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Minnesota frost dates
Across the 17Minnesota weather stations below, the average last spring frost ranges from Apr 23 in Minneapolis/ Paul to Jun 5 in Hibbing Chisholm Hibbing. The statewide middle is about May 13 for the last spring frost and Oct 1 for the first fall frost. Minneapolis/ Paul has the longest growing season, about 178 days. Hardiness zones in these places: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a.
Frost dates by city
| Place | Zone | Last spring frost | 90% safe after | First fall frost | Frost-free days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis/ Paul | 5a | Apr 23 | May 7 | Oct 18 | 178 |
| Mpls Flying Cloud | 5a | Apr 23 | May 6 | Oct 14 | 174 |
| Paul Downtown | 5a | Apr 24 | May 10 | Oct 16 | 175 |
| Mpls Crystal | 5a | Apr 30 | May 17 | Oct 8 | 161 |
| Redwood Falls | 5a | Apr 30 | May 14 | Oct 4 | 157 |
| Rochester | 4b | Apr 30 | May 13 | Oct 6 | 159 |
| Alexandria | 4b | May 2 | May 15 | Oct 8 | 159 |
| Cloud | 4b | May 7 | May 23 | Sep 30 | 146 |
| Brainerd Crow Wing | 4a | May 13 | May 27 | Sep 27 | 137 |
| Duluth | 4b | May 13 | May 29 | Oct 1 | 141 |
| Sandstone 6 W | 4a | May 13 | May 28 | Sep 29 | 139 |
| Park Rapids | 3b | May 14 | May 27 | Sep 25 | 134 |
| Baudette | 3b | May 15 | May 31 | Sep 26 | 134 |
| Goodridge 12 Nnw | 3b | May 20 | Jun 3 | Sep 17 | 120 |
| Grand Marais | 3b | May 22 | Jun 18 | Oct 9 | 140 |
| Falls | 3a | May 29 | Jun 16 | Sep 13 | 107 |
| Hibbing Chisholm Hibbing | 3b | Jun 5 | Jun 25 | Sep 8 | 95 |
Dates are the 50% probability of a 32°F freeze (NOAA 1991–2020 normals); "90% safe after" is the date after which a later spring freeze happens in only 1 year in 10.
When to plant in Minnesota
Using the statewide middle dates (last frost May 13, first frost Oct 1). Adjust for your town with the table above or the planting calendar.
| Plant | When to plant in Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Peas | Apr 1 – Apr 22; fall: Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Potatoes | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Green beans | May 20 – Jun 3; fall: Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Garlic | Oct 1 – Oct 29 |
| Tulips | Sep 17 – Oct 29 |