What can I grow in Minneapolis?
🇺🇸Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Minneapolis is in hardiness zone 5b, has about 167 frost-free days a year, and gets about 3,557 chill hours a winter and 29 in (746 mm) of rain a year. Best fits: canola (rapeseed), wheat, sunflower, strawberry and pear.
Find land with a climate like Minneapolis →- Hardiness zone
- Zone 5b
- Coldest night -14°F (-26°C)
- Frost season
- Apr 25 – Oct 11
- Last and first frost; 167 frost-free days
- Frost-safe planting
- After May 7
- Past the last frost 9 years in 10
- Winter chill
- 3,557 hours
- 84 chill portions
- Summer heat
- 2,896 °F·days(1,609 °C·days)
- Degree days above 50°F (10°C)
- Hot days
- 2 days
- Above 95°F (35°C) a year
- Rain
- 29 in(746 mm)
- Per year
- Dry season
- None
- Months with rain under 2× the average °C
Great fits (80+)
- 100%fit
Canola (rapeseed)
Spring canola
Oilseed · Annual · Plant in April
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 63°F (17°C) · Ideal: 54–70°F (12–21°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 37°F (3°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 14 in (366 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–22 in (250–550 mm)
Heat over ~30 °C at flowering cuts yield; a cool-season crop in warm climates.
Brassica napus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Brassica napus; Canola Council of Canada: Canola Encyclopedia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Wheat
Spring wheat
Grain · Annual · Plant in April
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 63°F (17°C) · Ideal: 54–72°F (12–22°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 37°F (3°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 14 in (366 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm)
In mild-winter climates spring wheat is sown in autumn and grows through the cool season.
Triticum aestivum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Triticum aestivum; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Sunflower
Oilseed · Annual · Plant in May
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 69°F (21°C) · Ideal: 64–82°F (18–28°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 49°F (9°C) · Ideal: at least 43°F (6°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 16 in (400 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm)
Deep roots make it fairly drought tolerant.
Helianthus annuus. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Helianthus annuus; FAO Crop Water Information: sunflower. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Strawberry
Fruit · Annual · Plant in May
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 68°F (20°C) · Ideal: 57–75°F (14–24°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 49°F (9°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 12 in (304 mm) · Ideal: 5.9–18 in (150–450 mm)
Grown as a short-season crop in most commercial systems; day-neutral types fruit through summer.
Fragaria × ananassa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Fragaria × ananassa; UC ANR: Strawberry production. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Pear
European pear (Bartlett, Conference)
Fruit · Perennial
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100
Here: 73 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions
- Coldest night of the year (average)100
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -18°F (-28°C)
- Frost-free days100
Here: 167 days · Ideal: at least 150 days
- Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100
Here: 2,896 °F·days (1,609 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,800 °F·days (1,000 °C·days)
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 24–47 in (600–1,200 mm)
Warm, humid springs raise fire blight risk.
Pyrus communis / P. pyrifolia. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); FAO ECOCROP: Pyrus communis. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Barley
Grain · Annual · Plant in April
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 63°F (17°C) · Ideal: 52–68°F (11–20°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 37°F (3°C) · Ideal: at least 32°F (0°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 14 in (366 mm) · Ideal: 7.9–20 in (200–500 mm)
The most cold- and drought-tolerant small grain; malting barley wants a cool, dry finish.
Hordeum vulgare. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Hordeum vulgare; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Hemp
Grain/fibre cultivars (e.g. Finola, Futura)
Fiber · Annual · Plant in May
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 69°F (21°C) · Ideal: 61–79°F (16–26°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 49°F (9°C) · Ideal: at least 41°F (5°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 16 in (400 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm)
- Longest day100
Here: 15.6 h · Ideal: at least 14.5 h
Grain and fibre cultivars bred at high latitudes flower too early under the short days of the tropics. Licensing rules vary by country.
Cannabis sativa. Sources: Amaducci et al. 2015, Key cultivation techniques for hemp in Europe and China (Industrial Crops and Products); FAO ECOCROP: Cannabis sativa. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Tomato
Vegetable · Annual · Plant in June
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 70°F (21°C) · Ideal: 64–81°F (18–27°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 53°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 15 in (369 mm) · Ideal: 9.8–24 in (250–600 mm)
Fruit set fails when nights drop below ~10 °C or days top ~35 °C. Wet seasons bring blight.
