Planting Dates for Manitoba

Manitoba's continental climate brings warm summers and cold winters. The Red River Valley's rich black soil is among the most fertile in Canada.

Hardiness Zones 1a-3b • 100-125 frost-free days depending on location

Frost Dates in Manitoba

Average last spring frost and first fall frost dates for Manitoba cities. Use these to calculate your planting windows.

CityLast Spring FrostFirst Fall FrostFrost-Free DaysZone
WinnipegMay 25Sep 221203b
BrandonMay 27Sep 141103a
Portage La PrairieMay 24Sep 231223b

Gardening Tips for Manitoba

  • ✓Winnipeg gardeners typically plant after the May long weekend.
  • ✓The Red River Valley's heavy clay soil benefits from raised beds and compost.
  • ✓Summer storms can be intense — stake tall plants and consider wind protection.
  • ✓Manitoba's long days produce excellent yields of potatoes, carrots, and onions.

What to Plant in Manitoba

Cold-Hardy Crops (plant early)

These crops tolerate frost and can be planted 2-6 weeks before your last frost date.

LettuceSemi-Hardy

30-60 days from sowing

PeasHardy

55-70 days from sowing

CarrotsSemi-Hardy

60-80 days from sowing

KaleHardy

50-70 days from sowing

BroccoliSemi-Hardy

55-80 days from transplant

SpinachHardy

35-50 days from sowing

RadishesHardy

20-35 days from sowing

GarlicHardy

July-August the following year

OnionsHardy

90-120 days from transplant

PotatoesSemi-Hardy

70-120 days from planting

BeetsSemi-Hardy

50-70 days from sowing

Swiss ChardSemi-Hardy

50-60 days from sowing

Warm-Season Crops (plant after last frost)

Start these indoors and transplant after all frost danger has passed.

TomatoesVery Tender

60-85 days from transplant

PeppersVery Tender

60-90 days from transplant

BeansTender

50-65 days from sowing

CucumbersVery Tender

50-65 days from sowing

Zucchini & Summer SquashTender

45-60 days from sowing

CornTender

60-100 days from sowing

Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Dill)Tender

30-60 days from sowing

Get Exact Planting Dates for Manitoba

Enter your city's frost date and get precise seed starting, transplant, and harvest dates for 38+ vegetables — free.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the last frost date in Manitoba?

Last frost dates in Manitoba vary by city: Winnipeg (May 25), Brandon (May 27), Portage La Prairie (May 24).

What hardiness zones are in Manitoba?

Manitoba spans hardiness zones 1a-3b. Your specific zone determines which perennials survive winter and when to start planting annuals.

What vegetables grow best in Manitoba?

Hardy crops like peas, kale, spinach, and garlic thrive across Manitoba. In warmer zones, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers do well with proper timing. Use our free calculator for exact planting dates.

How long is the growing season in Manitoba?

100-125 frost-free days depending on location. Extend your season with cold frames, row covers, and indoor seed starting.

Planting Dates by Province

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