Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for Bemidji, MN

Bemidji, MN is in USDA zone 3b across its 2 ZIP codes. The median last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost September 26.

Bemidji on the zone map

Outlined: its 1 ZIP code areas · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone3b−35 to −30 °F

ZIP codes2

Last frostMay 17

First frostSep 26

Growing season131 days

3b 2 ZIPs

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

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Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Bemidji, MN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMay 17median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 30only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 26median — 10% chance by Sep 12

Growing season131 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 7 and returns around October 6.

From the NOAA station Cass Lake, MN, elevation 1,296 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in Bemidji

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 26

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 8 – Mar 22

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 26 – May 10

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 19 – May 3

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 26 – May 10

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 19 – May 3

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 26 – May 10

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 22 – Apr 5

TomatoesTransplant · May 24 – Jun 7

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 8 – Mar 22

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 31 – Jun 14

BeansSow outdoors · May 24 – Jun 7

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 24 – Jun 7

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 24 – Jun 7

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 1 – Aug 15

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 12 – Oct 17

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 17) and first fall frost (Sep 26) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 56601 came on Apr 23 — 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 26).

average
Apr 262026
Apr 23

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 3b in Minnesota

287 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Minnesota, and rated by the USDA to survive −35 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 3b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Bemidji, MN.

Soil in Bemidji, MN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 56601 is Andrusia — loamy sand, well drained.

TextureLoamy sanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.5neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Andrusia loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 56601; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Bemidji, MN

Summer high79 °Faverage high, July

Winter low−4 °Faverage low, January

Hot days4days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights187nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,027base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 58 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 26 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation27.5 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Cass Lake, MN (13 mi away); precipitation: Bemidji, MN (2 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

ZIP codes in Bemidji

Minnesota planting zones →

Questions about Bemidji

What planting zone is Bemidji, MN?

Bemidji, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 3b on the 2023 map (3b: −35 to −30 °F).

When is the last frost in Bemidji, MN?

The median last spring frost is May 17 and the median first fall frost is September 26 (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Cass Lake station).

When can I plant a garden in Bemidji, MN?

Cool-season crops like peas and spinach go in around Apr 5 – Apr 26; tomatoes, peppers, beans and squash after about May 24, once frost risk has passed.

What kind of onions grow in Bemidji, MN?

Long-day onions: the longest day is 15 h 58 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

How much rain and snow does Bemidji, MN get?

About 27.5 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals).