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Zone 6a Planting Calendar

Zone 6a has an average minimum temperature range of -10°F to -5°F. The average last spring frost is around April 10 and the first fall frost is around October 20, giving you approximately 193 days in the growing season.

There are 173 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 6a.

Zone 6a Moderate season
193 days
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Last Spring Frost April 10
➔ 193 growing days ➔
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First Fall Frost October 20
Zone 6a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 10 First Frost: Oct 20

States That Include Zone 6a

Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 6a.

AL — Zone 7b AL AR — Zone 7b AR AZ — Zone 8a AZ CA — Zone 9a CA CO — Zone 5a CO CT — Zone 6b CT DE — Zone 7a DE FL — Zone 9a FL GA — Zone 7b GA IA — Zone 5a IA ID — Zone 5b ID IL — Zone 5b IL IN — Zone 6a IN KS — Zone 6a KS KY — Zone 6b KY LA — Zone 8b LA MA — Zone 6a MA MD — Zone 7a MD ME — Zone 4b ME MI — Zone 5b MI MN — Zone 4a MN MO — Zone 6a MO MS — Zone 8a MS MT — Zone 4b MT NC — Zone 7a NC ND — Zone 3b ND NE — Zone 5a NE NH — Zone 5a NH NJ — Zone 7a NJ NM — Zone 6b NM NV — Zone 6b NV NY — Zone 5b NY OH — Zone 6a OH OK — Zone 7a OK OR — Zone 7a OR PA — Zone 6a PA RI — Zone 6b RI SC — Zone 8a SC SD — Zone 4a SD TN — Zone 7a TN TX — Zone 8a TX UT — Zone 5b UT VA — Zone 7a VA VT — Zone 4b VT WA — Zone 7a WA WI — Zone 4b WI WV — Zone 6a WV WY — Zone 4a WY AK — Zone 2a AK HI — Zone 11a HI
Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Growing Season Comparison

What to Plant Right Now in Zone 6a

Based on April 2026 planting windows.

🥬 Acorn Squash Transplant Outdoors Apr 24 – May 8 🥬 Amaranth Transplant Outdoors Apr 24 – May 8 🌿 Angelica Transplant Outdoors Apr 3 – Apr 17 🌿 Anise Transplant Outdoors Apr 3 – Apr 17 🥬 Arugula Transplant Outdoors Apr 10 – Apr 24 🥬 Asparagus Transplant Outdoors Apr 24 – May 8 🌿 Basil Transplant Outdoors Apr 24 – May 8 🌿 Bee Balm Transplant Outdoors Apr 17 – May 1

See all April plantings →

All Planting Windows at a Glance

This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 6a.

