South Dakota Growing Guide
Capital: Pierre • Midwest Region
Complete growing guide for South Dakota gardeners. Learn what to plant, when to plant, and how to succeed with semi-arid continental climate conditions across zones 3, 4, 5.
USDA Zones
Days Season
Last Frost (Early)
First Frost (Early)
Climate & Growing Conditions
Climate Type
Semi-arid Continental
Growing season of 115 to 155 days
Frost Dates
Last Spring Frost: May 5 – May 25
First Fall Frost: September 20 – October 5
Common Soil Types
⚠️ Growing Challenges
- •Drought
- •Short season
- •High winds
- •Hail
✓ Growing Advantages
- ✓Good soil (east)
- ✓Low humidity
- ✓Growing season extension
South Dakota's Famous Crops
Crop Guides for South Dakota
Select a crop for South Dakota-specific growing instructions
Burgundy
55-65 days
Clemson Spineless
55-65 days
Emerald
55-65 days
Jing Orange (Chinese)
55-65 days
⚠️ Required Corrections Before Sync
55-65 days
Star of David (Israeli)
55-65 days
American Flag
80-150 days
Bandit
80-150 days
King Richard
80-150 days
Lancelot
80-150 days
Ailsa Craig
105-125 days
Ambition (F1)
90-120 days
Cipollini Red
80-95 days
Cipollini Yellow
80-95 days
Conservor (F1)
90-120 days
Copra
104-114 days
Copra (F1)
90-120 days
Dutch Yellow
90-120 days
Evergreen Hardy White
60-80 days
Evergreen White
60-70 days
French Gray (Griselle)
90-120 days
Nabechan (F1)
60-80 days
Patterson
104-114 days
Pink Root
90-120 days
+26 more varieties available
📅 South Dakota Monthly Planting Calendar
See what to plant each month in South Dakota based on your local frost dates
View Monthly Calendar →Resources
South Dakota Cooperative Extension
Get expert local advice from your state's agricultural extension service
Visit South Dakota Extension →Weekly Growing Tips
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