Frost dates for 58504 — Bismarck, ND
Last spring frostMay 14median date
First fall frostSep 27median date
Growing season136 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone4aZone 4a
How Bismarck compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Bismarck falls between May 1 and May 27, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 15 and October 9.
- 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 184 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 1 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 15 |
| 50% (median) | September 27 |
| 90% (late) | October 9 |
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 Bismarck, ND
Frost dates for 58504 — Bismarck, ND — last frost May 14, first frost Sep 27, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 2 to Aug 30
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to Apr 30Plant for fall: Jul 19 to Aug 9
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 21 to Jul 12
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Plant for fall: Jun 21 to Jul 12
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 21 to Jul 12
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: Jun 4 to Jun 18Sow outdoors: Jun 4 to Jun 18
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Jul 5 to Jul 26
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Aug 2 to Aug 23
Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 16 to Sep 6
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 4Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Jul 26
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 19 to Aug 2
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 5 to Jul 19
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 19 to Aug 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 28Plant for fall: Jul 19 to Aug 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 2 to Aug 23
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 11Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Jul 26
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 18
Plant for fall: Sep 13 to Oct 18
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck, ND weather station, 8 km away (elevation 1,657 ft (505 m)).
ZIP codes in Bismarck: 58501 58502 58503 58504 58505 58506 58507
Frost dates near Bismarck
- Menoken May 14 · Sep 30
- Mandan May 13 · Sep 27
- Saint Anthony May 14 · Sep 27
- Baldwin May 10 · Sep 30
- Moffit May 11 · Sep 29
- Sterling May 11 · Sep 29
- Cannon Ball May 12 · Sep 27
- Solen May 12 · Sep 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bismarck, ND?
The median last spring frost in Bismarck, ND is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck, ND?
About 136 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bismarck, ND?
Bismarck, ND is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.