Corsica, SD frost dates
How Corsica compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Corsica falls between April 17 and May 18, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 23 and October 21.
- The median last frost is 3 days earlier than the South Dakota median of May 6.
- Its 156-day growing season is longer than 75% of the 363 South Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 5a, where the median is May 3.
- The weather station records an average of 156 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 17 |
| 50% (median) | May 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 23 |
| 50% (median) | October 6 |
| 90% (late) | October 21 |
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 Corsica, SD
Corsica, SD frost dates — last frost May 3, first frost Oct 6, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Corsica, SD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 5 – May 10 | Aug 11 – Sep 8 |
| Kale | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Broccoli | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cabbage | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Okra | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 24 – Jun 7 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — |
| Basil | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 29 – May 10 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 | May 10 – May 24 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | — | May 10 – May 24 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | — | May 10 – May 24 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 12 – May 10 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 12 – May 10 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 19 – May 17 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 10 – May 31 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 10 – May 24 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 17 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 22 – Oct 27 |
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 Armour, SD weather station, 12 km away (elevation 1,509 ft (460 m)).
Frost dates near Corsica
- Armour May 3 · Oct 6
- Harrison May 3 · Oct 6
- New Holland May 3 · Oct 6
- Stickney May 3 · Oct 5
- Delmont May 3 · Oct 6
- Dimock May 8 · Sep 29
- Parkston May 8 · Sep 29
- Geddes Apr 30 · Oct 13
- Ethan May 8 · Sep 29
- Mount Vernon Apr 27 · Oct 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Corsica, SD?
The median last spring frost in Corsica, SD is May 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Corsica, SD?
The median first fall frost is October 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Corsica, SD?
About 156 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Corsica, SD?
Corsica, SD is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.