Frost dates for 55420 — Minneapolis, MN
How Minneapolis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Minneapolis falls between April 8 and May 7, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 1 and October 31.
- The median last frost is 12 days earlier than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 178-day growing season is among the longest of the 801 Minnesota places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 10 days earlier than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 147 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 8 |
| 50% (median) | April 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 1 |
| 50% (median) | October 18 |
| 90% (late) | October 31 |
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, MN
Frost dates for 55420 — Minneapolis, MN — last frost Apr 23, first frost Oct 18, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Minneapolis, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | Aug 23 – Sep 20 |
| Kale | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Broccoli | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Cabbage | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Okra | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 28 | May 14 – May 28 | — |
| Basil | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 30 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 7 – May 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 4 – Nov 8 |
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 Minneapolis/St Paul Ap, MN weather station, 7 km away (elevation 873 ft (266 m)).
ZIP codes in Minneapolis: 55401 55402 55403 55404 55405 55406 55407 55408 55409 55410 55411 55412 55413 55414 55415 55416 55417 55418 55419 55420 55421 55422 55423 55424 55425 55426 55427 55428 55429 55430 55431 55432 55433 55434 55435 55436 55437 55438 55439 55440 55441 55442 55443 55444 55445 55446 55447 55448 55449 55450 55454 55455 55458 55459 55460 55467 55470 55472 55473 55474 …
Frost dates near Minneapolis
- Savage Apr 23 · Oct 14
- Burnsville Apr 27 · Oct 10
- Mendota Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Eden Prairie Apr 23 · Oct 14
- Rosemount May 2 · Oct 5
- Inver Grove Heights Apr 24 · Oct 16
- Hopkins Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Prior Lake Apr 23 · Oct 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Minneapolis, MN?
The median last spring frost in Minneapolis, MN is April 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Minneapolis, MN?
The median first fall frost is October 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Minneapolis, MN?
About 178 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Minneapolis, MN?
Minneapolis, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.