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Sullivan County, IN — Planting Guide

Sullivan County is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 914 ft, Sullivan County receives approximately 34.6 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 90°F with winter lows around 26°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.

🌡️ Zone

6b (-5°F to 0°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

April 18

🍂 First Frost

October 17

📅 Growing Season

182 days

⛰️ Elevation

914 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

34.6 in

Sullivan County, IN Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Sullivan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone 6b Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 18 First Frost: Oct 17

Soil & Growing Conditions in Sullivan County

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.

Watering Needs

Moderate rainfall (34.6 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.

Season Tips

182-day frost-free season

Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.

Your Free Printable Garden Planner

Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.

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Recommended for Your Garden

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Digital pH Meter $10-20

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Organic Compost $8-30

Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Sullivan County

107 vegetables that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Sullivan County.

Show all 107 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Aug 29 80–100
Amaranth Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 19 90–120
Arugula Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 23 – Jul 25 30–50
Asparagus May 2 730–1095
Beets Apr 4 Aug 8 May 30 – Jun 27 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Aug 8 – Oct 3 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Aug 15 60–90
Black Beans Apr 25 Jul 25 – Sep 12 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Broccoli Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 18 – Sep 12 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 5 85–110
Cabbage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 20 – Aug 15 60–100
Calabash Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Sep 19 80–120
Carrots Apr 4 Aug 8 Jun 6 – Jul 11 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 15 55–100
Celeriac Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Aug 1 – Sep 5 100–120
Celery Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 11 – Sep 5 80–120
Celtuce Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–90
Chard Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 1 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 11 – Aug 22 80–110
Chicory Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Jul 11 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Aug 29 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 15 55–75
Corn Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 22 60–100
Cowpeas Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 8 60–90
Cress Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 2 – May 23 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Jul 18 45–60
Crosne Apr 4 Aug 8 Sep 5 – Oct 17 150–200
Cucumber Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 50–70
Daikon Apr 4 Aug 8 May 30 – Jun 27 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Aug 29 80–100
Edamame Apr 25 Jul 11 – Aug 22 75–100
Eggplant Feb 7 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Sep 12 65–85
Endive Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 6 – Jul 11 45–65
Escarole Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Jul 11 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 4 – Aug 15 75–100
Fennel Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Aug 15 60–90
Garlic Sep 5 Dec 5 – Mar 20 90–240
Green Beans Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–65
Horseradish May 2 Sep 5 – Nov 14 120–180
Hot Peppers Feb 7 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Oct 17 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 15 – Sep 19 100–120
Kabocha Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Aug 29 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 6 – Jul 4 45–60
Kale Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 8 50–70
Kidney Beans Apr 25 Jul 25 – Aug 29 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 6 – Jul 11 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 23 – Jun 27 35–50
Leeks Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 18 – Oct 3 90–150
Lentils Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 11 – Aug 22 80–110
Lettuce Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 23 – Aug 1 30–60
Lima Beans Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 8 60–90
Loofah Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 15 – Oct 17 100–150
Luffa Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Oct 17 90–150
Mache Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Melon Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Aug 29 70–100
Microgreens Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Apr 25 – May 23 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 Jun 6 – Aug 1 50–70
Mizuna Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 23 – Jun 20 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 23 – Jul 25 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Jul 18 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Jul 25 55–70
Okra Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 50–65
Onion Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 18 – Sep 5 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 30 – Jun 27 40–55
Parsnip Apr 4 Aug 8 Jul 18 – Aug 29 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Jul 18 45–60
Peas Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 8 55–70
Peppers Feb 7 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Sep 12 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 55–70
Potatoes Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Sep 19 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 19 85–120
Purslane Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Radicchio Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 20 – Jul 25 60–80
Radish Apr 4 Aug 8 May 2 – May 23 22–35
Rhubarb May 9 365–730
Romanesco Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 4 – Aug 15 75–100
Rutabaga Apr 4 Aug 8 Jun 27 – Aug 1 80–100
Salsify Apr 4 Aug 8 Jul 18 – Aug 29 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 27 – Aug 22 70–110
Scallions Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Jul 11 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Aug 8 60–80
Shallot Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jul 18 – Sep 5 90–120
Shiso Feb 28 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 8 50–65
Soybeans Apr 25 Jul 18 – Sep 12 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Aug 29 85–100
Spinach Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 23 – Jul 25 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Aug 22 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Sep 19 80–120
Sunchoke May 2 Aug 22 – Oct 17 110–150
Sweet Corn Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 8 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 19 90–120
Tatsoi Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 23 – Jun 27 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Sep 12 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Sep 12 60–85
Turnip Apr 4 Aug 8 May 16 – Jun 20 40–60
Watercress Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Watermelon Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Aug 29 70–100
Wax Beans Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 19 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 8 55–80
Zucchini Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Aug 15 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Sullivan County

27 fruits that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Sullivan County.

Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries May 9 Aug 8 – Nov 21 90–180
Aronia May 9 730–1095
Blackberries May 9 365–730
Blueberries May 9 730–1095
Boysenberries May 9 365–730
Cantaloupe May 9 Jul 18 – Aug 22 70–90
Che Fruit May 9 1095–1825
Cranberries May 9 730–1095
Currants May 9 730–1095
Elderberries May 9 730–1095
Goji Berries May 9 730–1095
Gooseberries May 9 730–1095
Grapes May 9 730–1095
Ground Cherry May 9 Jul 18 – Sep 12 65–80
Hardy Kiwi May 9 1095–1825
Haskaps May 9 730–1095
Honeydew May 9 Aug 1 – Sep 12 80–110
Jostaberry May 9 730–1095
Lingonberries May 9 730–1095
Medlar May 9 1095–1825
Mulberries May 9 730–1825
Pawpaw May 9 1095–2555
Persimmon May 9 1095–2555
Quince May 9 1095–1825
Raspberries May 9 365–730
Serviceberries May 9 730–1095
Strawberries May 9 Aug 8 – Nov 21 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Sullivan County

35 herbs that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Sullivan County.

