Bullhead, SD frost dates
How Bullhead compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Bullhead falls between April 28 and May 24, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 19 and October 13.
- The median last frost is 3 days later than the South Dakota median of May 6.
- Its 144-day growing season is longer than 25% of the 363 South Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 4b, where the median is May 8.
- The weather station records an average of 176 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Bismarck, ND, 119 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there and the growing season is 1 day longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 28 |
| 50% (median) | May 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 19 |
| 50% (median) | September 30 |
| 90% (late) | October 13 |
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 Bullhead, SD
Bullhead, SD frost dates — last frost May 9, first frost Sep 30, zone 4b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Bullhead, SD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 11 – May 16 | Aug 5 – Sep 2 |
| Kale | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Broccoli | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Cabbage | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Okra | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 30 – Jun 13 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — |
| Basil | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 4 – May 16 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 16 – Jun 6 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 16 – Oct 21 |
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 Mc Intosh 6 Se, SD weather station, 17 km away (elevation 2,178 ft (664 m)).
Frost dates near Bullhead
- Mc Intosh May 9 · Sep 30
- Walker May 9 · Sep 30
- Mc Laughlin May 12 · Sep 28
- Little Eagle May 12 · Sep 28
- Glencross May 10 · Sep 30
- Watauga May 9 · Sep 30
- Timber Lake May 10 · Sep 30
- Trail City May 3 · Oct 8
- Wakpala May 3 · Oct 8
- Isabel May 10 · Sep 30
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bullhead, SD?
The median last spring frost in Bullhead, SD is May 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bullhead, SD?
The median first fall frost is September 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 19.
How long is the growing season in Bullhead, SD?
About 144 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bullhead, SD?
Bullhead, SD is in USDA hardiness zone 4b.