FrostCal

When to Plant Tomatoes in Minnesota

In a typical Minnesota location, start seeds indoors Mar 5 – Mar 19, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Winona and as late as Jun 12 in Hibbing.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 60–85 days

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.

Tomatoes Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
MinneapolisFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
Saint PaulFeb 27 – Mar 13May 1 – May 8
RochesterMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
BloomingtonFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
DuluthMar 19 – Apr 2May 21 – May 28
Brooklyn ParkMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
PlymouthMar 4 – Mar 18May 6 – May 13
Maple GroveMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
WoodburyMar 1 – Mar 15May 3 – May 10
EaganFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
Saint CloudMar 12 – Mar 26May 14 – May 21
Eden PrairieFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
West Coon RapidsMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
Coon RapidsMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
BlaineMar 10 – Mar 24May 12 – May 19
BurnsvilleFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
LakevilleMar 2 – Mar 16May 4 – May 11
MinnetonkaMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
Apple ValleyMar 2 – Mar 16May 4 – May 11
EdinaFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
Minnetonka MillsMar 4 – Mar 18May 6 – May 13
Saint Louis ParkMar 4 – Mar 18May 6 – May 13
MoorheadMar 10 – Mar 24May 12 – May 19
MankatoMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
MaplewoodMar 1 – Mar 15May 3 – May 10
ShakopeeFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
RichfieldFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
Cottage GroveFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
RosevilleMar 3 – Mar 17May 5 – May 12
Inver Grove HeightsFeb 27 – Mar 13May 1 – May 8

Showing the 30 most populous of 104 Minnesota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Minnesota cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant tomatoes in Minnesota?

In a typical Minnesota location, start seeds indoors Mar 5 – Mar 19, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Winona and as late as Jun 12 in Hibbing.

When is the last frost in Minnesota?

The average last spring frost in Minnesota ranges from April 21 in Winona to June 5 in Hibbing, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do tomatoes take to grow?

Tomatoes typically take 60–85 days from planting to harvest. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.

Other Crops in Minnesota

When to plant tomatoes in other states

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