Frost dates for Rochester, Minnesota
In a typical year, Rochester’s last spring frost lands around Apr 30 and the first fall frost around Oct 6, a growing season of about 159 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 4b.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Apr 15 | Sep 22 |
| 50 percent | Apr 30 | Oct 6 |
| 90 percent | May 13 | Oct 20 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Rochester is typically around 68°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Rochester
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Chinese cabbage (Bilko)
- Spinach (Space)
- Arugula (Astro)
- Mustard greens (Red Giant)
- Tatsoi (Tatsoi)
- Dill (Bouquet)
- Turnip (Purple Top White Globe)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Rochester’s normals for today.
Nearby cities
- Saint Paul, MN (around Apr 25 to Oct 12)
- Minneapolis, MN (around Apr 23 to Oct 16)
- Cedar Rapids, IA (around Apr 28 to Oct 12)
- Madison, WI (around May 1 to Oct 9)
- Des Moines, IA (around Apr 23 to Oct 15)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
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