Last frost date in Columbus, IN
In Columbus, the last spring frost comes around April 11 in an average year. Wait until April 30 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 25, which leaves 195 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 12 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 30
- Average first frost
- Oct 25
- Frost-free season
- 195 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 1
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2243°
- FriOct 2342°
- SatOct 2442°
- SunOct 2544°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2747°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Columbus
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Indiana.
TomatoesApr 18–May 2
PumpkinsApr 25–May 9
SunflowersApr 11–May 2
CucumbersApr 25–May 2
CornApr 18–May 2
Sweet potatoesMay 2–May 16
WatermelonApr 25–May 9
Green beansApr 18–May 9
ZucchiniApr 18–May 2
OkraMay 2–May 16
PeppersApr 25–May 9
BasilApr 18–May 2
Butternut squashApr 18–May 2
CantaloupeApr 25–May 9
EggplantApr 25–May 9
PotatoesMar 14–Mar 28
OnionsFeb 28–Mar 21
CarrotsMar 21–Apr 25
LettuceMar 28–Apr 18
BroccoliMar 14–Mar 28
BeetsMar 14–Apr 25
PeasFeb 28–Mar 14
CabbageMar 14–Mar 28
RadishesMar 7–Apr 18
Brussels sproutsMar 28–Apr 11
SpinachFeb 28–Mar 21
CilantroMar 28–Apr 18
KaleMar 14–Mar 28
Collard greensMar 14–Mar 28
TurnipsMar 14–Mar 28
DillApr 11–Apr 25
CeleryApr 18–Apr 25
CauliflowerMar 28–Apr 11
LeeksMar 28–Apr 11
Swiss chardMar 28–Apr 25
ParsleyMar 28–Apr 18
Tulip bulbsOct 11–Nov 15
GarlicOct 4–Nov 8
Daffodil bulbsSep 27–Nov 8
StrawberriesMar 14–Mar 28
AsparagusMar 14–Mar 28Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 31 | Apr 11 | Apr 30 | Oct 12 | Oct 25 | Nov 7 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 16 | Apr 1 | Apr 14 | Oct 24 | Nov 5 | Nov 22 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Columbus (USC00121747) sits 2.8 miles from the center of Columbus at 609 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Columbus, IN?
The average last frost date in Columbus is April 11, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 30.
When is the first frost in Columbus?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 25. One year in ten it arrives before October 12.
How long is the growing season in Columbus?
About 195 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Columbus?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 18 to May 2. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Indiana
- SeymourApr 16
- FranklinApr 20
- ShelbyvilleApr 17
- GreenwoodApr 20
- BloomingtonApr 15
- IndianapolisApr 20
- GreenfieldApr 19
- PlainfieldApr 12
- LawrenceApr 18
- AvonApr 12
- BrownsburgApr 12
- FishersApr 21