When to plant in Columbus, IN
USDA Zone 6bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Columbus, Indiana — all computed from Columbus's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 6b, Columbus gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
COLUMBUS · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Columbus’s own odds, recorded at COLUMBUS.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 10 | Apr 24 | Apr 10 | Oct 4 | Oct 15 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | Apr 30 | Apr 11 | Mar 31 | Oct 12 | Oct 25 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 14 | Apr 1 | Mar 16 | Oct 24 | Nov 5 | Nov 22 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Columbus, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 31 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Columbus planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Columbus, IN?
On average, the last spring frost in Columbus is around April 11 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Columbus, IN?
The first fall frost in Columbus typically arrives around October 25 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Columbus in?
Columbus is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. In zone 6b, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Columbus?
Columbus has about 197 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 11) and first fall frost (October 25).
When should I plant tomatoes in Columbus?
For Columbus, sow tomatoes indoors about February 14–February 28 and move the seedlings out around April 18, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Columbus
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Columbus’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Seymour · 29 km
- Franklin · 34 km
- Greensburg · 40 km
- Shelbyville · 40 km
- Bargersville · 44 km
- Greenwood · 47 km
- Martinsville · 50 km
- Bloomington · 52 km
Frost dates recorded at COLUMBUS, 5 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Columbus, IN — Frost Dates & Zone 6b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00121747. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/indiana/columbus.