Indiana Planting Calendar
Frost dates, growing zones, and planting dates for Indiana gardeners.
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
The Short Answer
Indiana spans USDA zones 5b through 6b, which means planting dates vary significantly across the state. Northern Indiana has an average last frost around Apr 25 - May 10, while Southern Indiana sees its last frost around Apr 10 - Apr 25. Use our homepage tool with your zip code for dates specific to your exact location.
Indiana Frost Dates by Region
Four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall for most crops. Occasional late spring frosts catch gardeners off guard.
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Indiana | 5b, 6a | Apr 25 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Indiana | 6a, 6b | Apr 15 - May 1 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Indiana | 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Soil & Growing Conditions
Clay-heavy soils common statewide. Rich but can have drainage issues. Raised beds help with heavy clay.
What to Plant in Indiana
Indiana's four-season climate supports nearly everything in the garden. Your balanced growing conditions are the envy of both hotter and colder states. Here are the best performers:
Warm-Season Stars
Cool-Season & Year-Round
Flowers, Herbs & More
Browse all 100 plants — or enter your zip code for personalized planting dates.
Neighboring States
Gardeners near state borders may find useful information in neighboring state guides:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026