What Can Grow in Rochester, MN

Rochester in southeast Minnesota has slightly warmer conditions than the metro due to its more southern location.

Rochester, MN is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The growing season lasts about 143 days, with last frost around May 1 and first fall frost around October 10. Top crops include tomatoes, peppers, beans.

4bUSDA Zone
143 daysFrost-Free
May 1Last Frost
October 10First Frost
🌱 What Grows in Rochester
tomatoespeppersbeanssquashbeetskale
💡 Planting Tips

Slightly warmer than Twin Cities. Plant warm crops after May 5. Good root vegetables.

🌱
Shop seeds matched to your zone Burpee, Park Seed, and more — curated for your growing conditions.
Shop Seeds →
🔗 More Resources
📍 Full Zone 4b Guide 🌎 Minnesota Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester, MN is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4b. Rochester in southeast Minnesota has slightly warmer conditions than the metro due to its more southern location.

The average last spring frost in Rochester is around May 1. The first fall frost typically arrives around October 10, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 143 days.

Rochester's Zone 4b climate supports growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, beets, kale. Slightly warmer than Twin Cities. Plant warm crops after May 5. Good root vegetables.

In Rochester, start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli a few weeks before the last frost date of May 1. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should go in after all frost risk has passed.