When to Plant Marigolds in North Dakota

In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 29 – Apr 12, then transplant outdoors May 17 – May 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 11 in Wahpeton and as late as May 28 in Beulah.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Marigolds Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
FargoMar 24 – Apr 7May 12 – May 19
BismarckMar 29 – Apr 12May 17 – May 24
Grand ForksMar 29 – Apr 12May 17 – May 24
MinotMar 29 – Apr 12May 17 – May 24
West FargoMar 29 – Apr 12May 17 – May 24
WillistonApr 9 – Apr 23May 28 – Jun 4
DickinsonApr 8 – Apr 22May 27 – Jun 3
MandanApr 1 – Apr 15May 20 – May 27
JamestownMar 27 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
WahpetonMar 23 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
Devils LakeMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
Watford CityMar 28 – Apr 11May 16 – May 23
Valley CityApr 1 – Apr 15May 20 – May 27
Minot Air Force BaseMar 30 – Apr 13May 18 – May 25
GraftonMar 23 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
LincolnApr 2 – Apr 16May 21 – May 28
BeulahApr 9 – Apr 23May 28 – Jun 4
RugbyApr 5 – Apr 19May 24 – May 31
StanleyApr 5 – Apr 19May 24 – May 31
HoraceMar 23 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 North Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Dakota cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant marigolds in North Dakota?

In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 29 – Apr 12, then transplant outdoors May 17 – May 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 11 in Wahpeton and as late as May 28 in Beulah.

When is the last frost in North Dakota?

The average last spring frost in North Dakota ranges from May 4 in Wahpeton to May 21 in Beulah, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do marigolds take to grow?

Marigolds typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Other Crops in North Dakota

When to plant marigolds in other states

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