Bismarck (South) (58504) — USDA Zone 4a

Frost dates and growing season for 58504

These are 50%-probability averages modeled from this ZIP's USDA hardiness zone and regional climate normals — not a single-station reading. In a typical year the last spring frost will have passed by May 14, but in a colder-than-average year it can run 1-2 weeks later. Plant tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil) once both soil and night temperatures are consistently warm — a thermometer beats the calendar.

Growing season in Bismarck (South)

Bismarck (South), North Dakota sits in USDA Zone 4a, with roughly 129 frost-free days between an average last spring frost around May 14 and a first fall frost around September 20. That is a standard temperate season — most common vegetables finish comfortably, and a single main planting plus one succession round works well.

What grows in Bismarck (South)

Bismarck (South) falls in USDA Zone 4a, which means the same hardiness constraints apply as the full Zone 4 guide. Vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees rated to Zone 4a (or hardier) will overwinter here in a typical year.

• Apple, pear, plum, sour cherry
• Blueberries (highbush)
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Peppers (short-season)
• Cucumbers
• Beans
• Squash (summer + winter)
• Garlic

What to plant in Bismarck (South) this week

Bismarck (South) is in high summer — most spring plantings are in. Keep an eye on watering and start planning your fall crop. Cool-season seedlings (broccoli, cabbage, lettuce) can be started indoors for a fall transplant.

• When to plant tomatoes in zone 4
• When to plant peppers in zone 4
• When to plant bush beans in zone 4
• When to plant cucumbers in zone 4
• When to plant basil in zone 4

Full planting calendar for Bismarck (South)

Crop-by-crop sowing, transplant, and harvest dates calibrated to zone 4 averages:

• When to plant tomatoes in zone 4
• When to plant peppers in zone 4
• When to plant basil in zone 4
• When to plant garlic in zone 4
• When to plant lettuce in zone 4
• When to plant bush beans in zone 4
• When to plant cucumbers in zone 4
• When to plant summer squash in zone 4
• When to plant peas in zone 4
• When to plant carrots in zone 4
• When to plant broccoli in zone 4
• When to plant cauliflower in zone 4
• When to plant cabbage in zone 4
• When to plant kale in zone 4
• When to plant brussels sprouts in zone 4
• When to plant collard greens in zone 4
• When to plant spinach in zone 4
• When to plant swiss chard in zone 4
• When to plant arugula in zone 4
• When to plant beets in zone 4
• When to plant radishes in zone 4
• When to plant turnips in zone 4
• When to plant parsnips in zone 4
• When to plant kohlrabi in zone 4
• When to plant onions in zone 4
• When to plant leeks in zone 4
• When to plant celery in zone 4
• When to plant asparagus in zone 4
• When to plant rhubarb in zone 4
• When to plant potatoes in zone 4
• When to plant sweet potatoes in zone 4
• When to plant eggplant in zone 4
• When to plant okra in zone 4
• When to plant sweet corn in zone 4
• When to plant pumpkins in zone 4
• When to plant winter squash in zone 4
• When to plant zucchini in zone 4
• When to plant cantaloupe in zone 4
• When to plant watermelon in zone 4
• When to plant pole beans in zone 4
• When to plant fava beans in zone 4
• When to plant cilantro in zone 4
• When to plant dill in zone 4
• When to plant parsley in zone 4
• When to plant oregano in zone 4
• When to plant sage in zone 4
• When to plant chives in zone 4

Local microclimate notes

Zone tables give you the average — but Bismarck (South)gardens vary. South-facing walls and paved areas can run a full half-zone warmer than the published rating. Low-lying spots, frost pockets, and shaded north sides can run colder. If you've gardened here a few seasons, your own frost record (the last time you actually got frost damage) is more accurate than any national average.

Source and methodology

Hardiness zone from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023 revision). Frost-date and growing-season figures are modeled from this ZIP's USDA hardiness zone and regional NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals — they are zone-level estimates, not a per-station record, so treat them as planning guidance and confirm against your own local frost history. Crop recommendations are drawn from US Cooperative Extension references and curated by the Growli editorial team. Last reviewed May 2026.

Nearby ZIP codes in North Dakota

• 58501 — Bismarck (Zone 4a)
• 58102 — Fargo (Zone 4a)
• 58103 — Fargo (South) (Zone 4a)
• 58104 — Fargo (Southwest) (Zone 4a)
• 58201 — Grand Forks (Zone 3b)
• 58701 — Minot (Zone 4a)
• Browse all US ZIP codes by state

Related guides

• USDA hardiness zone for Bismarck, ND
• USDA Zone 4 — full plant + frost guide
• Look up another ZIP code
• Watering frequency calculator
• How to start a vegetable garden — beginner guide