Solanum lycopersicum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum lycopersicum; FAO Crop Water Information: tomato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Cherry
Best variety: Sour / tart (Montmorency)
Fruit · Perennial
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100
Here: 73 portions · Ideal: at least 65 portions
- Coldest night of the year (average)100
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -26°F (-32°C)
- Frost-free days100
Here: 167 days · Ideal: at least 150 days
- Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100
Here: 2,896 °F·days (1,609 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,440 °F·days (800 °C·days)
- Days above 95°F (35°C)100
Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 30 days
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)
Rain near harvest splits sweet cherries. Spring frosts at bloom are the main yield risk.
Prunus avium / P. cerasus. Sources: Fadón et al. 2020, Chilling and heat requirements of temperate stone fruit trees (Prunus sp.) (Agronomy); FAO ECOCROP: Prunus avium. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Garlic
Hardneck (Music, Chesnok Red)
Vegetable · Annual
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Coldest-month average100
Here: 16°F (-9°C) · Ideal: at most 43°F (6°C)
- Coldest night of the year (average)100
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -22°F (-30°C)
- Warmest-month average100
Here: 74°F (23°C) · Ideal: 61–79°F (16–26°C)
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 16–39 in (400–1,000 mm)
Planted in autumn and harvested in early summer; cloves need weeks below ~10 °C to form bulbs (hardnecks more than softnecks).
Allium sativum. Sources: UC ANR: Garlic production in California; FAO ECOCROP: Allium sativum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Potato
Root crop · Annual · Plant in July
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 65°F (18°C) · Ideal: 55–68°F (13–20°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 40°F (5°C) · Ideal: at least 37°F (3°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 12 in (315 mm) · Ideal: 14–28 in (350–700 mm) · covered by irrigation
Tubers form best with cool nights; above ~25 °C tuber growth stalls. In the tropics it's a highland or cool-season crop.
Solanum tuberosum. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Solanum tuberosum; FAO Crop Water Information: potato. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Blueberry
Northern highbush (Bluecrop, Duke)
Fruit · Perennial
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100
Here: 73 portions · Ideal: at least 55 portions
- Coldest night of the year (average)100
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -20°F (-29°C)
- Frost-free days100
Here: 167 days · Ideal: at least 140 days
- Days above 95°F (35°C)100
Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 15 days
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 30–59 in (750–1,500 mm) · covered by irrigation
Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5), which climate can't tell us. Shallow roots: irrigate in dry spells.
Vaccinium corymbosum / V. virgatum. Sources: Retamales & Hancock, Blueberries (CABI, 2nd ed.); NC State Extension: blueberry chill requirements. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Maize (corn)
Grain · Annual · Plant in June
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 70°F (21°C) · Ideal: 64–86°F (18–30°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 53°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 15 in (369 mm) · Ideal: 16–35 in (400–900 mm) · covered by irrigation
- Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100
Here: 2,896 °F·days (1,609 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,980 °F·days (1,100 °C·days)
Hybrids are matched to season length by relative maturity. Heat over ~35 °C at silking hurts pollination.
Zea mays. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Zea mays; FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 33 (Doorenbos & Kassam 1979, Yield response to water). Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Apple
Standard-chill (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji)
Fruit · Perennial
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100
Here: 73 portions · Ideal: at least 60 portions
- Coldest night of the year (average)100
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -26°F (-32°C)
- Frost-free days100
Here: 167 days · Ideal: at least 140 days
- Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100
Here: 2,896 °F·days (1,609 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 1,800 °F·days (1,000 °C·days)
- Days above 95°F (35°C)100
Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 10 days
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 26–51 in (650–1,300 mm)
Rootstock and variety set cold hardiness; the hardiest survive zone 3. Hot summers hurt colour and cause sunburn.
