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ZIP 48226 planting calendar

When to plant cucumbers in Detroit, MI - Zone 6b

In ZIP 48226, plant cucumbers around May 15; this uses the Detroit frost station, USDA zone 6b, and cucumbers timing rules.

Your Detroit calendar has a 163-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Detroit frost station, USDA zone 6b, and cucumbers timing rules.

Source: detroit-metro frost station, USDA zone 6b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

Reviewed by GrowZone Editorial. Calculated from the detroit-metro frost station and USDA zone 6b, last updated 2026-06-28.

In the Detroit area, cucumbers timing follows the Detroit frost window, so the local ZIP date can differ from a broad zone-only calendar.

USDA zone 6b Detroit frost station Michigan State University Extension Updated 2026-06-28
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Answer first

When to start cucumbers seeds indoors in Detroit

In ZIP 48226, start cucumbers seeds indoors around Apr 14, about 21 days before the May 5 last-frost estimate.

Start cucumbers seeds indoors in Detroit around Apr 14, about 21 days before the May 5 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Cucumbers dates for Detroit, MI

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsApril 14, 2026Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsMay 15, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct SowMay 15, 2026Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Detroit?

Detroit (ZIP 48226) has an average last spring frost around May 5.

First frost

When is the first frost in Detroit?

The average first fall frost is around Oct 15, giving about 163 frost-free days.

Season map

Cucumbers windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start indoors
Apr 14
Direct sow
May 15
Transplant
May 15
Harvest
Jul 14
Frost watch
Aug 16

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start cucumbers indoorsApr 14
Last frost windowMay 5
Direct sow cucumbersMay 15
Transplant cucumbersMay 15
First cucumbers harvest windowJul 14
Last cucumbers sowing targetAug 16
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateMay 5, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateOctober 15, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length163 daysLonger seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing12-18 inAirflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature65 F+Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Detroit frost history and USDA zone 6b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

Michigan State University Extension is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Cucumbers timing notes

Use a trellis if space is tight and keep soil evenly moist. Cucumbers prefers full sun, 12-18 in spacing, and soil near 65 F+.

For fall, count backward from Oct 15. A conservative last sowing target is around Aug 16.