Vegetables for Zone 6a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 17 – Aug 21 80–100
Amaranth Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 24 – Sep 11 90–120
Arugula Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 15 – Jul 17 30–50
Asparagus — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Beets — Mar 27 — May 22 – Jun 19 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 31 – Sep 25 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 26 – Aug 7 60–90
Black Beans — Apr 17 — Jul 17 – Sep 4 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 22 – Jun 26 40–60
Broccoli Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 12 – Jul 24 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 22 – Jun 26 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 10 – Sep 4 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 24 – Aug 28 85–110
Cabbage Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 7 60–100
Calabash Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 17 – Sep 11 80–120
Carrots — Mar 27 — May 29 – Jul 3 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Aug 7 55–100
Celeriac Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 24 – Aug 28 100–120
Celery Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 3 – Aug 28 80–120
Celtuce Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 12 – Jul 24 60–90
Chard Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 24 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 3 – Aug 14 80–110
Chicory Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 12 – Jul 24 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 3 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 17 – Aug 21 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Aug 7 55–75
Corn — Apr 17 — Jun 19 – Aug 14 60–100
Cowpeas — Apr 17 — Jun 19 – Jul 31 60–90
Cress Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Apr 24 – May 15 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 12 – Jul 10 45–60
Crosne — Mar 27 — Aug 28 – Oct 9 150–200
Cucumber Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Aug 14 50–70
Daikon — Mar 27 — May 22 – Jun 19 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 17 – Aug 21 80–100
Edamame — Apr 17 — Jul 3 – Aug 14 75–100
Eggplant Jan 30 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 3 – Sep 4 65–85
Endive Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 29 – Jul 3 45–65
Escarole Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 3 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 26 – Aug 7 75–100
Fennel Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 26 – Aug 7 60–90
Garlic — — — — 90–240
Green Beans — Apr 17 — Jun 12 – Aug 7 50–65
Horseradish — — Apr 24 Aug 28 – Nov 6 120–180
Hot Peppers Jan 30 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 3 – Oct 9 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Aug 7 – Sep 11 100–120
Kabocha Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 24 – Aug 21 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 29 – Jun 26 45–60
Kale Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 31 50–70
Kidney Beans — Apr 17 — Jul 17 – Aug 21 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 29 – Jul 3 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 15 – Jun 19 35–50
Leeks Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 10 – Sep 25 90–150
Lentils Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 3 – Aug 14 80–110
Lettuce Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 15 – Jul 24 30–60
Lima Beans — Apr 17 — Jun 19 – Jul 31 60–90
Loofah Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Aug 7 – Oct 9 100–150
Luffa Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 24 – Oct 9 90–150
Mache Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 22 – Jun 26 40–60
Melon Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 3 – Aug 21 70–100
Microgreens Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 – May 15 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 24 50–70
Mizuna Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 15 – Jun 12 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 15 – Jul 17 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 10 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Jul 17 55–70
Okra Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Aug 14 50–65
Onion Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 10 – Aug 28 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 22 – Jun 19 40–55
Parsnip — Mar 27 — Jul 10 – Aug 21 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 12 – Jul 10 45–60
Peas Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 31 55–70
Peppers Jan 30 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 26 – Sep 4 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Aug 14 55–70
Potatoes Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 3 – Sep 11 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 24 – Sep 11 85–120
Purslane Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 22 – Jun 26 40–60
Radicchio Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 12 – Jul 17 60–80
Radish — Mar 27 — Apr 24 – May 15 22–35
Rhubarb — — May 1 — 365–730
Romanesco Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 26 – Aug 7 75–100
Rutabaga — Mar 27 — Jun 19 – Jul 24 80–100
Salsify — Mar 27 — Jul 10 – Aug 21 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 19 – Aug 14 70–110
Scallions Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 3 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 26 – Jul 31 60–80
Shallot Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jul 10 – Aug 28 90–120
Shiso Feb 20 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Aug 14 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Aug 14 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 31 50–65
Soybeans — Apr 17 — Jul 10 – Sep 4 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 24 – Aug 21 85–100
Spinach Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 15 – Jul 17 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 12 – Aug 14 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 17 – Sep 11 80–120
Sunchoke — — Apr 24 Aug 14 – Oct 9 110–150
Sunflower Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 3 – Aug 21 70–100
Sweet Corn — Apr 17 — Jun 19 – Jul 31 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 24 – Sep 11 90–120
Tatsoi Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 15 – Jun 19 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 26 – Sep 4 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 26 – Sep 4 60–85
Turnip — Mar 27 — May 8 – Jun 12 40–60
Watercress Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 22 – Jun 26 40–60
Watermelon Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 3 – Aug 21 70–100
Wax Beans — Apr 17 — Jun 12 – Aug 7 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jul 24 – Sep 11 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 13 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Jul 31 55–80
Zucchini Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 12 – Aug 7 45–60

