Last frost date in Fort Wayne, IN
In Fort Wayne, the last spring frost comes around April 24 in an average year. Wait until May 10 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 21, which leaves 178 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 8 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 10
- Average first frost
- Oct 21
- Frost-free season
- 178 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 12
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 21.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2243°
- FriOct 2342°
- SatOct 2443°
- SunOct 2546°
- MonOct 2647°
- TueOct 2744°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Fort Wayne
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Indiana.
TomatoesMay 1–May 15
PumpkinsMay 8–May 22
SunflowersApr 24–May 15
CucumbersMay 8–May 15
CornMay 1–May 15
Sweet potatoesMay 15–May 29
WatermelonMay 8–May 22
Green beansMay 1–May 22
ZucchiniMay 1–May 15
OkraMay 15–May 29
PeppersMay 8–May 22
BasilMay 1–May 15
Butternut squashMay 1–May 15
CantaloupeMay 8–May 22
EggplantMay 8–May 22
PotatoesMar 27–Apr 10
OnionsMar 13–Apr 3
CarrotsApr 3–May 8
LettuceApr 10–May 1
BroccoliMar 27–Apr 10
BeetsMar 27–May 8
PeasMar 13–Mar 27
CabbageMar 27–Apr 10
RadishesMar 20–May 1
Brussels sproutsApr 10–Apr 24
SpinachMar 13–Apr 3
CilantroApr 10–May 1
KaleMar 27–Apr 10
Collard greensMar 27–Apr 10
TurnipsMar 27–Apr 10
DillApr 24–May 8
CeleryMay 1–May 8
CauliflowerApr 10–Apr 24
LeeksApr 10–Apr 24
Swiss chardApr 10–May 8
ParsleyApr 10–May 1
Tulip bulbsOct 7–Nov 11
GarlicSep 30–Nov 4
Daffodil bulbsSep 23–Nov 4
StrawberriesMar 27–Apr 10
AsparagusMar 27–Apr 10Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 10 | Apr 24 | May 10 | Oct 8 | Oct 21 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 28 | Apr 12 | Apr 28 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 |
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 Fort Wayne International Airport (USW00014827) sits 8.8 miles from the center of Fort Wayne at 791 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 Fort Wayne, IN?
The average last frost date in Fort Wayne is April 24, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 10.
When is the first frost in Fort Wayne?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 21. One year in ten it arrives before October 8.
How long is the growing season in Fort Wayne?
About 178 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Fort Wayne?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 1 to May 15. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.