Last frost date in Zionsville, IN
Expect the last frost in Zionsville around April 21. Frost after May 6 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 20, which leaves 180 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 6
- Average first frost
- Oct 20
- Frost-free season
- 180 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 9
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 20.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2243°
- FriOct 2342°
- SatOct 2443°
- SunOct 2545°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2744°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Zionsville
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Indiana.
TomatoesApr 28–May 12
PumpkinsMay 5–May 19
SunflowersApr 21–May 12
CucumbersMay 5–May 12
CornApr 28–May 12
Sweet potatoesMay 12–May 26
WatermelonMay 5–May 19
Green beansApr 28–May 19
ZucchiniApr 28–May 12
OkraMay 12–May 26
PeppersMay 5–May 19
BasilApr 28–May 12
Butternut squashApr 28–May 12
CantaloupeMay 5–May 19
EggplantMay 5–May 19
PotatoesMar 24–Apr 7
OnionsMar 10–Mar 31
CarrotsMar 31–May 5
LettuceApr 7–Apr 28
BroccoliMar 24–Apr 7
BeetsMar 24–May 5
PeasMar 10–Mar 24
CabbageMar 24–Apr 7
RadishesMar 17–Apr 28
Brussels sproutsApr 7–Apr 21
SpinachMar 10–Mar 31
CilantroApr 7–Apr 28
KaleMar 24–Apr 7
Collard greensMar 24–Apr 7
TurnipsMar 24–Apr 7
DillApr 21–May 5
CeleryApr 28–May 5
CauliflowerApr 7–Apr 21
LeeksApr 7–Apr 21
Swiss chardApr 7–May 5
ParsleyApr 7–Apr 28
Tulip bulbsOct 6–Nov 10
GarlicSep 29–Nov 3
Daffodil bulbsSep 22–Nov 3
StrawberriesMar 24–Apr 7
AsparagusMar 24–Apr 7Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 6 | Apr 21 | May 6 | Oct 5 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 25 | Apr 9 | Apr 25 | Oct 16 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
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 Whitestown (USC00129557) sits 1.7 miles from the center of Zionsville at 941 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 Zionsville, IN?
The average last frost date in Zionsville is April 21, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 6.
When is the first frost in Zionsville?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 20. One year in ten it arrives before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Zionsville?
About 180 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Zionsville?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 28 to May 12. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Indiana
- CarmelApr 21
- WestfieldApr 21
- BrownsburgApr 12
- AvonApr 12
- NoblesvilleApr 21
- IndianapolisApr 20
- FishersApr 21
- LawrenceApr 18
- PlainfieldApr 12
- GreenwoodApr 20
- GreenfieldApr 19
- AndersonApr 19