Cadillac, MI planting zone & frost dates
Cadillac is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 19 and the first fall frost around October 1, for a growing season of about 135 days.
Planting calendar for Cadillac
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 19) 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 24 – Apr 7 Transplant outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 Transplant outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 6 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 1).
Useful for zone 5a 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 | May 2 | May 19 | Jun 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 16 | Oct 1 | Sep 17 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 5.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Cadillac
- 49601 zone 5a
Nearby cities
- Traverse City zone 6a, last frost May 9
- Big Rapids zone 5b, last frost May 13
- Mount Pleasant zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Northview zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Comstock Park zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Forest Hills zone 6a, last frost Apr 29
- Walker zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Ionia zone 6a, last frost May 3
Questions
What growing zone is Cadillac, MI?
Cadillac is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a (average extreme winter low -20°F to -15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Cadillac?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Cadillac is May 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in Cadillac?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 26 – Jun 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Cadillac, MI (USW00014817), 1.6 km (1.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 395 m, based on 27 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.