USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Minnesota hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 3a-5a · most of Minnesota is zone 4b · Midwest region
MinnesotaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Minnesota spans zones 3a-5a. The map shades the state from the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) through to the Twin Cities metro and far south (zone 5a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 4b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Minnesota. Minnesota is one of the coldest states in the contiguous US. Cold-hardy varieties and a compressed season define gardening here.
| USDA zone range | Zones 3a-5a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 4b |
| Coldest area | the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) |
| Warmest area | the Twin Cities metro and far south (zone 5a) |
| Average last spring frost | mid-May |
| Average first fall frost | late September |
Source: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (1991-2020 normals). Frost averages: NOAA/NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals. Local ZIP-level zones and frost dates can differ from these statewide figures.
Minnesota hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Minnesota with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | Zone 5a |
| Saint Paul | Zone 5a |
| Duluth | Zone 4b |
| Rochester | Zone 4b |
Need your exact zone? Run the ZIP-code zone finder for a precise half-zone and frost dates for your address.
ZIP-code zones in Minnesota
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Saint Paul 55102 — Zone 5a
- Saint Paul (Midway) 55104 — Zone 5a
- Saint Paul (East Side) 55106 — Zone 5a
- Apple Valley 55124 — Zone 5a
- Andover 55304 — Zone 4b
- Burnsville 55337 — Zone 5a
- Maple Grove 55369 — Zone 5a
- Minneapolis 55401 — Zone 5a
- Minneapolis (Uptown) 55408 — Zone 5a
- Minneapolis (North) 55411 — Zone 5a
- St. Louis Park 55416 — Zone 5a
- Minneapolis (Northeast) 55418 — Zone 5a
- Duluth 55802 — Zone 4a
- Duluth (West) 55811 — Zone 4a
- Rochester 55901 — Zone 5a
- Mankato 56001 — Zone 5a
- St. Cloud 56301 — Zone 4b
- Moorhead 56560 — Zone 4a
What Minnesota's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Minnesota winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Minnesota spans 3a-5a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Minnesota that means at least zone 4b; gardeners in the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around mid-May and first fall frost around late September, set out tomatoes, peppers, and basil after the last frost and protect them before the first.
- Adjust for your microclimate. Urban heat, a south-facing slope, or a cold valley pocket can shift your effective zone and frost dates by a half-zone or more from the statewide figure.
Find your exact zone in Minnesota
The 3a-5a range is statewide. Growli pins your hardiness zone and frost dates to your exact ZIP code and sends a push notification before any forecast frost night for your saved location.
Frequently asked questions
What hardiness zone is Minnesota?
Minnesota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a-5a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 4b. The coldest areas are the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) and the warmest are the Twin Cities metro and far south (zone 5a).
When is the last frost in Minnesota?
Across most of Minnesota the average last spring frost falls around mid-May and the first fall frost around late September. These are statewide averages — colder, higher areas run later in spring and earlier in fall, so check a ZIP-level estimate for your exact spot.
What grows well in Minnesota?
Minnesota is one of the coldest states in the contiguous US. Cold-hardy varieties and a compressed season define gardening here. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 3a-5a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 4b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 4 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does Minnesota have more than one hardiness zone?
Hardiness zones track the average annual coldest temperature, which changes with latitude, elevation, distance from water, and urban heat. That is why Minnesota ranges from the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) to the Twin Cities metro and far south (zone 5a) — a span of 3a-5a — even though it is a single state.
Did Minnesota's hardiness zone change in 2023?
The USDA updated the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in November 2023 using 1991-2020 climate data. About half the country, including parts of Minnesota, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 3a-5a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.