Cromwell, MN frost dates
How Cromwell compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Cromwell falls between May 15 and June 20, a 36-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 1 and October 2.
- The median last frost is 26 days later than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 110-day growing season is among the shortest of the 801 Minnesota places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 19 days later than the zone 4a median of May 12. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 4a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 190 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Duluth, MN, 58 km away, the last frost here is 17 days later than there and the growing season is 41 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 15 |
| 50% (median) | May 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 1 |
| 50% (median) | September 18 |
| 90% (late) | October 2 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Cromwell, MN
Cromwell, MN frost dates — last frost May 31, first frost Sep 18, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Cromwell, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 10 – May 24 | May 3 – Jun 7 | Jul 24 – Aug 21 |
| Kale | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 3 – May 17 | May 3 – May 17 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Broccoli | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Okra | Apr 19 – May 3 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 | — |
| Basil | Apr 19 – May 3 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 26 – Jun 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cucumbers | May 3 – May 10 | Jun 14 – Jun 21 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 3 – May 10 | — | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 110 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 3 – May 10 | — | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | May 3 – May 10 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 10 – Jun 7 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
| Beets | — | — | May 10 – Jun 7 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 10 – May 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 17 – Jun 14 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 17 – Jun 7 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 7 – Jun 28 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 110 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jun 14 – Jul 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 4 – Oct 9 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Wright 3 E, MN weather station, 6 km away (elevation 1,329 ft (405 m)).
Frost dates near Cromwell
- Wright May 31 · Sep 18
- Sawyer May 26 · Sep 23
- Kettle River May 12 · Oct 2
- Tamarack May 31 · Sep 18
- Barnum May 12 · Oct 2
- Brookston May 26 · Sep 23
- Floodwood May 29 · Sep 18
- Moose Lake May 12 · Oct 2
- Cloquet May 26 · Sep 23
- Carlton May 26 · Sep 23
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Cromwell, MN?
The median last spring frost in Cromwell, MN is May 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Cromwell, MN?
The median first fall frost is September 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 1.
How long is the growing season in Cromwell, MN?
About 110 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Cromwell, MN?
Cromwell, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.