Malus domestica. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); FAO ECOCROP: Malus domestica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Soybean
Oilseed · Annual · Plant in June
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average100
Here: 70°F (21°C) · Ideal: 68–86°F (20–30°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)100
Here: 53°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 50°F (10°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 15 in (369 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm) · covered by irrigation
Maturity groups are matched to latitude because flowering is triggered by shortening days.
Glycine max. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Glycine max; FAO Crop Water Information: soybean. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 100%fit
Hops
Herb · Perennial
Every requirement is in its ideal range.
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Longest day100
Here: 15.6 h · Ideal: at least 15.0 h
- Coldest-month average100
Here: 16°F (-9°C) · Ideal: at most 43°F (6°C)
- Coldest night of the year (average)100
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -18°F (-28°C)
- Frost-free days100
Here: 167 days · Ideal: at least 130 days
- Warmest-month average100
Here: 74°F (23°C) · Ideal: 63–75°F (17–24°C)
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 20–39 in (500–1,000 mm)
Long summer days drive cone yield, which is why production clusters between 35° and 55° latitude. Needs a cold winter for dormancy.
Humulus lupulus. Sources: Neve 1991, Hops (Chapman & Hall); FAO ECOCROP: Humulus lupulus. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 91%fit
Sorghum
Grain · Annual · Plant in June
Holding it back: Growing season too cool: 70°F (21°C) here, ideal 72–91°F (22–33°C)
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average86
Here: 70°F (21°C) · Ideal: 72–91°F (22–33°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)93
Here: 53°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 54°F (12°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 15 in (369 mm) · Ideal: 12–28 in (300–700 mm)
Handles heat and drought better than maize.
Sorghum bicolor. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Sorghum bicolor; FAO Crop Water Information: sorghum. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 89%fit
Lavender
English lavender (L. angustifolia)
Herb · Perennial
Holding it back: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least -11°F (-24°C)
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Coldest night of the year (average)70
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -11°F (-24°C)
- Warmest-month average100
Here: 74°F (23°C) · Ideal: 63–79°F (17–26°C)
- Coldest-month average100
Here: 16°F (-9°C) · Ideal: at most 50°F (10°C)
- Frost-free days100
Here: 167 days · Ideal: at least 120 days
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 14–33 in (350–850 mm)
Dislikes wet winters and humid summers more than cold. Needs sharp drainage.
Lavandula angustifolia / L. × intermedia. Sources: University extension lavender production guides (e.g. Oregon State, Washington State); FAO ECOCROP: Lavandula angustifolia. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
Worth a try (50–79)
- 77%fit
Rice
Grain · Annual · Plant in June
Holding it back: Nights too cold in the growing season: 53°F (12°C) here, ideal at least 59°F (15°C)
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average83
Here: 70°F (21°C) · Ideal: 72–88°F (22–31°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)51
Here: 53°F (12°C) · Ideal: at least 59°F (15°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 15 in (369 mm) · Ideal: 28–79 in (700–2,000 mm) · covered by irrigation
Paddy rice is usually flooded from irrigation or monsoon rain; nights below ~15 °C at flowering cause empty grains.
Oryza sativa. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Oryza sativa; FAO Crop Water Information: rice. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 72%fit
Walnut
Nut · Perennial
Holding it back: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least -8°F (-22°C)
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100
Here: 73 portions · Ideal: at least 45 portions
- Coldest night of the year (average)37
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -8°F (-22°C)
- Frost-free days57
Here: 167 days · Ideal: at least 180 days
- Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100
Here: 2,896 °F·days (1,609 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,700 °F·days (1,500 °C·days)
- Days above 95°F (35°C)100
Here: 2 days · Ideal: at most 75 days
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 26–47 in (650–1,200 mm)
Late-leafing varieties (Chandler) dodge spring frost. Very hot days sunburn the nuts.
Juglans regia. Sources: Luedeling 2012, Climate change impacts on winter chill for temperate fruit and nut production: a review (Scientia Horticulturae); UC ANR: Walnut Production Manual. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
- 53%fit
Peanut
Oilseed · Annual · Plant in May
Holding it back: Nights too cold in the growing season: 49°F (9°C) here, ideal at least 57°F (14°C)
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Growing-season average58
Here: 68°F (20°C) · Ideal: 72–86°F (22–30°C)
- Coldest growing-season night (monthly average)23
Here: 49°F (9°C) · Ideal: at least 57°F (14°C)
- Growing-season rain100
Here: 19 in (470 mm) · Ideal: 18–35 in (450–900 mm)
Needs warm, light soil for pods to develop underground.
