Montana planting calendar

When to plant dill in Montana — sow, transplant & harvest dates

Montana is mostly USDA zone 4b (range 3a-6a). Dates below are derived from dill's frost tolerance and Montana's frost window — not generic national averages.

Dill planting timetable for Montana

Stage	When in Montana	Anchor
Direct-sow outside	early May (May 4)	21 days before the last frost (late May)
First harvest (estimate)	early July (July 3)	~60 days from direct sow

Dates are state-wide averages for the dominant zone. Local microclimates — elevation, urban heat, coastal moderation — can shift the window by 1-2 weeks. Use the frost-date calculator for a date tuned to your town.

Why Montana's climate shifts the dill dates

Montana's last spring frost averages late May and first fall frost mid-September, which sets the whole planting clock. Montana is a cold, short-season state with big elevation effects. Western valleys are milder than the high plains and mountain basins. Sow early — dill bolt once daytime temperatures hold above 24 °C, so the earlier they go in, the longer the harvest.

Dill develops a taproot early and transplants very poorly, so always direct-sow into its permanent spot 2-4 weeks before the last spring frost once the soil reaches at least 10 °C. It is hardy to light frosts and germinates in as little as 7 days in warm soil. Like cilantro, dill bolts quickly when temperatures climb above 27 °C (80 °F); successive small sowings every 2-3 weeks extend the leafy harvest, and a late sowing allowed to go to seed provides dill seed for pickling.

Frost-risk note

Don't plant before late May — a hard freeze can still set young plants back. In the high mountain valleys and northern plains (zone 3a) the safe date runs a week or two later.

Regional variation within Montana

the high mountain valleys and northern plains (zone 3a) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the lower western valleys near Missoula (zone 6a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

Billings — USDA zone 5a
Missoula — USDA zone 5b
Bozeman — USDA zone 5a
Great Falls — USDA zone 4b
Kalispell — USDA zone 5a

What else to plant in Montana around then

The same early window suits peas, lettuce, spinach, and onion sets.

Quick-grow guide

Sun: Full sun — 6-8 hours direct.
Soil temperature for germination: 10-27 °C (50-80 °F).
Spacing: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) between plants.
Days to harvest: ~60 days from planting out.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to plant dill in Montana?

In Montana (mostly USDA zone 4b), direct-sow dill early May (before the last frost, late May), and harvest from early July. Dill are cold-hardy — they tolerate frost and actively prefer cool weather, so they go in well before the last spring frost and bolt in summer heat.

What USDA zone is Montana?

Most of Montana sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b, with the state spanning roughly 3a-6a from the high mountain valleys and northern plains (zone 3a) to the lower western valleys near Missoula (zone 6a). The last spring frost averages late May and the first fall frost mid-September.

Can you grow dill in Montana?

Yes. Montana's dominant zone 4b supports dill — the key is timing. Dill are cold-hardy — they tolerate frost and actively prefer cool weather, so they go in well before the last spring frost and bolt in summer heat.

Does the planting date change across Montana?

the high mountain valleys and northern plains (zone 3a) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the lower western valleys near Missoula (zone 6a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

What else can I plant in Montana around the same time?

The same early window suits peas, lettuce, spinach, and onion sets.

Source and methodology

State zone spans from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023); frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online. Hot-state two-season timing cross-checked against the UF/IFAS Florida Gardening Calendar and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension planting calendar. Curated by the Growli editorial team.