When to plant in Albert Lea, MN
USDA Zone 5aEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in Albert Lea, Minnesota — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
In zone 5a, Albert Lea gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
ALBERT LEA 3SE · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Albert Lea’s own odds, recorded at ALBERT LEA 3SE.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 7 | Apr 24 | Sep 18 | Oct 1 | Oct 14 |
| 32°F | May 10 | Apr 27 | Apr 12 | Sep 26 | Oct 9 | Oct 23 |
| 28°F | Apr 30 | Apr 15 | Apr 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Albert Lea, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 31 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Albert Lea planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Albert Lea, MN?
On average, the last spring frost in Albert Lea is around April 27 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Albert Lea, MN?
In Albert Lea, the first 32°F freeze of fall lands around October 9 on average. Time your last harvests and any season-extension cover before it.
What hardiness zone is Albert Lea in?
Albert Lea is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. In zone 5a, winters are cold — pick cold-hardy varieties and protect tender crops.
How long is the growing season in Albert Lea?
Albert Lea has about 165 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 27) and first fall frost (October 9).
When should I plant tomatoes in Albert Lea?
For Albert Lea, sow tomatoes indoors about March 2–March 16 and move the seedlings out around May 4, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Albert Lea
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Albert Lea’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Austin · 31 km
- Owatonna · 50 km
- Mason City · 58 km
- Faribault · 72 km
- Mankato · 75 km
- North Mankato · 80 km
- Rochester · 82 km
- Fairmont · 88 km
Frost dates recorded at ALBERT LEA 3SE, 7 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Albert Lea, MN — Frost Dates & Zone 5a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00210075. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/minnesota/albert-lea.