When Should You Plant Rosemary?
Set your conditions — the recommendation updates instantly.
GardenSays
Transplant rosemary plants once frost danger is past and soil has warmed — in Minneapolis, MN, typically May 5 – May 26.
- Transplant outside
- May 5 – May 26
- Last frost (typ.)
- May 5
- First fall frost
- Oct 5
In Minneapolis, MN, the typical last frost lands around May 5. Garden centers stock transplants well before it's actually safe to plant them. Rosemary plants are tolerant of light frost, so wait for two conditions — frost danger past AND soil warmed — which here typically means May 5-May 26.
- This year's transplant window (May 5 – May 26) has passed — dates shown are for planning next season.
Do this this week
- 1.Passed for this season — plan next spring: start seeds indoors ~Mar 24 – Apr 7, transplant ~May 5 – May 26
Calculated result · 3 verified sources · Checked 2026-07-17 · How we decide
Why
That leaves roughly 132 days of growing season before the typical first fall frost (Oct 5) — enough for most varieties. In a short-season area, favor early-maturing varieties (check the days-to-maturity on the tag).
- Frost kills tender seedlings outright, and cold soil stunts them even without frost — both dates matter.
- The 50% frost date is a planning midpoint: a late frost is still possible, so keep covers handy for the first two weeks.
When this doesn't apply
- Rosemary is only reliably hardy to about -8C (18F) — in colder zones grow it in a pot and shelter or bring it in over winter. It hates wet roots, especially in winter.
- Season extenders (row covers, walls of water, cold frames) let you plant 2-3 weeks earlier than these windows.
- Frost dates are area averages — low spots and valley floors run colder than the local average.
How this was calculated
- 1. Last spring frostMay 5Source guidance
Minneapolis, MN: typical (50% probability) last 32°F frost
- 2. Seed starting windowMar 24 – Apr 7Calculated result
Rosemary: start indoors 4-6 weeks before your typical transplant date
- 3. Transplant windowMay 5 – May 26Calculated result
Rosemary is tolerant of light frost: go out 0-21 days after the last frost, once soil has warmed
- 4. First fall frostOct 5Source guidance
Minneapolis, MN: typical first 32°F frost in fall — the season's endpoint
Data sources
- Royal Horticultural Society — Grow your own rosemary — Plant rosemary in spring as the soil warms; full sun, light free-drained soil (hates wet roots); allow at least 45cm (18in) between plants; well-established plants survive to about -8C (18F); evergreen, harvest year-round by snipping shoots; ground plants don't need feeding and thrive in poor soil. (checked 2026-07-17)
- NOAA NCEI — 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals (freeze date probabilities) (checked 2026-07-15)
- National Gardening Association — frost date lookup (checked 2026-07-15)
What changes this answer
Your location
47 options — use the search field in the calculator above.
Starting from
Every change updates the answer, the math, the weekly steps and the share link instantly.
People also ask
How do you harvest rosemary without killing it?
Harvest rosemary plants when the plant is established (evergreen) — snip sprigs as needed without taking more than a third at once — evergreen — harvest year-round; softer spring/summer growth is most fragrant.. Calculate yours →
When should I plant lavender?
Transplant lavender plants once frost danger is past and soil has warmed to ~55°F — in Minneapolis, MN, typically May 5 – May 26. Calculate yours →
When should I plant basil?
Transplant basil plants once frost danger is past and soil has warmed to ~70°F — in Minneapolis, MN, typically May 12 – May 19. Calculate yours →
Your next decisions
How to Harvest Rosemary
Snip rosemary sprigs the right way for year-round evergreen harvest
When to Plant Lavender
Planting window for lavender, from your frost dates
When to Plant Basil
Seed-starting and outdoor planting dates for basil, from your frost dates
How Often to Water Basil Plants
Watering frequency and amount for basil, by setting and weather
More planting dates tools: see all →