Last frost date in Shelbyville, IN
In Shelbyville, the last spring frost comes around April 17 in an average year. Wait until May 3 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 22, which leaves 187 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 9 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 3
- Average first frost
- Oct 22
- Frost-free season
- 187 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 5
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2244°
- FriOct 2343°
- SatOct 2443°
- SunOct 2545°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2747°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Shelbyville
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Indiana.
TomatoesApr 24–May 8
PumpkinsMay 1–May 15
SunflowersApr 17–May 8
CucumbersMay 1–May 8
CornApr 24–May 8
Sweet potatoesMay 8–May 22
WatermelonMay 1–May 15
Green beansApr 24–May 15
ZucchiniApr 24–May 8
OkraMay 8–May 22
PeppersMay 1–May 15
BasilApr 24–May 8
Butternut squashApr 24–May 8
CantaloupeMay 1–May 15
EggplantMay 1–May 15
PotatoesMar 20–Apr 3
OnionsMar 6–Mar 27
CarrotsMar 27–May 1
LettuceApr 3–Apr 24
BroccoliMar 20–Apr 3
BeetsMar 20–May 1
PeasMar 6–Mar 20
CabbageMar 20–Apr 3
RadishesMar 13–Apr 24
Brussels sproutsApr 3–Apr 17
SpinachMar 6–Mar 27
CilantroApr 3–Apr 24
KaleMar 20–Apr 3
Collard greensMar 20–Apr 3
TurnipsMar 20–Apr 3
DillApr 17–May 1
CeleryApr 24–May 1
CauliflowerApr 3–Apr 17
LeeksApr 3–Apr 17
Swiss chardApr 3–May 1
ParsleyApr 3–Apr 24
Tulip bulbsOct 8–Nov 12
GarlicOct 1–Nov 5
Daffodil bulbsSep 24–Nov 5
StrawberriesMar 20–Apr 3
AsparagusMar 20–Apr 3Frost 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 17 | May 3 | Oct 9 | Oct 22 | Nov 4 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 22 | Apr 5 | Apr 22 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 17 |
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 Shelbyville Sewage Plt (USC00127999) sits 1.5 miles from the center of Shelbyville at 752 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 Shelbyville, IN?
The average last frost date in Shelbyville is April 17, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 3.
When is the first frost in Shelbyville?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 22. One year in ten it arrives before October 9.
How long is the growing season in Shelbyville?
About 187 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Shelbyville?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 24 to May 8. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Indiana
- FranklinApr 20
- GreenfieldApr 19
- GreenwoodApr 20
- ColumbusApr 11
- LawrenceApr 18
- IndianapolisApr 20
- FishersApr 21
- PlainfieldApr 12
- CarmelApr 21
- NoblesvilleApr 21
- AvonApr 12
- AndersonApr 19