When to Plant Tomatoes in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the time to transplant tomatoes outside runs from May 3 – May 17 in Sioux Falls to May 19 – Jun 2 in Box Elder. In Sioux Falls, it's May 3 – May 17. The average last spring frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (Apr 26 in Sioux Falls, May 12 in Box Elder), 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 South Dakota by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 4a | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Belle Fourche | 5b | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Box Elder | 5b | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Brandon | 5a | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Brookings | 4b | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Harrisburg | 5a | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Huron | 4b | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Madison | 4b | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Mitchell | 5a | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Pierre | 4b | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Rapid City | 5b | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Sioux Falls | 5a | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Spearfish | 5b | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Sturgis | 5a | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Tea | 5a | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Vermillion | 5a | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Watertown | 4b | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Yankton | 5a | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 4 – May 18 |
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 South Dakota, or the general guide to when to plant tomatoes.
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