Park Rapids, MN frost dates
Last spring frostMay 14median date
First fall frostSep 25median date
Growing season134 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone3bZone 3b
How Park Rapids compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Park Rapids falls between May 1 and May 27, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 12 and October 8.
- The median last frost is 9 days later than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 134-day growing season is longer than 12% of the 801 Minnesota places with a regular frost season (state median 151 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 3b, where the median is May 17.
- The weather station records an average of 186 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 1 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 12 |
| 50% (median) | September 25 |
| 90% (late) | October 8 |
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 Park Rapids, MN
Park Rapids, MN frost dates — last frost May 14, first frost Sep 25, zone 3b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 31 to Aug 28
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to Apr 30Plant for fall: Jul 17 to Aug 7
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 19 to Jul 10
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Plant for fall: Jun 19 to Jul 10
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 19 to Jul 10
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: Jun 4 to Jun 18Sow outdoors: Jun 4 to Jun 18
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Jul 3 to Jul 24
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Jul 31 to Aug 21
Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 14 to Sep 4
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 4Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 10 to Jul 24
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 17 to Jul 31
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 3 to Jul 17
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 17 to Jul 31
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 28Plant for fall: Jul 17 to Jul 31
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 31 to Aug 21
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 11Plant for fall: Jul 10 to Jul 24
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 18
Plant for fall: Sep 11 to Oct 16
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Park Rapids, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Apr 16 – May 21 | Jul 31 – Aug 28 |
| Kale | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Okra | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — |
| Basil | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 3 – Jul 24 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 11 – Oct 16 |
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 Park Rapids Muni Ap, MN weather station, 5 km away (elevation 1,434 ft (437 m)).
Frost dates near Park Rapids
- Nevis May 14 · Sep 25
- Osage May 14 · Sep 25
- Menahga May 14 · Sep 25
- Ponsford May 14 · Sep 25
- Akeley May 4 · Oct 7
- Wolf Lake May 4 · Oct 3
- Lake George May 18 · Sep 27
- Sebeka May 10 · Sep 29
- Benedict May 4 · Oct 7
- Walker May 4 · Oct 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Park Rapids, MN?
The median last spring frost in Park Rapids, MN is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Park Rapids, MN?
The median first fall frost is September 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 12.
How long is the growing season in Park Rapids, MN?
About 134 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Park Rapids, MN?
Park Rapids, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 3b.