Minneapolis, NC frost dates
How Minneapolis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Minneapolis falls between April 17 and May 16, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 1 and October 25.
- The median last frost is 29 days later than the North Carolina median of Apr 1.
- Its 165-day growing season is longer than 3% of the 759 North Carolina places with a regular frost season (state median 218 days).
- The last frost is 8 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 125 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Johnson City, TN, 46 km away, the last frost here is 9 days later than there and the growing season is 20 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 17 |
| 50% (median) | April 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 1 |
| 50% (median) | October 12 |
| 90% (late) | October 25 |
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 Minneapolis, NC
Minneapolis, NC frost dates — last frost Apr 30, first frost Oct 12, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Minneapolis, NC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 2 – May 7 | Aug 17 – Sep 14 |
| Kale | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Broccoli | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Cabbage | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Okra | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Basil | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 26 – May 7 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 | May 7 – May 21 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 16 – May 14 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 7 – May 28 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 14 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 28 – Nov 2 |
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 Roan Mtn 3sw, TN weather station, 12 km away (elevation 2,923 ft (891 m)).
Frost dates near Minneapolis
- Plumtree Apr 26 · Oct 20
- Newland May 5 · Oct 13
- Elk Park Apr 30 · Oct 14
- Montezuma May 5 · Oct 13
- Crossnore Apr 26 · Oct 20
- Linville May 5 · Oct 13
- Pineola May 5 · Oct 13
- Banner Elk Apr 30 · Oct 14
- Linville Falls Apr 26 · Oct 20
- Jonas Ridge Apr 26 · Oct 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Minneapolis, NC?
The median last spring frost in Minneapolis, NC is April 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Minneapolis, NC?
The median first fall frost is October 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Minneapolis, NC?
About 165 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Minneapolis, NC?
Minneapolis, NC is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.