When to Plant Tomatoes in North Dakota
In North Dakota, the time to transplant tomatoes outside runs from May 11 – May 25 in Fargo to May 28 – Jun 11 in Williston. In Fargo, it's May 11 – May 25. The average last spring frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (May 4 in Fargo, May 21 in Williston), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Tomatoes are killed by frost and sulk in cold soil. Wait until nights stay above 50°F, usually one to three weeks after the average last frost.
- Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant outside: 1–3 weeks after the last frost.
Tomatoes planting dates in North Dakota by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | 4a | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Devils Lake | 4a | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Dickinson | 4b | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Fargo | 4a | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Grand Forks | 4a | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Horace | 4a | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Jamestown | 4b | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Mandan | 4a | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Minot | 4a | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Valley City | 4a | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Wahpeton | 4a | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Watford City | 4a | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 |
| West Fargo | 4a | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Williston | 4a | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in North Dakota, or the general guide to when to plant tomatoes.
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