Frost Dates for Bismarck, ND 58504
Bismarck has 4 ZIP codes. The Bismarck, ND frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 14 · First fall frost September 21 · 130 frost-free days · USDA Zone 4a
ZIP 58504 has about 30,200 people, one of 4 ZIP codes in Bismarck.
Moderate season: 130 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 1–May 28 (27 days). Fall frost risk spans September 9–October 3 (24 days).
Frost probability for 58504
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 28 | May 14 | May 1 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 9 | September 21 | October 3 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at BISMARCK MUNI AP (8.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 130-day season in Bismarck
In Bismarck (130 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 9 | May 28–Jun 4 | 88 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 88 available after May 28. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 2 | May 28–Jun 4 | 88 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 88 available after May 28. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 31 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 172 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 23. | Jul 20 |
| Cucumber | Apr 23 | May 28–Jun 4 | 102 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 102 available after May 28. | Jun 25 |
| Beans | — | May 21–Jun 4 | 116 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 116 available after May 21. | Jul 2 |
| Peas | — | Mar 19–May 28 | 193 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 193 available after Mar 19. | Jul 11 |
| Zucchini | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 102 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 102 available after May 28. | Jun 30 |
| Onion | Feb 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 165 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 16. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 19–May 7 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 19 |
| Kale | Mar 5 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 165 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 16. | Jun 26 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 179 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 16. | Jul 20 |
| Radish | — | Mar 19–Jun 11 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Sep 28. | Aug 20 |
| Beets | — | Mar 19–Jun 11 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 30–May 7 | 151 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 21 | 235 | overwinter: Plant Sep 21 to Oct 12; harvest the following summer. | Oct 12 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 9–Jun 4 | 186 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 9; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 16 | May 21–May 28 | 102 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 102 available after May 21. | Jun 3 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 30 | May 28–May 28 | 95 | head-start: Even planted out May 28, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 2 | May 7–May 21 | 144 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 144 available after May 7. | Jul 1 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 19 | Apr 30–Apr 30 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 19–Jun 11 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 19 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 179 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 16. | Jun 20 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 95 | head-start: Even planted out May 28, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 88 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 88 available after May 28. | Jun 1 |
| Okra | Apr 16 | May 21–May 28 | 109 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 109 available after May 21. | Jun 30 |
| Basil | Apr 9 | Jun 4–Jun 4 | 95 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 95 available after Jun 4. | Jun 25 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 16–May 7 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Parsley | Mar 5 | May 21–May 28 | 130 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 130 available after May 21. | Jul 6 |
| Celery | Mar 5 | May 21–Jun 4 | 130 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 130 available after May 21. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 5 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 9 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 2–Apr 16 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 2 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 16 | May 7–May 14 | 144 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 31 |
| Collards | Mar 5 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 88 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 88 available after May 28. | — |
| Chives | Feb 19 | May 21–May 28 | 144 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 144 available after May 21. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 19–Jun 11 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Oregano | Mar 5 | May 21–May 28 | 144 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 144 available after May 21. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 19 | May 21–May 28 | 130 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 130 available after May 21. | — |
| Sage | Mar 19 | May 21–May 28 | 144 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 144 available after May 21. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 5 | May 21–May 28 | 144 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 144 available after May 21. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 2 | Apr 30–May 14 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Cosmos | Apr 16 | May 14–May 28 | 116 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 116 available after May 14. | Jun 25 |
| Lavender | Feb 19 | May 14–May 28 | 151 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 151 available after May 14. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 2 | May 14–May 21 | 116 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Jul 5; both mature before Sep 7. | Jul 5 |
| Melons | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 88 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 88 available after May 28. | — |
| Mint | — | May 14–May 28 | 151 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 151 available after May 14. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 16 | May 14–May 21 | 116 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 116 available after May 14. | Jun 30 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 21–Jun 4 | 109 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 109 available after May 21. | Jun 20 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 95 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 95 available after May 28. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 14–May 28 | 116 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 116 available after May 14. | Jun 15 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 19 | May 21–May 28 | 95 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 95 available after May 21. | May 27 |
| Watermelon | Apr 30 | May 21–May 28 | 95 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 95 available after May 21. | May 22 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 102 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 102 available after May 28. | Jun 30 |
| Zinnias | Apr 16 | May 14–May 28 | 116 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 116 available after May 14. | Jun 25 |
Month by month in Bismarck
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 19), Lavender (Feb 19), Onion (Feb 19), Rosemary (Feb 19). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 5), Collards (Mar 5), Kale (Mar 5), Oregano (Mar 5), Parsley (Mar 5), Scallions (Mar 5), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 19), Beets (Mar 19), Dill (Mar 19), Peas (Mar 19), Radish (Mar 19), Spinach (Mar 19). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 2), Cauliflower (Apr 2), Marigolds (Apr 2), Pepper (Apr 2), Basil (Apr 9), Tomato (Apr 9), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 2), Cilantro (Apr 16), Turnip (Apr 16), Carrots (Apr 23), Potatoes (Apr 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 16), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 16), Cabbage (Apr 16), Collards (Apr 16), Kale (Apr 16), Lettuce (Apr 16), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 9). |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 14), Beans (May 21), Pole Beans (May 21). Transplant from: Bok Choy (May 7), Cauliflower (May 7), Cosmos (May 14), Lavender (May 14), Marigolds (May 14), Mint (May 14), +24 more. Last frost around May 14. Last sowing dates: Watermelon (May 22), Tomatillos (May 27). |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 4). Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jun 1), Corn (Jun 3), Sunflowers (Jun 15), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 20), Pole Beans (Jun 20), Basil (Jun 25), +8 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Cauliflower (Jul 1), Beans (Jul 2), Marigolds (Jul 5), Parsley (Jul 6), Peas (Jul 11), Cabbage (Jul 20), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Kale (Aug 4), Kohlrabi (Aug 4), Turnip (Aug 9), Arugula (Aug 19), Spinach (Aug 19), Radish (Aug 20). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 21). First frost around September 21. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 12). |
| 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 Bismarck, ND (ZIP 58504)?
The median last spring frost date for Bismarck, ND (ZIP code 58504) is around May 14. 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 1; one in ten it runs past May 28.
What is the first fall frost date in Bismarck, ND?
The median first fall frost date for Bismarck, ND is around September 21. 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 9 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Bismarck, ND?
The frost-free growing season in Bismarck is about 130 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 Bismarck (130 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 Bismarck, ND?
Bismarck, ND is in USDA hardiness zone 4a (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 Bismarck, ND?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 9 and plant out May 28 in Bismarck. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Bismarck?
Two: plant Apr 16 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Sep 28.
When do I plant garlic in Bismarck?
Sep 21 to Oct 12; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Bismarck?
Yes, with help. Even planted out May 28, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Jamestown (ZIP 58401) has 139 frost-free days, 9 more than Bismarck (ZIP 58504). See Jamestown ZIP 58401 frost dates
Nearby and related
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