Frost Dates for Lafayette, IN 47901
Lafayette has 4 ZIP codes. The Lafayette, IN frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 29 · First fall frost October 8 · 162 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 47901 has about 4,590 people, one of 4 ZIP codes in Lafayette.
Moderate season: 162 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 14–May 14 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans September 25–October 20 (25 days).
Frost probability for 47901
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 14 | April 29 | April 14 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 25 | October 8 | October 20 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LAFAYETTE 8 S (13.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 162-day season in Lafayette
In Lafayette (162 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 25 | May 13–May 20 | 120 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jun 8 |
| Pepper | Mar 18 | May 13–May 20 | 120 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jun 13 |
| Lettuce | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 17 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 204 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 8. | Aug 6 |
| Cucumber | Apr 8 | May 13–May 20 | 134 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 12; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 12 |
| Beans | — | May 6–May 20 | 148 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 19 |
| Peas | — | Mar 4–May 13 | 225 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 225 available after Mar 4. | Jul 28 |
| Zucchini | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 134 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Onion | Feb 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 197 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 197 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 4–Apr 22 | 239 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Oct 29. | Sep 5 |
| Kale | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 197 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 197 available after Apr 1. | Jul 13 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 211 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 211 available after Apr 1. | Aug 6 |
| Radish | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 225 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Oct 15. | Sep 6 |
| Beets | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 225 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 183 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 8 | 267 | overwinter: Plant Oct 8 to Oct 29; harvest the following summer. | Oct 29 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 25–May 20 | 218 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 25; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 1 | May 6–May 13 | 134 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 134 available after May 6. | Jun 20 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 15 | May 13–May 13 | 127 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 127 available after May 13. | May 26 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 18 | Apr 22–May 6 | 176 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 176 available after Apr 22. | Jul 18 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 15 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 239 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Oct 29. | Sep 5 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 211 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 211 available after Apr 1. | Jul 7 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 127 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 127 available after May 13. | May 26 |
| Eggplant | Mar 11 | May 13–May 20 | 120 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jun 18 |
| Okra | Apr 1 | May 6–May 13 | 141 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Basil | Mar 25 | May 20–May 20 | 127 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 127 available after May 20. | Jul 12 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 1–Apr 22 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Parsley | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 162 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 162 available after May 6. | Jul 23 |
| Celery | Feb 18 | May 6–May 20 | 162 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 162 available after May 6. | Jun 3 |
| Scallions | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 16 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 26 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 225 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 1 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 17 |
| Collards | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 16 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 120 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jun 3 |
| Chives | Feb 4 | May 6–May 13 | 176 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 176 available after May 6. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 225 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Oregano | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 176 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 176 available after May 6. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 4 | May 6–May 13 | 162 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 162 available after May 6. | — |
| Sage | Mar 4 | May 6–May 13 | 176 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 176 available after May 6. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 176 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 176 available after May 6. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Cosmos | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 148 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 12; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 12 |
| Lavender | Feb 4 | Apr 29–May 13 | 183 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 18 | Apr 29–May 6 | 148 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Melons | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 120 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jun 3 |
| Mint | — | Apr 29–May 13 | 183 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 148 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 6–May 20 | 141 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 141 available after May 6. | Jul 7 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 127 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 127 available after May 13. | Jun 5 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 29–May 13 | 148 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 148 available after Apr 29. | Jul 2 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 4 | May 6–May 13 | 127 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 127 available after May 6. | Jun 13 |
| Watermelon | Apr 15 | May 6–May 13 | 127 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 127 available after May 6. | Jun 8 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 134 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Zinnias | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 148 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 12; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 12 |
Month by month in Lafayette
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 4), Lavender (Feb 4), Onion (Feb 4), Rosemary (Feb 4), Celery (Feb 18), Collards (Feb 18), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 4), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 4), Cabbage (Mar 4), Lettuce (Mar 4), Sage (Mar 4), Swiss Chard (Mar 4), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 4), Beets (Mar 4), Dill (Mar 4), Peas (Mar 4), Radish (Mar 4), Spinach (Mar 4), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 25). |
| April | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Apr 1), Corn (Apr 1), Cosmos (Apr 1), Nasturtiums (Apr 1), Okra (Apr 1), Zinnias (Apr 1), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Apr 1), Turnip (Apr 1), Carrots (Apr 8), Potatoes (Apr 15), Sunflowers (Apr 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 1), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 1), Cabbage (Apr 1), Collards (Apr 1), Kale (Apr 1), Lettuce (Apr 1), +12 more. Last frost around April 29. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 6), Pole Beans (May 6). Transplant from: Celery (May 6), Chives (May 6), Corn (May 6), Okra (May 6), Oregano (May 6), Parsley (May 6), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 26), Pumpkin (May 26). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 3), Celery (Jun 3), Melons (Jun 3), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 5), Tomato (Jun 8), Watermelon (Jun 8), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 2), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 7), Pole Beans (Jul 7), Basil (Jul 12), Cosmos (Jul 12), Cucumber (Jul 12), +11 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 6), Carrots (Aug 6), Beets (Aug 7), Dill (Aug 7), Swiss Chard (Aug 7), Calendula (Aug 12), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 5), Spinach (Sep 5), Radish (Sep 6). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 8). First frost around October 8. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 29). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Lafayette, IN (ZIP 47901)?
The median last spring frost date for Lafayette, IN (ZIP code 47901) is around April 29. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 14; one in ten it runs past May 14.
What is the first fall frost date in Lafayette, IN?
The median first fall frost date for Lafayette, IN is around October 8. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 25 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Lafayette, IN?
The frost-free growing season in Lafayette is about 162 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Lafayette (162 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Lafayette, IN?
Lafayette, IN is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Lafayette, IN?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 25 and plant out May 13 in Lafayette. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Lafayette?
Two: plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15.
When do I plant garlic in Lafayette?
Oct 8 to Oct 29; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Crawfordsville (ZIP 47933) has 174 frost-free days, 12 more than Lafayette (ZIP 47901). See Crawfordsville ZIP 47933 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Lafayette, IN 47909 (6.5 mi)
- Frost dates for West Lafayette, IN 47906 (6.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Frankfort, IN 46041 (22.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Monticello, IN 47960 (26.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Crawfordsville, IN 47933 (26.3 mi)
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- When to plant Peppers in IN
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