Stephen, MN frost dates
Last spring frostMay 15median date
First fall frostSep 26median date
Growing season134 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone4aZone 4a
How Stephen compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Stephen falls between May 1 and May 28, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 13 and October 8.
- The median last frost is 10 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 4a, where the median is May 12.
- The weather station records an average of 194 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Grand Forks, ND, 61 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 10 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 1 |
| 50% (median) | May 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 13 |
| 50% (median) | September 26 |
| 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 Stephen, MN
Stephen, MN frost dates — last frost May 15, first frost Sep 26, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 20 to Mar 6Transplant outside: Apr 17 to May 1
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 22 to Jun 5
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Apr 24 to May 8Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 1 to Aug 29
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Apr 17 to May 1Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 1Plant for fall: Jul 18 to Aug 8
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15Plant for fall: Jun 20 to Jul 11
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Apr 24 to May 8Plant for fall: Jun 20 to Jul 11
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15Plant for fall: Jun 20 to Jul 11
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: May 22 to Jun 5
Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Apr 24Plant for fall: Jul 4 to Jul 25
Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Apr 24Plant for fall: Aug 1 to Aug 22
Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 15 to Sep 5
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 5Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 11 to Jul 25
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 18 to Aug 1
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 22Plant for fall: Jul 4 to Jul 18
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 22Plant for fall: Jul 18 to Aug 1
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 15
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 29Plant for fall: Jul 18 to Aug 1
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 1 to Aug 22
Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 12Plant for fall: Jul 11 to Jul 25
Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5
Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 19
Plant for fall: Sep 12 to Oct 17
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Stephen, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 17 – May 22 | Aug 1 – Aug 29 |
| Kale | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 |
| Broccoli | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 1 – May 15 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 1 – May 15 | — | Jun 20 – Jul 11 |
| Okra | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — |
| Basil | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 10 – May 22 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | May 29 – Jun 5 | May 22 – Jun 5 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | — | May 22 – Jun 5 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | — | May 22 – Jun 5 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 24 – May 22 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 24 – May 22 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 22 – Jun 5 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 29 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 12 – Oct 17 |
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 Argyle, MN weather station, 14 km away (elevation 846 ft (258 m)).
Frost dates near Stephen
- Donaldson May 8 · Sep 30
- Argyle May 15 · Sep 26
- Kennedy May 8 · Sep 30
- Warren May 5 · Oct 2
- Karlstad May 8 · Sep 30
- Strandquist May 15 · Sep 26
- Alvarado May 5 · Oct 2
- Halma May 8 · Sep 30
- Oslo May 5 · Oct 2
- Hallock May 8 · Sep 30
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Stephen, MN?
The median last spring frost in Stephen, MN is May 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 28, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Stephen, MN?
The median first fall frost is September 26, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 13.
How long is the growing season in Stephen, MN?
About 134 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Stephen, MN?
Stephen, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.