Indianapolis, IN Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Indianapolis

No planting windows from our rules fall in October; see the month-by-month list below.

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (Apr 20, 50% risk), balanced = Apr 26 (30%), safe = May 5 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

Before sowing, check the soil too. CSU recommends taking its temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans). Since NOAA publishes no soil-temperature normals, we give CSU's minimum soil temperature for each crop rather than a date.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Indianapolis

What to plant in Indianapolis in February

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 8–22)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 8–22)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Feb 22 – Mar 8)

What to plant in Indianapolis in March

• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 8–29)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 15–29)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Mar 27 – Apr 10)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Feb 22 – Mar 8)

What to plant in Indianapolis in April

• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Apr 20 – May 5)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 20 – May 5)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Apr 20 – May 5)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Apr 20 – May 5)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 23 – Apr 21)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Mar 27 – Apr 10)

What to plant in Indianapolis in May

• Peppers: transplant outdoors (May 4–19)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (May 4–19)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (May 4–19)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (May 4–19)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (May 4–19)
• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (May 15–19)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 26 – Jun 9)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 6 – May 5)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Apr 20 – May 5)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 20 – May 5)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Apr 20 – May 5)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Apr 20 – May 5)

What to plant in Indianapolis in June

• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 15–29)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 26 – Jun 9)

What to plant in Indianapolis in July

• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 14)
• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Jul 25)
• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Jul 29)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Jul 30)

What to plant in Indianapolis in August

• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Aug 3)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Aug 3)
• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Aug 4)
• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Aug 8)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Aug 8)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Aug 8)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Aug 8)
• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Aug 18)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Aug 18)
• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Aug 28)

What to plant in Indianapolis in September

• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Sep 7)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Indianapolis

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rules are to set tomatoes out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost and only once nights are above 52°F. In Indianapolis, the frost rule alone would allow about May 4, but the average nightly low at Indianapolis SE Side first rises above 52°F on May 15, so the dates shown start no earlier than that: about May 15 using the typical date, May 15 as a balanced choice, or May 19 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Mar 27 – Apr 10, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on May 15. Fruit set suffers when nights drop below 55°F (CSU). The normal low at Indianapolis SE Side reaches 55°F on May 24. Set out on May 15, tomato plants would start producing around Jul 19, based on CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 94 days before the typical first frost (Oct 21).

When to plant peppers in Indianapolis

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to set peppers out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about May 4 using the typical date, May 10 as a balanced choice, or May 19 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Mar 15–29, 6–8 weeks before transplanting on May 10. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at Indianapolis SE Side climbs to 55°F on May 24. Set out on May 10, pepper plants would start producing around Jul 19, based on CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 94 days before the typical first frost (Oct 21).

When to plant potatoes in Indianapolis

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting potatoes as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 45°F or warmer. For Indianapolis, that's roughly Apr 6–20 by the typical date or Apr 21 – May 5 by the safer date.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. Per CSU, onions (dry, from sets) can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Indianapolis, that works out to roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 (typical date) or Apr 7–21 (safer date).

When to plant peas in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. Per CSU, peas can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Indianapolis, that works out to roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 (typical date) or Apr 7–21 (safer date). For fall, count back 79 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 3, or by Jul 20 to be safe.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. CSU says lettuce (leaf) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 in Indianapolis using the typical date, or Apr 7–21 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. For fall, sow by Aug 8 (Jul 25 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant carrots in Indianapolis

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting carrots as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Indianapolis, that's roughly Apr 6–20 by the typical date or Apr 21 – May 5 by the safer date. For fall, count back 84 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 29, or by Jul 15 to be safe.

When to plant beans (snap) in Indianapolis

Tender crop. CSU says to sow beans (snap) around the average last frost, about Apr 20 in Indianapolis. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 5. Seeds need soil of at least 55°F. For fall, count back 88 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 25, or by Jul 11 to be safe.

When to plant summer squash in Indianapolis

Tender crop. Sow summer squash around the average last frost, per CSU: about Apr 20 in Indianapolis. Waiting until May 5 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, sow by Aug 4 (Jul 21 to be safe), which is 78 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant broccoli in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. CSU says broccoli can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Indianapolis, that's roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 going by the typical date, or Apr 7–21 going by the safer date. Set out on Mar 29, broccoli plants would start producing around Jun 2, based on CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 141 days before the typical first frost (Oct 21). For a fall harvest of broccoli, get transplants in the ground by Aug 3 (UNL Extension count-back from the typical first frost, Oct 21, with CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest). To raise your own, sow seeds Jun 15–29, 5–7 weeks ahead (CSU).

