN — last frost May 2, first frost Oct 10, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Fort Wayne, IN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 4 – May 9 | Aug 15 – Sep 12 |
| Kale | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Broccoli | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Cabbage | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Okra | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Basil | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 28 – May 9 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 23 | May 9 – May 23 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | — | May 9 – May 23 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | — | May 9 – May 23 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 11 – May 9 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 11 – May 9 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 11 – May 2 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 9 – May 30 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 9 – May 23 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 16 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 26 – Oct 31 |
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 Garrett 1 S, IN weather station, 16 km away (elevation 869 ft (265 m)).
ZIP codes in Fort Wayne: 46801 46802 46803 46804 46805 46806 46807 46808 46809 46814 46815 46816 46818 46819 46825 46835 46845 46850 46851 46852 46853 46854 46855 46856 46857 46858 46859 46860 46861 46862 46863 46864 46865 46866 46867 46868 46869 46885 46895 46896 46897 46898 46899
Frost dates near Fort Wayne
- Huntertown May 2 · Oct 10
- Leo May 2 · Oct 10
- Laotto Apr 29 · Oct 17
- Grabill Apr 27 · Oct 19
- New Haven Apr 27 · Oct 19
- Garrett Apr 29 · Oct 17
- Spencerville Apr 27 · Oct 19
- Churubusco Apr 27 · Oct 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fort Wayne, IN?
The median last spring frost in Fort Wayne, IN is May 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fort Wayne, IN?
The median first fall frost is October 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 26.
How long is the growing season in Fort Wayne, IN?
About 161 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fort Wayne, IN?
Fort Wayne, IN is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.