Tappen, ND frost dates
How Tappen compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Tappen falls between May 2 and May 26, a 24-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 15 and October 10.
- The median last frost is 2 days later than the North Dakota median of May 12.
- Its 136-day growing season is longer than 37% of the 372 North Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 139 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 4a, where the median is May 12.
- The weather station records an average of 186 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Bismarck, ND, 88 km away, the last frost here is 4 days later than there and the growing season is 7 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 2 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 15 |
| 50% (median) | September 27 |
| 90% (late) | October 10 |
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 Tappen, ND
Tappen, ND frost dates — last frost May 14, first frost Sep 27, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Tappen, ND
| 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 | Aug 2 – Aug 30 |
| Kale | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 21 – Jul 12 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 21 – Jul 12 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 21 – Jul 12 |
| 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 5 – Jul 26 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| 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 5 – Jul 19 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 13 – Oct 18 |
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 Jamestown 38 Wsw, ND weather station, 12 km away (elevation 1,919 ft (585 m)).
Frost dates near Tappen
- Dawson May 15 · Sep 25
- Medina May 14 · Sep 27
- Steele May 15 · Sep 25
- Streeter May 13 · Sep 30
- Pettibone May 13 · Sep 29
- Cleveland May 6 · Oct 4
- Robinson May 13 · Sep 29
- Gackle May 6 · Oct 4
- Kintyre May 13 · Sep 28
- Napoleon May 13 · Sep 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tappen, ND?
The median last spring frost in Tappen, ND is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Tappen, ND?
The median first fall frost is September 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 15.
How long is the growing season in Tappen, ND?
About 136 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tappen, ND?
Tappen, ND is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.