Last frost date in Franklin, IN
In Franklin, the last spring frost comes around April 20 in an average year. Wait until May 7 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 19, which leaves 180 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 7 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 7
- Average first frost
- Oct 19
- Frost-free season
- 180 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 8
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 19.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2243°
- FriOct 2342°
- SatOct 2443°
- SunOct 2544°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2746°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Franklin
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Indiana.
TomatoesApr 27–May 11
PumpkinsMay 4–May 18
SunflowersApr 20–May 11
CucumbersMay 4–May 11
CornApr 27–May 11
Sweet potatoesMay 11–May 25
WatermelonMay 4–May 18
Green beansApr 27–May 18
ZucchiniApr 27–May 11
OkraMay 11–May 25
PeppersMay 4–May 18
BasilApr 27–May 11
Butternut squashApr 27–May 11
CantaloupeMay 4–May 18
EggplantMay 4–May 18
PotatoesMar 23–Apr 6
OnionsMar 9–Mar 30
CarrotsMar 30–May 4
LettuceApr 6–Apr 27
BroccoliMar 23–Apr 6
BeetsMar 23–May 4
PeasMar 9–Mar 23
CabbageMar 23–Apr 6
RadishesMar 16–Apr 27
Brussels sproutsApr 6–Apr 20
SpinachMar 9–Mar 30
CilantroApr 6–Apr 27
KaleMar 23–Apr 6
Collard greensMar 23–Apr 6
TurnipsMar 23–Apr 6
DillApr 20–May 4
CeleryApr 27–May 4
CauliflowerApr 6–Apr 20
LeeksApr 6–Apr 20
Swiss chardApr 6–May 4
ParsleyApr 6–Apr 27
Tulip bulbsOct 5–Nov 9
GarlicSep 28–Nov 2
Daffodil bulbsSep 21–Nov 2
StrawberriesMar 23–Apr 6
AsparagusMar 23–Apr 6Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 20 | May 7 | Oct 7 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 25 | Apr 8 | Apr 24 | Oct 17 | Oct 29 | Nov 12 |
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 Franklin Wwtp (USC00123091) sits 1.9 miles from the center of Franklin at 720 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 Franklin, IN?
The average last frost date in Franklin is April 20, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 7.
When is the first frost in Franklin?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 19. One year in ten it arrives before October 7.
How long is the growing season in Franklin?
About 180 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Franklin?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 27 to May 11. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Indiana
- GreenwoodApr 20
- ShelbyvilleApr 17
- IndianapolisApr 20
- ColumbusApr 11
- PlainfieldApr 12
- GreenfieldApr 19
- LawrenceApr 18
- AvonApr 12
- BrownsburgApr 12
- FishersApr 21
- CarmelApr 21
- BloomingtonApr 15