Planting Dates for Quebec
Quebec's diverse geography supports zone 5 gardening near Montreal and shorter seasons in northern regions. The St. Lawrence Valley offers fertile soil and moderate growing conditions.
Hardiness Zones 1a-5b • 100-160 frost-free days depending on location
Frost Dates in Quebec
Average last spring frost and first fall frost dates for Quebec cities. Use these to calculate your planting windows.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | May 3 | Oct 7 | 157 | 5b |
| Quebec City | May 13 | Sep 28 | 138 | 4b |
City Planting Guides for Quebec
Detailed planting calendars for Quebec cities with month-by-month timing, local frost dates, and variety recommendations.
Gardening Tips for Quebec
- ✓Montreal-area gardeners enjoy 150+ frost-free days — ideal for most vegetables.
- ✓Quebec City gardens benefit from starting seeds indoors by mid-March.
- ✓The Laurentians and northern Quebec have very short seasons — focus on cold-hardy crops.
- ✓Quebec's heritage varieties like Savoy cabbage and shallots thrive locally.
- ✓The Eastern Townships offer excellent apple-growing conditions — companion plant with pollinator-friendly flowers.
- ✓Heavy clay soils along the St. Lawrence benefit from fall tilling and generous compost amendments.
- ✓Quebec's spring sugar-off season (late March) is a good indicator that it's time to start seeds indoors.
Plan your Quebec garden
Get exact seed starting, transplant, and harvest dates for 50+ vegetables based on your Quebec frost dates — free.
Best Varieties for Quebec
Zone-specific variety recommendations for Quebec gardeners (Zones 1a-5b).
Zone 5 (Montreal): Try Marmande or Rose de Berne tomatoes — French heritage varieties that love Quebec's humid summers.
Zone 3-4 (Saguenay, Laurentians): Choose Icicle radishes, Lacinato kale, and 55-day bush beans for short seasons.
Quebec-developed shallots and scallions from local seed exchanges are well-adapted to the province's clay soils.
For reliable winter squash, try Buttercup or Waltham Butternut — both mature in 95-100 days.
Where to Buy Seeds in Quebec
Canadian seed companies that ship to Quebec, ordered by proximity. Support local growers and get varieties suited to your climate.
Quebec's largest seed company since 1928, offering a bilingual catalogue with varieties adapted to Eastern Canada.
Heritage seed exchange preserving rare and heirloom varieties adapted to Quebec's climate.
Family-owned since 1949, specializing in untreated and organic vegetable seeds for Canadian growers.
What to Plant in Quebec
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 Quebec
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 Quebec?
Last frost dates in Quebec vary by city: Montreal (May 3), Quebec City (May 13).
What hardiness zones are in Quebec?
Quebec spans hardiness zones 1a-5b. Your specific zone determines which perennials survive winter and when to start planting annuals.
What vegetables grow best in Quebec?
Hardy crops like peas, kale, spinach, and garlic thrive across Quebec. 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 Quebec?
100-160 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.