Last frost date in Lawrence, IN
Expect the last frost in Lawrence around April 18. Frost after May 6 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 26, which leaves 190 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 12 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 6
- Average first frost
- Oct 26
- Frost-free season
- 190 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 5
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2244°
- FriOct 2343°
- SatOct 2444°
- SunOct 2546°
- MonOct 2647°
- TueOct 2746°
- WedOct 2845°
Planting calendar for Lawrence
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Indiana.
TomatoesApr 25–May 9
PumpkinsMay 2–May 16
SunflowersApr 18–May 9
CucumbersMay 2–May 9
CornApr 25–May 9
Sweet potatoesMay 9–May 23
WatermelonMay 2–May 16
Green beansApr 25–May 16
ZucchiniApr 25–May 9
OkraMay 9–May 23
PeppersMay 2–May 16
BasilApr 25–May 9
Butternut squashApr 25–May 9
CantaloupeMay 2–May 16
EggplantMay 2–May 16
PotatoesMar 21–Apr 4
OnionsMar 7–Mar 28
CarrotsMar 28–May 2
LettuceApr 4–Apr 25
BroccoliMar 21–Apr 4
BeetsMar 21–May 2
PeasMar 7–Mar 21
CabbageMar 21–Apr 4
RadishesMar 14–Apr 25
Brussels sproutsApr 4–Apr 18
SpinachMar 7–Mar 28
CilantroApr 4–Apr 25
KaleMar 21–Apr 4
Collard greensMar 21–Apr 4
TurnipsMar 21–Apr 4
DillApr 18–May 2
CeleryApr 25–May 2
CauliflowerApr 4–Apr 18
LeeksApr 4–Apr 18
Swiss chardApr 4–May 2
ParsleyApr 4–Apr 25
Tulip bulbsOct 12–Nov 16
GarlicOct 5–Nov 9
Daffodil bulbsSep 28–Nov 9
StrawberriesMar 21–Apr 4
AsparagusMar 21–Apr 4Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 3 | Apr 18 | May 6 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 21 | Apr 5 | Apr 24 | Oct 25 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
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 Castleton 2 S (USC00121326) sits 3.4 miles from the center of Lawrence at 824 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 Lawrence, IN?
The average last frost date in Lawrence is April 18, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 6.
When is the first frost in Lawrence?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 26. One year in ten it arrives before October 12.
How long is the growing season in Lawrence?
About 190 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Lawrence?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 25 to May 9. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Indiana
- FishersApr 21
- IndianapolisApr 20
- CarmelApr 21
- NoblesvilleApr 21
- GreenfieldApr 19
- WestfieldApr 21
- GreenwoodApr 20
- ZionsvilleApr 21
- BrownsburgApr 12
- AndersonApr 19
- AvonApr 12
- PlainfieldApr 12