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

Planting zone for 55615 — Tofte, MN

ZIP code 55615 (Tofte, Cook County) is in USDA zone 3b: the coldest winter night averages −35 to −30 °F. The median last spring frost is May 26 and the first fall frost September 27.

Where ZIP 55615 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.

Zone3b−35 to −30 °F

Coldest night−37.2 to −34.4 °C

Last frostMay 26

First frostSep 27

2012 zone4a

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

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Tofte, 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 Tofte, MN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 26median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 6only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 27median — 10% chance by Sep 13

Growing season126 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 10 and returns around October 7.

From the NOAA station Lutsen 3nne, MN — 9 miles away, elevation 1,299 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 55615

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 14 – Apr 28

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 14 – May 5

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 5 – May 19

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 28 – May 12

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 5 – May 19

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 28 – May 12

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 2 – Jun 16

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 9 – Jun 23

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 2 – Jun 16

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 2 – Jun 16

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 2 – Jun 16

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 2 – Aug 16

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 13 – Oct 18

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 26) and first fall frost (Sep 27) 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 55615 came on May 6 — 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (May 3).

average
May 32026
May 6

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 Tofte, MN.

Soil in Tofte, MN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 55615 is Rifle — mucky peat, very poorly drained.

TextureMucky peattop layer

DrainageVery poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter85%high

Hydrologic groupA/Ddrains fast once dried out; wet otherwise

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Rifle mucky peat, 0 to 1 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 55615; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Tofte, MN

Summer high73 °Faverage high, July

Winter low−3 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights202nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,263base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day16 h 00 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 24 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation31.9 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: Lutsen 3nne, MN (9 mi away); precipitation: Tofte 4.9 Ne, MN (9 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

556123b

Lutsen, MN · 7 mi

556134b

Schroeder, MN · 14 mi

556043b

Grand Marais, MN · 20 mi

Silver Bay, MN · 37 mi

556064a

Hovland, MN · 41 mi

556014a

Beaver Bay, MN · 43 mi

Minnesota planting zones →

Questions about 55615

What planting zone is ZIP code 55615?

ZIP code 55615 (Tofte, MN) is in USDA hardiness zone 3b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −35 to −30 °F (−37.2 to −34.4 °C).

When is the last frost in Tofte, MN?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 55615 is May 26; after June 6 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Lutsen 3nne station.

When is the first frost in Tofte, MN?

The median first fall frost near 55615 is September 27, giving a median frost-free growing season of 126 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 55615?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 31 – Apr 14 and set transplants outside around Jun 2 – Jun 16, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 55615 get?

About 31.9 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Tofte 4.9 Ne station).

How hot do summers get in Tofte, MN?

The average high peaks at 73 °F in July, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 55615 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Rifle at the center of ZIP 55615: mucky peat, very poorly drained.

Did spring come early in Tofte, MN in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 55615 came on May 6 in 2026, 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (May 3), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Tofte, MN?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 55615 is 16 h 00 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 55615 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 55615 in zone 4a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 3b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.