Last frost date in Owatonna, MN
The average last frost in Owatonna is May 5. By May 20 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 6, which leaves 154 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 23 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 20
- Average first frost
- Oct 6
- Frost-free season
- 154 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 25
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 6.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2252°
- FriOct 2358°
- SatOct 2449°
- SunOct 2543°
- MonOct 2639°
- TueOct 2739°
- WedOct 2841°
Planting calendar for Owatonna
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Minnesota.
TomatoesMay 12–May 26
PumpkinsMay 19–Jun 2
SunflowersMay 5–May 26
CucumbersMay 19–May 26
CornMay 12–May 26
Sweet potatoesMay 26–Jun 9
WatermelonMay 19–Jun 2
Green beansMay 12–Jun 2
ZucchiniMay 12–May 26
OkraMay 26–Jun 9
PeppersMay 19–Jun 2
BasilMay 12–May 26
Butternut squashMay 12–May 26
CantaloupeMay 19–Jun 2
EggplantMay 19–Jun 2
PotatoesApr 7–Apr 21
OnionsMar 24–Apr 14
CarrotsApr 14–May 19
LettuceApr 21–May 12
BroccoliApr 7–Apr 21
BeetsApr 7–May 19
PeasMar 24–Apr 7
CabbageApr 7–Apr 21
RadishesMar 31–May 12
Brussels sproutsApr 21–May 5
SpinachMar 24–Apr 14
CilantroApr 21–May 12
KaleApr 7–Apr 21
Collard greensApr 7–Apr 21
TurnipsApr 7–Apr 21
DillMay 5–May 19
CeleryMay 12–May 19
CauliflowerApr 21–May 5
LeeksApr 21–May 5
Swiss chardApr 21–May 19
ParsleyApr 21–May 12
Tulip bulbsSep 22–Oct 27
GarlicSep 15–Oct 20
Daffodil bulbsSep 8–Oct 20
StrawberriesApr 7–Apr 21
AsparagusApr 7–Apr 21Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 20 | May 5 | May 20 | Sep 23 | Oct 6 | Oct 21 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 10 | Apr 25 | May 12 | Oct 2 | Oct 18 | Nov 1 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Owatonna (USC00216287) sits 0.4 miles from the center of Owatonna at 1,140 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Owatonna, MN?
The average last frost date in Owatonna is May 5, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 20.
When is the first frost in Owatonna?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 6. One year in ten it arrives before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Owatonna?
About 154 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Owatonna?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 12 to May 26. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Minnesota
- FaribaultMay 5
- NorthfieldMay 5
- AustinApr 30
- MankatoApr 30
- RochesterApr 30
- FarmingtonApr 27
- LakevilleApr 27
- Prior LakeApr 23
- Apple ValleyMay 2
- RosemountMay 2
- BurnsvilleApr 27
- SavageApr 23