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.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg | May 25 | Sep 22 | 120 | 3b |
| Brandon | May 27 | Sep 14 | 110 | 3a |
| Portage La Prairie | May 24 | Sep 23 | 122 | 3b |
City Planting Guides for Manitoba
Detailed planting calendars for Manitoba cities with month-by-month timing, local frost dates, and variety recommendations.
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.
- ✓Spring flooding risk in the Red River Valley — build raised beds at least 12 inches high in flood-prone areas.
- ✓Manitoba mosquitoes peak in June-July — plant lemon balm, catnip, and citronella grass near garden seating areas.
- ✓Pembina Valley and Interlake regions have slightly different microclimates — track your own first and last frost dates for best results.
Plan your Manitoba garden
Get exact seed starting, transplant, and harvest dates for 50+ vegetables based on your Manitoba frost dates — free.
Best Varieties for Manitoba
Zone-specific variety recommendations for Manitoba gardeners (Zones 1a-3b).
Manitoba-bred Early Sunglow sweet corn (63 days) is one of the few varieties that reliably matures before frost.
Sangria and Blushing Star peppers do well in Manitoba's warm summers — start indoors 10 weeks before last frost.
For reliable zucchini, try Black Beauty or Raven — both produce heavily in 50-55 days.
Carmine Jewel sour cherries are hardy to zone 2 and make excellent low-maintenance fruit plants for Prairie gardens.
Where to Buy Seeds in Manitoba
Canadian seed companies that ship to Manitoba, ordered by proximity. Support local growers and get varieties suited to your climate.
Manitoba's own Prairie seed company, offering short-season varieties tested for Western Canadian gardens.
Manitoba-based heritage seed company preserving rare and endangered vegetable varieties for Canadian gardens.
Saskatchewan-based seed grower offering heritage and open-pollinated varieties proven on the Prairies.
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.
30-60 days from sowing
55-70 days from sowing
60-80 days from sowing
50-70 days from sowing
55-80 days from transplant
35-50 days from sowing
20-35 days from sowing
July-August the following year
90-120 days from transplant
70-120 days from planting
50-70 days from sowing
50-60 days from sowing
Warm-Season Crops (plant after last frost)
Start these indoors and transplant after all frost danger has passed.
60-85 days from transplant
60-90 days from transplant
50-65 days from sowing
50-65 days from sowing
45-60 days from sowing
60-100 days from sowing
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 50+ 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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Free Calculator
Calculate exact planting dates based on your location and frost dates.