What to Plant in South Dakota
Your complete gardening guide for South Dakota (USDA Zones 3–5, typically Zone 4). Browse 1814 varieties across 28 categories — covering every zone in the state.
Last Frost
April 30 – May 15
By zone (5 → 3)
First Frost
September 15 – October 5
By zone (3 → 5)
Growing Season
120–155 days
Shortest → longest
Varieties
1814
across 28 categories
Growing Season
Plant after May 10 · Harvest before September 25
South Dakota · Zones 3–5
All Zone 4 plants →South Dakota spans Zones 3–5. The timeline above shows typical Zone 4 dates — your specific zone may vary by elevation and microclimate.
Best Crops for South Dakota
1,814 varieties across 28 categories
Alliums
44 varieties for South Dakota
Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives.
Beans & Legumes
84 varieties for South Dakota
Bush beans, pole beans, lentils, and more. Easy-to-grow protein for every garden.
Berries & Fruits
29 varieties for South Dakota
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and small fruits for the home garden.
Brassicas
79 varieties for South Dakota
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.
Corn
32 varieties for South Dakota
Sweet corn, popcorn, flour corn, and ornamental varieties.
Cucumbers
31 varieties for South Dakota
Slicing, pickling, and specialty cucumbers for every garden size.
Eggplants
29 varieties for South Dakota
Globe, Japanese, Thai, and specialty eggplant varieties.
Flowers
523 varieties for South Dakota
Annual, perennial, and cut flowers to beautify your garden year-round.
Fruit Trees
27 varieties for South Dakota
Apple, pear, cherry, peach, and citrus trees for the home orchard.
Grasses & Bamboo
29 varieties for South Dakota
Ornamental grasses, lawn grasses, and bamboo varieties for structure and movement.
Ground Covers
23 varieties for South Dakota
Low-growing plants that spread to cover soil, reduce weeds, and prevent erosion.
Herbs
82 varieties for South Dakota
Culinary and medicinal herbs. Growing guides from basil to thyme.
Lettuce & Salad Greens
110 varieties for South Dakota
Romaine, butterhead, looseleaf, and specialty salad greens for every season.
Melons
38 varieties for South Dakota
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and specialty melons.
Microgreens
57 varieties for South Dakota
Nutrient-dense seedlings harvested in 7-14 days. The fastest crop you can grow.
Native Wildflowers
87 varieties for South Dakota
Region-native wildflowers that support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.
Nut Trees
23 varieties for South Dakota
Pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnut, and chestnut trees for home orchards.
Ornamental Trees
33 varieties for South Dakota
Flowering and decorative trees for landscaping. Dogwoods, magnolias, Japanese maples, and more.
Peas
35 varieties for South Dakota
Snap peas, snow peas, shelling peas, and pea shoots.
Peppers
73 varieties for South Dakota
Hot peppers, sweet peppers, and everything in between. Find your perfect heat level.
Root Vegetables
56 varieties for South Dakota
Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and other underground crops.
Roses
55 varieties for South Dakota
Hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, shrub roses, and old garden varieties.
Shade Trees
32 varieties for South Dakota
Large canopy trees for shade, privacy, and property value. Oaks, maples, elms, and more.
Shrubs & Hedges
43 varieties for South Dakota
Flowering and evergreen shrubs for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.
Squash & Cucumbers
60 varieties for South Dakota
Summer squash, winter squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Tomatoes
90 varieties for South Dakota
From heirloom beefsteaks to cherry varieties. Growing guides for every tomato type.
Tropical Plants
2 varieties for South Dakota
Exotic tropical plants including palms, gingers, hibiscus, and bird of paradise.
Vines & Climbers
8 varieties for South Dakota
Climbing plants for trellises, arbors, and walls. Clematis, wisteria, jasmine, and more.