Saint Cloud, MN planting zone & frost dates
Saint Cloud is in USDA hardiness zone 4b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 7 and the first fall frost around September 30, for a growing season of about 144 days.
Planting calendar for Saint Cloud
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 7) 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 12 – Mar 26 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: May 21 – May 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: May 21 – May 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 5 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Sep 30).
Useful for zone 4b 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 24 | May 7 | May 23 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 12 | Sep 30 | Sep 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 23, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 27.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Saint Cloud
- 56301 zone 4b
- 56302 zone 4b
- 56303 zone 4b
- 56304 zone 4b
- 56372 zone 4b
- 56393 zone 4b
- 56395 zone 4b
- 56396 zone 4b
- 56397 zone 4b
- 56398 zone 4b
- 56399 zone 4b
Nearby cities
- Sauk Rapids zone 4b, last frost May 7
- Sartell zone 4b, last frost May 7
- Monticello zone 4b, last frost Apr 30
- Big Lake zone 4b, last frost May 4
- Buffalo zone 4b, last frost Apr 30
- Saint Michael zone 4b, last frost May 4
- Otsego zone 4b, last frost May 4
- Elk River zone 4b, last frost May 4
Questions
What growing zone is Saint Cloud, MN?
Saint Cloud is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4b (average extreme winter low -25°F to -20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Saint Cloud?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Saint Cloud is May 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 23.
When can I plant tomatoes in Saint Cloud?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 14 – May 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station St Cloud Rgnl Ap, MN (USW00014926), 8.9 km (5.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 310 m, based on 30 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.