Arachis hypogaea. Sources: FAO ECOCROP: Arachis hypogaea; FAO Crop Water Information: groundnut. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
Long shots (1)▸
- 39%fit
Peach
Standard-chill (Redhaven, Elberta)
Fruit · Perennial
Holding it back: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least -6°F (-21°C)
Why this score ▸Hide details ▾
- Winter chill (9 winters in 10)100
Here: 73 portions · Ideal: at least 40 portions
- Coldest night of the year (average)4
Here: -14°F (-26°C) · Ideal: at least -6°F (-21°C)
- Frost-free days90
Here: 167 days · Ideal: at least 170 days
- Degree days above 50°F (10°C)100
Here: 2,896 °F·days (1,609 °C·days) · Ideal: at least 2,340 °F·days (1,300 °C·days)
- Yearly rain100
Here: 29 in (746 mm) · Ideal: 24–47 in (600–1,200 mm)
Flower buds are killed around −23 °C in midwinter and by frost after bloom.
Prunus persica. Sources: Fadón et al. 2020, Chilling and heat requirements of temperate stone fruit trees (Prunus sp.) (Agronomy); FAO ECOCROP: Prunus persica. Ranges not yet reviewed by an agronomist.
Won't grow here (20)▸
- Almond: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 9°F (-13°C)
- Avocado: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 32°F (0°C)
- Banana: Winters too cold: 16°F (-9°C) here, ideal at least 61°F (16°C)
- Cacao: Winters too cold: 16°F (-9°C) here, ideal at least 68°F (20°C)
- Cassava: Too cool overall: 47°F (8°C) here, ideal 72–86°F (22–30°C)
- Citrus: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 28°F (-2°C)
- Coffee (arabica): Too cool overall: 47°F (8°C) here, ideal 64–72°F (18–22°C)
- Cotton: Nights too cold in the growing season: 40°F (5°C) here, ideal at least 54°F (12°C)
- Date palm: Summers too cool: 74°F (23°C) here, ideal 88–104°F (31–40°C)
- Fig: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 18°F (-8°C)
- Kiwifruit: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 14°F (-10°C)
- Macadamia: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 30°F (-1°C)
- Mango: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 39°F (4°C)
- Olive: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 18°F (-8°C)
- Pecan: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 0°F (-18°C)
- Pistachio: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 10°F (-12°C)
- Saffron: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 1°F (-17°C)
- Sugarcane: Too cool overall: 47°F (8°C) here, ideal 72–86°F (22–30°C)
- Tea: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 14°F (-10°C)
- Wine grapes: Winters get too cold: -14°F (-26°C) here, ideal at least 3°F (-16°C)
Climate vs. crop needs
Temperature (°F)
HighLowAverage
Rain (in per month)
- Ideal average in the growing season: 54–70°F. Compare with the gray dashed average line.
- Growing season: Apr–Jul
- Ideal rain over the growing season: 9.8–22 in. Here: 14 in.
Get a full site report
Planning to plant or buy land? We're building detailed reports for Minneapolis: frost risk year by year, the right varieties and rootstocks, water needs, and how the climate is shifting by 2050.
How these scores work
Each crop has an ideal range and hard limits for things like winter cold, chill hours, summer heat and rain. A score of 100 means everything is in range; one hard limit crossed means 0. Annual crops are scored over their best growing season, which sets the planting month. Scores assume irrigation where rain falls short, and flag crops that need it.
Climate comes from 1991–2020 monthly averages for the 4 km climate cell around the town. Frost dates, chill and hardiness zones are estimated from those averages by simulating daily weather, so check them against local records. Soil, slope and water rights matter as much as climate. Crop ranges come from FAO ECOCROP and university extension guides and haven't been reviewed by an agronomist yet.