Sioux Falls, SD planting zone & frost dates
Sioux Falls is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 1 and the first fall frost around October 6, for a growing season of about 157 days.
Planting calendar for Sioux Falls
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 1) 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: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 6).
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 18 | May 1 | May 14 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 20 | Oct 6 | Sep 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 14, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 22.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Sioux Falls
- 57101 zone 5a
- 57103 zone 5a
- 57104 zone 5a
- 57105 zone 5a
- 57106 zone 5a
- 57107 zone 5a
- 57108 zone 5a
- 57109 zone 5a
- 57110 zone 5a
- 57117 zone 5a
- 57118 zone 5a
- 57186 zone 5a
- 57193 zone 5a
- 57198 zone 5a
Nearby cities
- Brookings zone 4b, last frost May 6
- Vermillion zone 5a, last frost May 3
- Yankton zone 5a, last frost Apr 27
- Mitchell zone 5a, last frost May 2
- Watertown zone 4b, last frost May 7
- Huron zone 4b, last frost May 6
- Aberdeen zone 4a, last frost May 8
- Rapid City zone 5b, last frost May 3
Questions
What growing zone is Sioux Falls, SD?
Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Sioux Falls is May 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 14.
When can I plant tomatoes in Sioux Falls?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 8 – May 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Sioux Falls, SD (USW00014944), 4.9 km (3.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 436 m, based on 29 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.