When to Plant Tomatoes in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25, then transplant outdoors May 13 – May 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Tea and as late as May 19 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Rapid City | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Aberdeen | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Brookings | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Watertown | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Mitchell | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Yankton | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Pierre | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Huron | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Spearfish | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Vermillion | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Brandon | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Box Elder | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Rapid Valley | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Madison | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Sturgis | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Belle Fourche | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Harrisburg | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Tea | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 10 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant tomatoes in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25, then transplant outdoors May 13 – May 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Tea and as late as May 19 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South 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