When to plant bush bean in Montana
Montana spans USDA zones 4b–5b, so the right time to plant bush bean shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 11 in Billings to June 20 in Butte-Silver Bow — below are local dates for 8 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | 5a | May 4 | October 7 | May 11 – June 15 |
| Missoula | 5b | May 10 | October 1 | May 17 – June 21 |
| Great Falls | 4b | May 6 | October 1 | May 13 – June 17 |
| Bozeman | 5a | May 26 | September 22 | June 2 – July 7 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | 5a | June 13 | September 5 | June 20 – July 25 |
| Helena | 5a | May 9 | September 30 | May 16 – June 20 |
| Kalispell | 5b | May 31 | September 10 | June 7 – July 12 |
| Belgrade | 5a | May 26 | September 16 | June 2 – July 7 |
Bush Bean in Montana: FAQ
When can I plant bush bean in Montana?
Across Montana, the time to direct-sow bush bean spans roughly May 11 in Billings to June 20 in Butte-Silver Bow, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the bush bean planting date vary across Montana?
Yes. Montana publishes 8 cities with their own frost dates, so the right bush bean planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does bush bean take to grow in Montana?
Bush Bean takes about 50–60 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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