When to plant summer squash / zucchini in Indianapolis

Summer squash / Zucchini is frost-tender, so every date keys off Indianapolis's last spring frost of Apr 17.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Apr 19 – May 10
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 18 – Jun 8
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 2 – Jul 17
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
45 – 60 d
Indianapolis's 178-day season leaves this much room.
Summer squash / Zucchini on Indianapolis's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
APR 17
OCT 14

Common questions

When can I sow summer squash / zucchini outdoors in Indianapolis?

Direct-sow around mid May (May 18–Jun 8) in Indianapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.

When will summer squash / zucchini be ready to harvest in Indianapolis?

Expect to harvest from around early July (Jul 2–Jul 17) in Indianapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 75%.

When should I start summer squash / zucchini seeds indoors in Indianapolis?

Start seeds indoors around mid April (Apr 19–May 10) in Indianapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.

When can I transplant summer squash / zucchini outdoors in Indianapolis?

Transplant outdoors around mid May (May 18–Jun 8) in Indianapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.

How long is the growing season in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis has roughly 178 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow summer squash / zucchini to maturity outdoors.

The rule of thumb

Sow summer squash / zucchini 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Indianapolis's frost dates.

Confidence 83/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.