When to plant in Valparaiso, IN
USDA Zone 6aEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in Valparaiso, Indiana — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
Zone 6a means Valparaiso sees real winter cold, but a good range of perennials survive; the frost dates above govern when annual vegetables go out.
The average first fall frost in Valparaiso is now 5 days later than in the 1981–2010 normals. See how frost dates are shifting nationwide →
Frost probability
VALPARAISO WTR WKS · 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 Valparaiso’s own odds, recorded at VALPARAISO WTR WKS.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 22 | May 4 | Apr 20 | Sep 30 | Oct 13 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | May 6 | Apr 22 | Apr 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Apr 24 | Apr 9 | Mar 25 | Oct 24 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
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 Valparaiso, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 11 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.
Valparaiso planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Valparaiso, IN?
On average, the last spring frost in Valparaiso is around April 22 (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 Valparaiso, IN?
The first fall frost in Valparaiso typically arrives around October 25 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Valparaiso in?
Valparaiso is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. In zone 6a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Valparaiso?
There are roughly 186 frost-free days in Valparaiso (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around April 22 to the first fall frost near October 25.
When should I plant tomatoes in Valparaiso?
In Valparaiso, start tomato seeds indoors around February 25–March 11, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 29 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Valparaiso
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Valparaiso’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Chesterton · 13 km
- Portage · 16 km
- Hobart · 19 km
- Lake Station · 20 km
- Merrillville · 22 km
- Crown Point · 26 km
- Gary · 27 km
- Michigan City · 30 km
Frost dates recorded at VALPARAISO WTR WKS, 4 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 Valparaiso, IN — Frost Dates & Zone 6a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00128999. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/indiana/valparaiso.