Frost Dates for Bemidji, MN 56601
Last spring frost May 17 · First fall frost September 23 · 129 frost-free days · USDA Zone 3b
ZIP 56601 has about 34,800 people.
Moderate season: 129 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 3–June 1 (29 days). Fall frost risk spans September 12–October 4 (22 days).
Frost probability for 56601
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 1 | May 17 | May 3 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 12 | September 23 | October 4 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at RED LAKE INDIAN AGCY (42.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 129-day season in Bemidji
In Bemidji (129 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 12 | May 31–Jun 7 | 87 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 87 available after May 31. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 5 | May 31–Jun 7 | 87 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 87 available after May 31. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 22 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Sep 30. | Aug 2 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 26–May 3 | 171 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 26. | Jul 22 |
| Cucumber | Apr 26 | May 31–Jun 7 | 101 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 101 available after May 31. | Jun 27 |
| Beans | — | May 24–Jun 7 | 115 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 115 available after May 24. | Jul 4 |
| Peas | — | Mar 22–May 31 | 192 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 192 available after Mar 22. | Jul 13 |
| Zucchini | May 3 | May 31–Jun 7 | 101 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 101 available after May 31. | Jul 2 |
| Onion | Feb 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 164 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 22–May 10 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 21 |
| Kale | Mar 8 | Apr 19–May 3 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Broccoli | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 164 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 19. | Jun 28 |
| Cabbage | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 178 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 19. | Jul 22 |
| Radish | — | Mar 22–Jun 14 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Sep 30. | Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | Mar 22–Jun 14 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Potatoes | — | May 3–May 10 | 150 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 150 available after May 3. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 23 | 234 | overwinter: Plant Sep 23 to Oct 14; harvest the following summer. | Oct 14 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 12–Jun 7 | 185 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 12; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 19 | May 24–May 31 | 101 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 101 available after May 24. | Jun 5 |
| Pumpkin | May 3 | May 31–May 31 | 94 | head-start: Even planted out May 31, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 5 | May 10–May 24 | 143 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 143 available after May 10. | Jul 3 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 22 | May 3–May 3 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 22–Jun 14 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 21 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 178 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 19. | Jun 22 |
| Butternut Squash | May 3 | May 31–Jun 7 | 94 | head-start: Even planted out May 31, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 29 | May 31–Jun 7 | 87 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 87 available after May 31. | Jun 3 |
| Okra | Apr 19 | May 24–May 31 | 108 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 108 available after May 24. | Jul 2 |
| Basil | Apr 12 | Jun 7–Jun 7 | 94 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 94 available after Jun 7. | Jun 27 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 19–May 10 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 28 |
| Parsley | Mar 8 | May 24–May 31 | 129 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 129 available after May 24. | Jul 8 |
| Celery | Mar 8 | May 24–Jun 7 | 129 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 129 available after May 24. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 8 | Apr 19–May 3 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 11 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 5–Apr 19 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 19 | May 10–May 17 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 10 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Sep 30. | Aug 2 |
| Collards | Mar 8 | Apr 19–May 3 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Cantaloupe | May 3 | May 31–Jun 7 | 87 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 87 available after May 31. | — |
| Chives | Feb 22 | May 24–May 31 | 143 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 143 available after May 24. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 22–Jun 14 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Oregano | Mar 8 | May 24–May 31 | 143 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 143 available after May 24. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 22 | May 24–May 31 | 129 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 129 available after May 24. | — |
| Sage | Mar 22 | May 24–May 31 | 143 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 143 available after May 24. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 8 | May 24–May 31 | 143 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 143 available after May 24. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 5 | May 3–May 17 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 28 |
| Cosmos | Apr 19 | May 17–May 31 | 115 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 115 available after May 17. | Jun 27 |
| Lavender | Feb 22 | May 17–May 31 | 150 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 150 available after May 17. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 5 | May 17–May 24 | 115 | two-plantings: Plant May 17 and again by Jul 7; both mature before Sep 9. | Jul 7 |
| Melons | May 3 | May 31–Jun 7 | 87 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 87 available after May 31. | — |
| Mint | — | May 17–May 31 | 150 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 150 available after May 17. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 19 | May 17–May 24 | 115 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 115 available after May 17. | Jul 2 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 24–Jun 7 | 108 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 108 available after May 24. | Jun 22 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 3 | May 31–Jun 7 | 94 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 94 available after May 31. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 17–May 31 | 115 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 115 available after May 17. | Jun 17 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 22 | May 24–May 31 | 94 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 94 available after May 24. | May 29 |
| Watermelon | May 3 | May 24–May 31 | 94 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 94 available after May 24. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 3 | May 31–Jun 7 | 101 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 101 available after May 31. | Jul 2 |
| Zinnias | Apr 19 | May 17–May 31 | 115 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 115 available after May 17. | Jun 27 |
Month by month in Bemidji
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 22), Lavender (Feb 22), Onion (Feb 22), Rosemary (Feb 22). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 8), Collards (Mar 8), Kale (Mar 8), Oregano (Mar 8), Parsley (Mar 8), Scallions (Mar 8), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 22), Beets (Mar 22), Dill (Mar 22), Peas (Mar 22), Radish (Mar 22), Spinach (Mar 22). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 5), Cauliflower (Apr 5), Marigolds (Apr 5), Pepper (Apr 5), Basil (Apr 12), Tomato (Apr 12), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 5), Cilantro (Apr 19), Turnip (Apr 19), Carrots (Apr 26). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 19), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 19), Cabbage (Apr 19), Collards (Apr 19), Kale (Apr 19), Lettuce (Apr 19), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 12). |
| May | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (May 3), Cantaloupe (May 3), Melons (May 3), Pumpkin (May 3), Spaghetti Squash (May 3), Watermelon (May 3), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (May 3), Sunflowers (May 17), Beans (May 24), Pole Beans (May 24). Transplant from: Calendula (May 3), Swiss Chard (May 3), Bok Choy (May 10), Cauliflower (May 10), Cosmos (May 17), Lavender (May 17), +26 more. Last frost around May 17. Last sowing dates: Tomatillos (May 29). |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 7). Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jun 3), Corn (Jun 5), Sunflowers (Jun 17), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 22), Pole Beans (Jun 22), Basil (Jun 27), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Jul 2), Okra (Jul 2), Yellow Squash (Jul 2), Zucchini (Jul 2), Cauliflower (Jul 3), Beans (Jul 4), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Collards (Aug 1), Scallions (Aug 1), Bok Choy (Aug 2), Lettuce (Aug 2), Kale (Aug 6), Kohlrabi (Aug 6), +4 more. |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 23). First frost around September 23. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 14). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Bemidji, MN (ZIP 56601)?
The median last spring frost date for Bemidji, MN (ZIP code 56601) is around May 17. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before May 3; one in ten it runs past June 1.
What is the first fall frost date in Bemidji, MN?
The median first fall frost date for Bemidji, MN is around September 23. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 12 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Bemidji, MN?
The frost-free growing season in Bemidji is about 129 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Bemidji (129 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Bemidji, MN?
Bemidji, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 3b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Bemidji, MN?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 12 and plant out May 31 in Bemidji. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Bemidji?
Two: plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Sep 30.
When do I plant garlic in Bemidji?
Sep 23 to Oct 14; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Bemidji?
Yes, with help. Even planted out May 31, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Detroit Lakes (ZIP 56501) has 142 frost-free days, 13 more than Bemidji (ZIP 56601). See Detroit Lakes ZIP 56501 frost dates
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