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

Planting zone for 55327 — Dayton, MN

ZIP code 55327 (Dayton, Hennepin County) is in USDA zone 4b: the coldest winter night averages −25 to −20 °F. The median last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost October 5.

Where ZIP 55327 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.

Zone4b−25 to −20 °F

Coldest night−31.7 to −28.9 °C

Last frostMay 4

First frostOct 5

2012 zone4b

Same zone as on the 2012 map. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 4b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Dayton, 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 Dayton, MN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 4median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 18only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 5median — 10% chance by Sep 23

Growing season154 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 25 and returns around October 17.

From the NOAA station Elk Rvr, MN — 9 miles away, elevation 879 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 55327

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 23 – Apr 6

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 23 – Apr 13

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 23 – Mar 9

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 13 – Apr 27

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 9 – Mar 23

TomatoesTransplant · May 11 – May 25

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 23 – Mar 9

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 18 – Jun 1

BeansSow outdoors · May 11 – May 25

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 11 – May 25

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 11 – May 25

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 10 – Aug 24

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 21 – Oct 26

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 4) and first fall frost (Oct 5) 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 55327 came on Apr 11 — 6 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 17).

average
Apr 172026
Apr 11

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 4b in Minnesota

497 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Minnesota, and rated by the USDA to survive −25 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 4b. 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 Dayton, MN.

Soil in Dayton, MN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 55327 is Lester — loam, well drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.6neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2.5%moderate

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded.

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 55327; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Dayton, MN

Summer high83 °Faverage high, July

Winter low4 °Faverage low, January

Hot days11days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights163nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,508base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 39 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 44 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation33 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: Elk Rvr, MN (9 mi away); precipitation: Maple Grove 2.9 Ne, MN (5 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Maple Grove, MN · 7 mi

554455a

Minneapolis, MN · 7 mi

554335a

Minneapolis, MN · 8 mi

Minnesota planting zones →

Questions about 55327

What planting zone is ZIP code 55327?

ZIP code 55327 (Dayton, MN) is in USDA hardiness zone 4b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −25 to −20 °F (−31.7 to −28.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Dayton, MN?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 55327 is May 4; after May 18 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Elk Rvr station.

When is the first frost in Dayton, MN?

The median first fall frost near 55327 is October 5, giving a median frost-free growing season of 154 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 55327?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 9 – Mar 23 and set transplants outside around May 11 – May 25, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 55327 get?

About 33 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Maple Grove 2.9 Ne station).

How hot do summers get in Dayton, MN?

The average high peaks at 83 °F in July, with about 11 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 55327 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Lester at the center of ZIP 55327: loam, well drained, pH about 6.6 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Dayton, MN in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 55327 came on Apr 11 in 2026, 6 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 17), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Dayton, MN?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 55327 is 15 h 39 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).