What to plant in April in Minnesota
In Minnesota (MN), April sits about 3 weeks before the average last frost (May 6). The state averages 145 frost-free days a year (last frost May 6, first frost September 28; USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a).
69 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 16 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from Minnesota frost dates (last frost May 6, first frost Sep 28). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Minnesota.
Minnesota: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Broccoli (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Brussels Sprouts (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Cauliflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Kale (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Basil (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (70)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in April, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mache (Corn Salad) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
Start seeds indoors in April (31)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
Harvesting in April
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Minnesota
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Minnesota: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Last-frost month: April garden jobs in Minnesota
- The average last frost is May 6. Hardy crops can go out now - mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings 7-10 days before they go out: a few hours of outdoor shade first, building up to full sun and nights outside.
- Keep row cover or old sheets handy and watch the 10-day forecast - a clear, still night after a warm spell is the classic late-frost setup.
- Soil temperature matters as much as the calendar: most warm-season seed rots below about 60°F. Check the frost dates guide for how the Minnesota average is worked out.
USDA zone chart for Minnesota
Minnesota spans USDA zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Minnesota in April?
69 crops have a window in April: mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion, radish and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Minnesota in April?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Minnesota the next tomato window opens around May 6: transplant outdoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Minnesota in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Apr 1 – Apr 15 in Minnesota, so do it before April 15.
When is the first frost in Minnesota?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 28 and the last spring frost around May 6. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in April in Minnesota?
Broccoli (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Brussels Sprouts (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Cabbage (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Cauliflower (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Kale (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Basil (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Collard Greens (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Endive & Escarole (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Kohlrabi (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Malabar Spinach (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Okra (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Radicchio (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Summer Savory (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Bitter Melon (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Cucamelon (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Fennel (Bulb) (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Lettuce (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Napa Cabbage (Apr 1 – Apr 15), New Zealand Spinach (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Peanut (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Swiss Chard (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Watercress (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Cucumber (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Pumpkin (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Sunflower (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Watermelon (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Winter Squash (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Apr 8 – Apr 22).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Minnesota’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.