When to plant in Apple Valley, MN
USDA Zone 5aEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in Apple Valley, Minnesota — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
Zone 5a means Apple Valley sees real winter cold, but a good range of perennials survive; the frost dates above govern when annual vegetables go out.
Frost probability
ROSEMOUNT RSCH & OUTREACH CTR · 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 Apple Valley’s own odds, recorded at ROSEMOUNT RSCH & OUTREACH CTR.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 26 | May 12 | Apr 29 | Sep 16 | Sep 28 | Oct 10 |
| 32°F | May 16 | May 2 | Apr 19 | Sep 22 | Oct 5 | Oct 19 |
| 28°F | May 7 | Apr 22 | Apr 8 | Oct 2 | Oct 17 | Oct 31 |
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 Apple Valley, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 15 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.
Apple Valley planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Apple Valley, MN?
On average, the last spring frost in Apple Valley is around May 2 (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 Apple Valley, MN?
Expect Apple Valley's first fall frost near October 5 — a 50% chance of 32°F by that date. Bring in or cover tender crops ahead of it.
What hardiness zone is Apple Valley in?
Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley?
There are roughly 156 frost-free days in Apple Valley (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around May 2 to the first fall frost near October 5.
When should I plant tomatoes in Apple Valley?
In Apple Valley, start tomato seeds indoors around March 7–March 21, then transplant seedlings outdoors around May 9 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Apple Valley
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Apple Valley’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Burnsville · 7 km
- Eagan · 8 km
- Lakeville · 9 km
- Farmington · 10 km
- Rosemount · 10 km
- Bloomington · 13 km
- Savage · 13 km
- Inver Grove Heights · 14 km
Frost dates recorded at ROSEMOUNT RSCH & OUTREACH CTR, 9 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 Apple Valley, MN — Frost Dates & Zone 5a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00217107. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/minnesota/apple-valley.