Frost dates for 55427 — Minneapolis, MN
How Minneapolis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Minneapolis falls between April 15 and May 12, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 29 and October 25.
- The median last frost is 6 days earlier than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 166-day growing season is longer than 92% of the 801 Minnesota places with a regular frost season (state median 151 days).
- The last frost is 4 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 156 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 15 |
| 50% (median) | April 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 12 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 29 |
| 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, MN
Frost dates for 55427 — Minneapolis, MN — last frost Apr 29, first frost Oct 12, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Minneapolis, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 1 – May 6 | Aug 17 – Sep 14 |
| Kale | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Okra | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Basil | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 6 – May 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| 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 New Hope, MN weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 909 ft (277 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
- Navarre Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Young America (Hennepin) Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Hopkins Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Maple Grove Apr 30 · Oct 8
- Loretto Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Maple Plain Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Wayzata Apr 29 · Oct 12
- Minnetonka 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 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 12, 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 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Minneapolis, MN?
About 166 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.