When to plant cabbage in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. CSU says cabbage can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Indianapolis, that's roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 going by the typical date, or Apr 7–21 going by the safer date. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for cabbage plants is 85 days. Set out on Mar 29, they would start producing around Jun 22, 121 days before the typical first frost (Oct 21). For a fall crop, set cabbage transplants out by Jul 14. That's UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Oct 21), using CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest. If you grow your own transplants, start seeds May 26 – Jun 9 (CSU: 5–7 weeks to transplant size).

When to plant cauliflower in Indianapolis

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting cauliflower as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Indianapolis, that's roughly Apr 6–20 by the typical date or Apr 21 – May 5 by the safer date.

When to plant kohlrabi in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. Per CSU, kohlrabi can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Indianapolis, that works out to roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 (typical date) or Apr 7–21 (safer date). For fall, sow by Aug 18 (Aug 4 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. Per CSU, green onions can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Indianapolis, that works out to roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 (typical date) or Apr 7–21 (safer date). For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 8, or by Jul 25 to be safe.

When to plant radishes in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. Per CSU, radishes can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Indianapolis, that works out to roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 (typical date) or Apr 7–21 (safer date). For fall, count back 44 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Sep 7, or by Aug 24 to be safe.

When to plant spinach in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. Per CSU, spinach can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Indianapolis, that works out to roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 (typical date) or Apr 7–21 (safer date). For fall, count back 54 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 28, or by Aug 14 to be safe.

When to plant turnips in Indianapolis

Hardy crop. CSU says turnips can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 23 – Apr 6 in Indianapolis using the typical date, or Apr 7–21 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, sow by Aug 18 (Aug 4 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Indianapolis

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says beets can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 40°F. In Indianapolis, that's roughly Apr 6–20 going by the typical date, or Apr 21 – May 5 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 8, or by Jul 25 to be safe.

When to plant swiss chard in Indianapolis

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting swiss chard as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Indianapolis, that's roughly Apr 6–20 by the typical date or Apr 21 – May 5 by the safer date. For fall, sow by Aug 8 (Jul 25 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant parsnips in Indianapolis

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says parsnips can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 35°F. In Indianapolis, that's roughly Apr 6–20 going by the typical date, or Apr 21 – May 5 going by the safer date.

When to plant sweet corn in Indianapolis

Tender crop. CSU says to sow sweet corn around the average last frost, about Apr 20 in Indianapolis. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 5. Seeds need soil of at least 50°F.

When to plant cucumbers in Indianapolis

Tender crop. CSU says to sow cucumbers around the average last frost, about Apr 20 in Indianapolis. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 5. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, count back 83 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 30, or by Jul 16 to be safe.

When to plant eggplant in Indianapolis

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule (2+ weeks after the average last frost), set eggplant out around May 4 with the typical date, May 10 for a balanced choice, or May 19 with the safer 10% date. Sow seeds indoors Mar 8–29, 6–9 weeks before transplanting on May 10. Using CSU's typical 60 days from transplant to harvest, eggplant plants set out on May 10 would start producing around Jul 9. That's 104 days before the typical first frost (Oct 21).

When to plant cantaloupe in Indianapolis

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant cantaloupe around May 4 at the earliest, May 10 as a balanced choice, or May 19 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Indianapolis

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to plant watermelon at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about May 4 using the typical date, May 10 as a balanced choice, or May 19 if you go by the safer 10% date. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Indianapolis

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant winter squash 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about May 4 (typical date), May 10 (balanced) or May 19 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Indianapolis?

Sow tomatoes indoors Mar 27 – Apr 10 and peppers Mar 15–29. We work back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Indianapolis?

Set tomatoes out about May 15 at the earliest, May 15 for a balanced choice, or May 19 to be safe. The earliest date follows CSU Extension's night rule: nights above 52°F, and the average nightly low at Indianapolis SE Side first rises above 52°F on May 15. CSU's other rule, 2+ weeks after the average last frost, would allow about May 4.

What can I plant in Indianapolis in the fall?

These sowing deadlines count back from the typical first frost (Oct 21) using UNL Extension's method: peas by Aug 3; lettuce (leaf) by Aug 8; carrots by Jul 29; beans (snap) by Jul 25; summer squash by Aug 4; broccoli by Aug 3 (transplants); cabbage by Jul 14 (transplants); kohlrabi by Aug 18; green onions by Aug 8; radishes by Sep 7; spinach by Aug 28; turnips by Aug 18; beets by Aug 8; swiss chard by Aug 8; cucumbers by Jul 30.

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