Kokomo, IN planting zone & frost dates
Kokomo is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 27 and the first fall frost around October 18, for a growing season of about 174 days.
Planting calendar for Kokomo
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 27) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 23 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 18).
Useful for zone 6a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | May 13 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 1 | Oct 18 | Oct 4 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 13, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 4. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 15.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Kokomo
- 46901 zone 6a
- 46902 zone 6a
- 46903 zone 6a
- 46904 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Peru zone 6a, last frost Apr 23
- Logansport zone 6a, last frost Apr 20
- Frankfort zone 6a, last frost Apr 21
- Wabash zone 6a, last frost Apr 23
- Westfield zone 6a, last frost Apr 21
- Noblesville zone 6a, last frost Apr 21
- Marion zone 6a, last frost Apr 26
- Carmel zone 6a, last frost Apr 21
Questions
What growing zone is Kokomo, IN?
Kokomo is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Kokomo?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Kokomo is April 27. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 13.
When can I plant tomatoes in Kokomo?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 4 – May 11. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Kokomo 3 Wsw, IN (USC00124662), 4.7 km (2.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 250 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.