Saint Paul, MN planting zone & frost dates
Saint Paul is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 24 and the first fall frost around October 16, for a growing season of about 174 days.
Planting calendar for Saint Paul
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 24) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 16).
Useful for zone 5a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 9 | Apr 24 | May 10 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 29 | Oct 16 | Oct 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 10, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Saint Paul
- 55101 zone 5a
- 55102 zone 5a
- 55103 zone 5a
- 55104 zone 5a
- 55105 zone 5a
- 55106 zone 5a
- 55107 zone 5a
- 55108 zone 5a
- 55109 zone 5a
- 55110 zone 5a
- 55111 zone 5a
- 55112 zone 5a
- 55113 zone 5a
- 55114 zone 5a
- 55115 zone 5a
- 55116 zone 5a
- 55117 zone 5a
- 55118 zone 5a
- 55119 zone 5a
- 55120 zone 5a
- 55121 zone 5a
- 55122 zone 5a
- 55123 zone 5a
- 55124 zone 5a
- 55125 zone 5a
- 55126 zone 5a
- 55127 zone 5a
- 55128 zone 5a
- 55129 zone 5a
- 55130 zone 5a
- 55131 zone 5a
- 55133 zone 5a
- 55145 zone 5a
- 55146 zone 5a
- 55164 zone 5a
- 55170 zone 5a
Nearby cities
- West Saint Paul zone 5a, last frost Apr 24
- Mendota Heights zone 5a, last frost Apr 25
- South Saint Paul zone 5a, last frost Apr 24
- Little Canada zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Roseville zone 5a, last frost Apr 28
- Maplewood zone 5a, last frost Apr 26
- Inver Grove Heights zone 5a, last frost Apr 24
- Vadnais Heights zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
Questions
What growing zone is Saint Paul, MN?
Saint Paul is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a (average extreme winter low -20°F to -15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Saint Paul?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Saint Paul is April 24. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Saint Paul?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 1 – May 8. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station St Paul Downtown Ap, MN (USW00014927), 3.3 km (2.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 213 m, based on 22 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.