Fruits for Zone 6a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries — — May 1 Jul 31 – Nov 13 90–180
Aronia — — May 1 — 730–1095
Blackberries — — May 1 — 365–730
Blueberries — — May 1 — 730–1095
Boysenberries — — May 1 — 365–730
Cantaloupe — — May 1 Jul 10 – Aug 14 70–90
Che Fruit — — May 1 — 1095–1825
Cranberries — — May 1 — 730–1095
Currants — — May 1 — 730–1095
Elderberries — — May 1 — 730–1095
Goji Berries — — May 1 — 730–1095
Gooseberries — — May 1 — 730–1095
Grapes — — May 1 — 730–1095
Ground Cherry — — May 1 Jul 10 – Sep 4 65–80
Hardy Kiwi — — May 1 — 1095–1825
Haskaps — — May 1 — 730–1095
Honeydew — — May 1 Jul 24 – Sep 4 80–110
Jostaberry — — May 1 — 730–1095
Lingonberries — — May 1 — 730–1095
Medlar — — May 1 — 1095–1825
Mulberries — — May 1 — 730–1825
Pawpaw — — May 1 — 1095–2555
Persimmon — — May 1 — 1095–2555
Quince — — May 1 — 1095–1825
Raspberries — — May 1 — 365–730
Serviceberries — — May 1 — 730–1095
Strawberries — — May 1 Jul 31 – Nov 13 90–365

Herbs for Zone 6a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 — 365–730
Anise Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 Jul 3 – Sep 18 90–120
Basil Feb 20 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Aug 21 50–75
Bee Balm — — Apr 17 Jul 17 – Oct 2 90–120
Borage Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 17 50–60
Caraway Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 — 365–450
Catnip — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 21 60–80
Chamomile Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Aug 14 60–90
Chervil Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 May 15 – Jul 17 40–60
Chives — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–90
Cilantro Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 May 15 – Jul 17 40–60
Comfrey — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–90
Cumin Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 Jul 17 – Sep 18 100–120
Dill Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 May 15 – Jul 17 40–60
Echinacea — — Apr 17 Aug 21 – Oct 30 120–180
Epazote Feb 20 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 12 – Aug 7 45–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Aug 14 60–90
Feverfew — — Apr 17 Jul 17 – Oct 2 90–120
Garlic Chives — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–90
Horehound — — Apr 17 Jul 3 – Aug 28 75–90
Hyssop — — Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 28 70–90
Lavender — — Apr 17 Jul 17 – Oct 30 90–200
Lemon Balm — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 7 60–70
Lemon Thyme — — Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 28 70–90
Lovage — — Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 28 70–90
Marjoram — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–90
Mint — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–90
Oregano — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–90
Parsley Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Aug 7 60–80
Rue — — Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 28 70–90
Sage — — Apr 17 Jul 3 – Aug 28 75–90
Savory — — Apr 17 Jun 12 – Aug 7 50–70
Sorrel Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 3 May 15 – Jul 17 40–60
Tarragon — — Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–90
Thai Basil Feb 20 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 – Aug 21 50–75
Thyme — — Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 28 70–90
Valerian — — Apr 17 Aug 21 – Oct 30 120–180
Yarrow — — Apr 17 Jul 17 – Oct 2 90–120

Recommended for Your Garden

🌱
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

Essential for starting seeds indoors before transplanting.

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

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

Know your soil before you plant for best results.

🔧
Hand Trowel $8-18

Essential garden hand trowel for planting, transplanting, and weeding.

A must-have tool for every gardener.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I grow in Zone 6a?

Zone 6a supports 173 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 193-day growing season (last frost ~April 10, first frost ~October 20), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.

What is Zone 6a?

USDA Zone 6a has an average annual minimum temperature of -10°F to -5°F.

When is the last frost in Zone 6a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 6a is approximately April 10. The first fall frost averages around October 20, giving a growing season of about 193 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.

Level Up Your Garden

Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Composting Guide for Homesteaders

Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into black gold. Step-by-step composting for any backyard.

Start Composting →

Monthly Planting Guide for Zone 6a

Other Zones

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.

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