When to plant popcorn in North Dakota
North Dakota spans USDA zones 4a–4b, so the right time to plant popcorn shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 4 in Fargo to May 21 in Williston — below are local dates for 9 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 4a | May 4 | October 2 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Bismarck | 4a | May 10 | September 30 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Grand Forks | 4a | May 10 | October 1 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Minot | 4a | May 10 | October 1 | May 10 – May 24 |
| West Fargo | 4a | May 4 | October 2 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Williston | 4a | May 21 | September 21 | May 21 – June 4 |
| Dickinson | 4b | May 20 | September 22 | May 20 – June 3 |
| Mandan | 4a | May 13 | September 27 | May 13 – May 27 |
Popcorn in North Dakota: FAQ
When can I plant popcorn in North Dakota?
Across North Dakota, the time to direct-sow popcorn spans roughly May 4 in Fargo to May 21 in Williston, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the popcorn planting date vary across North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota publishes 9 cities with their own frost dates, so the right popcorn 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 popcorn take to grow in North Dakota?
Popcorn takes about 90–120 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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