When to Plant Tomatoes in North Dakota
In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 15 – Mar 29, 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.
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
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Bismarck | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Grand Forks | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Minot | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 24 |
| West Fargo | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Williston | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Dickinson | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 3 |
| Mandan | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Jamestown | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Wahpeton | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Devils Lake | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Watford City | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Valley City | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Minot Air Force Base | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Grafton | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Lincoln | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Beulah | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Rugby | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Stanley | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Horace | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 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 tomatoes in North Dakota?
In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 15 – Mar 29, 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 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 North Dakota
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant tomatoes in other states