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

Planting zone for 55051 — Mora, MN

ZIP code 55051 (Mora, Kanabec County) is in USDA zone 4a: the coldest winter night averages −30 to −25 °F. The median last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost September 30.

Where ZIP 55051 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · 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.

Zone4a−30 to −25 °F

Coldest night−34.4 to −31.7 °C

Last frostMay 9

First frostSep 30

2012 zone3b

Was 3b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 4a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Mora, MN…

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 Mora, MN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 9median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 26only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 30median — 10% chance by Sep 17

Growing season142 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 28 and returns around October 9.

From the NOAA station Mora, MN — 4 miles away, elevation 1,017 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 55051

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 28 – Apr 11

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 28 – Apr 18

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 18 – May 2

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 11 – Apr 25

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 11 – Apr 25

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 14 – Mar 28

TomatoesTransplant · May 16 – May 30

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 23 – Jun 6

BeansSow outdoors · May 16 – May 30

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 16 – May 30

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 16 – May 30

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 5 – Aug 19

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 16 – Oct 21

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 9) and first fall frost (Sep 30) 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 55051 came on Apr 18 — 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 21).

average
Apr 212026
Apr 18

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 4a in Minnesota

445 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Minnesota, and rated by the USDA to survive −30 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 4a. 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 Mora, MN.

Soil in Mora, MN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 55051 is Brennyville — silt loam, somewhat poorly drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.0slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupB/Dmoderate when drained; wet otherwise

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Brennyville-Freer complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes, stony.

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 55051; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Mora, MN

Summer high80 °Faverage high, July

Winter low1 °Faverage low, January

Hot days5days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights179nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,148base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 45 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 39 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation31.7 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall52 inper year; 110 days with snow on the ground

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Mora, MN (4 mi away); precipitation: Mora, MN (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

1 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

563584a

Ogilvie, MN · 9 mi

550074a

Brook Park, MN · 11 mi

550364a

Henriette, MN · 11 mi

Minnesota planting zones →

Questions about 55051

What planting zone is ZIP code 55051?

ZIP code 55051 (Mora, MN) is in USDA hardiness zone 4a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −30 to −25 °F (−34.4 to −31.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Mora, MN?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 55051 is May 9; after May 26 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Mora station.

When is the first frost in Mora, MN?

The median first fall frost near 55051 is September 30, giving a median frost-free growing season of 142 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 55051?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 14 – Mar 28 and set transplants outside around May 16 – May 30, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 55051 get?

About 31.7 inches of precipitation a year and 52 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Mora station).

How hot do summers get in Mora, MN?

The average high peaks at 80 °F in July, with about 5 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 55051 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Brennyville at the center of ZIP 55051: silt loam, somewhat poorly drained, pH about 6.0 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Mora, MN in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 55051 came on Apr 18 in 2026, 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 21), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Mora, MN?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 55051 is 15 h 45 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 55051 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 55051 in zone 3b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 4a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.