Show all 35 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 365–730
Anise Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 Jul 11 – Sep 26 90–120
Basil Feb 28 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 29 50–75
Bee Balm Apr 25 Jul 25 – Oct 10 90–120
Borage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 Jun 6 – Jul 25 50–60
Caraway Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 365–450
Catnip Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 29 60–80
Chamomile Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 22 60–90
Chervil Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 May 23 – Jul 25 40–60
Chives Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Cilantro Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 May 23 – Jul 25 40–60
Comfrey Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Cumin Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 Jul 25 – Sep 26 100–120
Dill Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 May 23 – Jul 25 40–60
Epazote Feb 28 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Aug 15 45–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 22 60–90
Feverfew Apr 25 Jul 25 – Oct 10 90–120
Garlic Chives Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Horehound Apr 25 Jul 11 – Sep 5 75–90
Hyssop Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Lemon Balm Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 15 60–70
Lemon Thyme Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Lovage Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Marjoram Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Mint Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Oregano Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Parsley Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 Jun 13 – Aug 15 60–80
Rue Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Sage Apr 25 Jul 11 – Sep 5 75–90
Savory Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–70
Sorrel Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Aug 8 May 23 – Jul 25 40–60
Tarragon Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Thai Basil Feb 28 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 29 50–75
Thyme Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Valerian Apr 25 Aug 29 – Nov 7 120–180

🌸 Flowers to Grow in Sullivan County

53 flowers that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Sullivan County.

Show all 53 flowers with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Bloom Days to Maturity
Ageratum Feb 28 Apr 18 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Sep 26 60–75
Alliums Sep 5 Oct 3 – Oct 31 28–42
Anemones Mar 21 Apr 18 May 16 – Jun 13 90–120
Astilbe Feb 14 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 12 70–100
Bachelor's Button Mar 7 Mar 21 Apr 18 Sep 5 Jun 20 – Sep 12 60–90
Begonias Feb 7 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 10 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 11 – Oct 31 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Feb 14 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Jul 25 60–90
Calendula Mar 7 Mar 21 Apr 18 Jun 6 – Sep 12 50–70
California Poppy Mar 21 May 30 – Jul 25 60–90
Celosia Mar 14 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jun 27 – Oct 17 60–90
Columbine Feb 14 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Jul 25 70–100
Coreopsis Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 31 60–80
Cosmos Mar 21 Apr 18 Apr 18 Jun 27 – Oct 10 60–90
Crocus Sep 5 Jul 25 – Aug 15 10–20
Daffodils Sep 5 Aug 1 – Aug 22 20–40
Dahlias Mar 21 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jul 11 – Oct 31 70–120
Daylily Feb 14 Apr 25 Jul 11 – Oct 31 60–90
Dianthus Feb 21 Mar 21 Mar 28 May 16 – Aug 15 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Feb 14 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jul 11 – Oct 31 70–90
Foxglove Feb 14 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Jul 25 80–120
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Feb 28 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Nov 7 70–100
Geraniums Feb 7 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 10 70–100
Gladiolus Apr 18 Apr 18 Jul 4 – Oct 24 70–100
Hostas Feb 7 Apr 25 Jul 11 – Oct 31 60–90
Hyacinths Sep 5 Aug 22 – Sep 12 14–28
Hydrangeas Feb 7 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 17 90–150
Impatiens Feb 21 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 17 60–75
Irises Division Apr 25 Jun 20 – Jul 18 60–100
Larkspur Mar 21 May 30 – Jul 25 60–90
Lavender Feb 7 May 2 Jul 11 – Sep 5 90–120
Lilies Division Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 10 70–120
Lobelia Feb 14 Apr 4 May 30 – Aug 22 70–80
Lupine Feb 14 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Jul 25 75–100
Marigolds Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Sep 19 50–70
Nasturtium Mar 21 Apr 18 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Oct 10 55–65
Pansy Feb 7 Apr 18 Aug 22 Jun 13 – Aug 22 70–90
Peonies Division Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 1 90–120
Petunia Feb 21 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 17 70–90
Phlox Feb 14 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 26 80–110
Portulaca Mar 14 Apr 25 Apr 25 Jun 13 – Oct 3 50–70
Ranunculus Mar 7 Apr 18 May 23 – Jun 20 90–120
Roses Feb 7 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 31 90–180
Salvia Feb 14 Apr 18 Jun 27 – Oct 10 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Feb 14 Apr 25 Aug 15 – Nov 7 60–90
Snapdragon Feb 7 Mar 28 Apr 18 Jun 27 – Sep 12 70–100
Sunflower Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 18 Jul 11 – Oct 10 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 18 May 30 – Aug 15 45–60
Sweet Pea Mar 7 Mar 14 Apr 18 Jul 4 – Sep 12 65–85
Tulips Sep 12 Aug 22 – Sep 19 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Feb 7 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 17 70–90
Yarrow Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 31 60–90
Zinnia Mar 21 Apr 18 Apr 18 Jun 27 – Oct 3 60–70

Monthly Planting Guide for Sullivan County

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Sullivan County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Sullivan County, IN?

Sullivan County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.

When is the last frost in Sullivan County, IN?

Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Sullivan County falls around April 18. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.

When is the first fall frost in Sullivan County, IN?

The median first fall frost in Sullivan County arrives around October 17. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

🌱

Your Sullivan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sullivan County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.

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Composting Guide for Homesteaders

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.