Planting Guides

When to Plant Tomatoes in Minneapolis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 4a

Minneapolis, Minnesota

USDA Zone 4a

Last Frost: May 15

Last updated: November 30, 2025

Learn when to plant tomatoes in Minneapolis with specific dates for Zone 4a. Start seeds indoors March 15-20, transplant outdoors May 21-28, and discover which varieties thrive in Minnesota's short growing season.

AAmanda Foster

November 30, 2025

When to plant tomatoes in Minneapolis - healthy tomato plants in Minnesota garden — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Minneapolis gardeners should start tomato seeds indoors March 15-20 and transplant outdoors May 21-28 after the May 14 last frost date. Focus on early varieties like Stupice and Early Girl that mature within the 138-day growing season ending September 29.

TL;DR

Minneapolis gardeners in Zone 4a should start tomato seeds indoors March 15-20, transplant outdoors May 21-28 after the May 14 last frost date, and focus on cold-hardy varieties like Stupice and Early Girl that mature within the 138-day growing season ending September 29.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I direct sow tomato seeds outdoors in Minneapolis?

Direct sowing is not recommended for Minneapolis due to Zone 4a's cool spring conditions and short growing season. Even cold-tolerant varieties like {Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice'} require soil temperatures consistently above 60°F (15°C) for germination, which typically doesn't occur until mid to late May. By the time direct-sown seeds germinate and develop transplant-size, the growing season is severely shortened.

Do I need season extension tools like greenhouses or high tunnels in Minneapolis?

Season extension isn't strictly necessary for early varieties like {Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl'} and {Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice'}, which reliably mature within Minneapolis's 138-day growing season. However, season extension significantly improves success with longer-maturing varieties and provides insurance against early frost.

Which diseases are most common for tomatoes in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis's humid summers create ideal conditions for three primary fungal diseases. Early blight (Alternaria solani) appears first, typically in July, causing brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves. This disease spreads rapidly during the humid conditions following thunderstorms.

What's the latest I can plant tomatoes in Minneapolis and still get a harvest?

The absolute latest transplant date for Minneapolis is June 15, and only with ultra-early varieties like {Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice'} or {Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl'}. Transplanting this late means first harvest wouldn't occur until early to mid-August, providing only 6-8 weeks of production before the September 29 first frost.

Should I grow determinate or indeterminate tomatoes in Minneapolis?

Indeterminate varieties are generally preferred in Minneapolis despite the short growing season. While determinate varieties concentrate their harvest into a shorter window (potentially useful for processing), indeterminate varieties continue producing until frost, maximizing yield from the limited growing season.

How do I protect tomatoes from late spring frosts in Minneapolis?

Late spring frost protection requires monitoring weather forecasts closely and having protective materials ready. When nighttime temperatures below 40°F (4°C) are predicted, even after the May 14 average last frost date, protection becomes essential.

What container size do I need for growing tomatoes in Minneapolis?

Container size directly impacts plant performance and harvest yields in Minneapolis's climate. Minimum container size for determinate varieties is 15 gallons, while indeterminate varieties like {Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl'} and {Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple'} require 20-25 gallon containers for optimal production.

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Tagged with

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Written By

Amanda Foster

Amanda came to gardening through an unexpected route—after developing chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis in her late 20s, she started researching adaptive gardening techniques that would allow her to continue growing plants without aggravating her condition. Now based in Minneapolis, she writes about accessible gardening, raised bed designs for people with mobility challenges, and ergonomic tools that reduce strain. Amanda completed a certificate in sustainable urban agriculture and volunteers with a nonprofit that builds accessible community gardens. She grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers in waist-high raised beds she designed herself. Her writing focuses on practical solutions that work for real people with real limitations—whether that's arthritis, limited mobility, or just a bad back.