Frost Dates for Minneapolis, MN 55427
Last spring frost May 1 · First fall frost October 2 · 154 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
ZIP 55427 has about 24,800 people, one of 51 ZIP codes in Minneapolis.
Moderate season: 154 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 18–May 14 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans September 20–October 12 (22 days).
Frost probability for 55427
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 14 | May 1 | April 18 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 20 | October 2 | October 12 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CHASKA (28.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 154-day season in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis (154 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 27 | May 15–May 22 | 112 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 112 available after May 15. | Jun 2 |
| Pepper | Mar 20 | May 15–May 22 | 112 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 112 available after May 15. | Jun 7 |
| Lettuce | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 11 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 196 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 10. | Jul 31 |
| Cucumber | Apr 10 | May 15–May 22 | 126 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 126 available after May 15. | Jul 6 |
| Beans | — | May 8–May 22 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 13; both mature before Sep 25. | Jul 13 |
| Peas | — | Mar 6–May 15 | 217 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 217 available after Mar 6. | Jul 22 |
| Zucchini | Apr 17 | May 15–May 22 | 126 | two-plantings: Plant May 15 and again by Jul 11; both mature before Sep 18. | Jul 11 |
| Onion | Feb 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 189 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 3. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 6–Apr 24 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 30 |
| Kale | Feb 20 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Broccoli | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 189 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 3. | Jul 7 |
| Cabbage | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 203 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 3. | Jul 31 |
| Radish | — | Mar 6–May 29 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 31 |
| Beets | — | Mar 6–May 29 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 1 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 175 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 2 | 259 | overwinter: Plant Oct 2 to Oct 23; harvest the following summer. | Oct 23 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 27–May 22 | 210 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 27; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 3 | May 8–May 15 | 126 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 126 available after May 8. | Jun 14 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 17 | May 15–May 15 | 119 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 119 available after May 15. | May 20 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 8 | 168 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 168 available after Apr 24. | Jul 12 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 6 | Apr 17–Apr 17 | 175 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 1 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 6–May 29 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 30 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 203 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 3. | Jul 1 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 17 | May 15–May 22 | 119 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 119 available after May 15. | May 20 |
| Eggplant | Mar 13 | May 15–May 22 | 112 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 112 available after May 15. | Jun 12 |
| Okra | Apr 3 | May 8–May 15 | 133 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 11; both mature before Sep 18. | Jul 11 |
| Basil | Mar 27 | May 22–May 22 | 119 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 119 available after May 22. | Jul 6 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 3–Apr 24 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 6 |
| Parsley | Feb 20 | May 8–May 15 | 154 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 154 available after May 8. | Jul 17 |
| Celery | Feb 20 | May 8–May 22 | 154 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 154 available after May 8. | May 28 |
| Scallions | Feb 20 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 10 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 20 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 3 | Apr 24–May 1 | 168 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 11 |
| Collards | Feb 20 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 10 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 17 | May 15–May 22 | 112 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 112 available after May 15. | May 28 |
| Chives | Feb 6 | May 8–May 15 | 168 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 168 available after May 8. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 6–May 29 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 1 |
| Oregano | Feb 20 | May 8–May 15 | 168 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 168 available after May 8. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 6 | May 8–May 15 | 154 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 154 available after May 8. | — |
| Sage | Mar 6 | May 8–May 15 | 168 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 168 available after May 8. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 20 | May 8–May 15 | 168 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 168 available after May 8. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 20 | Apr 17–May 1 | 175 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 9. | Aug 6 |
| Cosmos | Apr 3 | May 1–May 15 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 6; both mature before Sep 18. | Jul 6 |
| Lavender | Feb 6 | May 1–May 15 | 175 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 175 available after May 1. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 20 | May 1–May 8 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 18. | Jul 16 |
| Melons | Apr 17 | May 15–May 22 | 112 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 112 available after May 15. | May 28 |
| Mint | — | May 1–May 15 | 175 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 175 available after May 1. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 11; both mature before Sep 18. | Jul 11 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 8–May 22 | 133 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 133 available after May 8. | Jul 1 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 17 | May 15–May 22 | 119 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 119 available after May 15. | May 30 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 1–May 15 | 140 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 140 available after May 1. | Jun 26 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 6 | May 8–May 15 | 119 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 119 available after May 8. | Jun 7 |
| Watermelon | Apr 17 | May 8–May 15 | 119 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 119 available after May 8. | Jun 2 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 17 | May 15–May 22 | 126 | two-plantings: Plant May 15 and again by Jul 11; both mature before Sep 18. | Jul 11 |
| Zinnias | Apr 3 | May 1–May 15 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 6; both mature before Sep 18. | Jul 6 |
Month by month in Minneapolis
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 6), Lavender (Feb 6), Onion (Feb 6), Rosemary (Feb 6), Celery (Feb 20), Collards (Feb 20), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 6), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 6), Cabbage (Mar 6), Lettuce (Mar 6), Sage (Mar 6), Swiss Chard (Mar 6), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 6), Beets (Mar 6), Dill (Mar 6), Peas (Mar 6), Radish (Mar 6), Spinach (Mar 6), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 27). |
| April | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Apr 3), Corn (Apr 3), Cosmos (Apr 3), Nasturtiums (Apr 3), Okra (Apr 3), Zinnias (Apr 3), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Apr 3), Turnip (Apr 3), Carrots (Apr 10), Potatoes (Apr 17). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 3), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 3), Cabbage (Apr 3), Collards (Apr 3), Kale (Apr 3), Lettuce (Apr 3), +6 more. |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 1), Beans (May 8), Pole Beans (May 8). Transplant from: Cosmos (May 1), Lavender (May 1), Marigolds (May 1), Mint (May 1), Nasturtiums (May 1), Zinnias (May 1), +23 more. Last frost around May 1. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 20), Pumpkin (May 20), Cantaloupe (May 28), Celery (May 28), Melons (May 28), Spaghetti Squash (May 30). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Tomato (Jun 2), Watermelon (Jun 2), Pepper (Jun 7), Tomatillos (Jun 7), Eggplant (Jun 12), Corn (Jun 14), +1 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 1), Pole Beans (Jul 1), Basil (Jul 6), Cosmos (Jul 6), Cucumber (Jul 6), Zinnias (Jul 6), +12 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Beets (Aug 1), Dill (Aug 1), Swiss Chard (Aug 1), Calendula (Aug 6), Cilantro (Aug 6), Collards (Aug 10), +9 more. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 2). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 2). First frost around October 2. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 23). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| 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 Minneapolis, MN (ZIP 55427)?
The median last spring frost date for Minneapolis, MN (ZIP code 55427) is around May 1. 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 April 18; one in ten it runs past May 14.
What is the first fall frost date in Minneapolis, MN?
The median first fall frost date for Minneapolis, MN is around October 2. 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 20 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Minneapolis, MN?
The frost-free growing season in Minneapolis is about 154 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 Minneapolis (154 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Minneapolis, MN?
Minneapolis, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 5a (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 Minneapolis, MN?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 27 and plant out May 15 in Minneapolis. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Minneapolis?
Two: plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 9.
When do I plant garlic in Minneapolis?
Oct 2 to Oct 23; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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