Planting calendar for Billings, Montana
Dates from 30 years of records at the Billings Wtp weather station, 1.2 miles from Billings, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.
The most popular crops for Billings this month. Every crop and month is below.
Billings at a glance
- Weather station
- Billings Wtp · 1.2 mi
- USDA zone
- 5a
- Last spring frost
- typically May 10; 1 year in 10 after May 24
- First fall frost
- typically Oct 1; 1 year in 10 before Sep 19
- Frost-free season
- about 144 days
- Hottest month
- July: highs 86°F, nights 56°F
- Coldest month
- January: highs 36°F, nights 14°F
- Rain
- 15 in. a year, most in April, May and June
What shapes the seasons here
The last spring frost in Billings typically comes around May 10, but 1 year in 10 it comes after May 24. The first fall frost typically arrives around Oct 1. That leaves about 144 frost-free days for tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash.
Billings gets about 15 inches of rain a year, most of it in April, May and June.
126 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 48 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).
When to plant the most popular crops
Best Can plant Start indoors
Get these dates as reminders for your exact yard
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What to plant in Billings, month by month
January0
Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.
See all 0 crops in their best window in January
Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.
Start seeds indoors
Pansy / viola
February0
Start seeds indoors
Cabbage
See all 0 crops in their best window in February
Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.
Start seeds indoors
Artichoke, Cabbage, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Parsley, Snapdragon, Stock
March0
Start seeds indoors
Broccoli, Cabbage, Onion (bulbing)
See all 0 crops in their best window in March
Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.
Start seeds indoors
Artichoke, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Onion (bulbing), Catnip, Lavender, Lemon balm, Rosemary, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Stock
April47
Best time to plant
Pea (snap & snow), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Spinach, Kale, Collard greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Radish, Strawberry
Start seeds indoors
Tomato (slicing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Pepper (sweet / bell)
See all 47 crops in their best window in April
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress
Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Parsley, Sorrel (French / garden)
Fruit: Blackberry, Grape (bunch), Raspberry, Strawberry
Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy, Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)
Can also plant
Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Onion (bulbing), Potato, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Chervil, Coreopsis (tickseed)
Start seeds indoors
Leek, Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Snapdragon, Statice, Strawflower
May32
Best time to plant
Potato, Carrot, Radish, Onion (bulbing), Strawberry
Start seeds indoors
Tomato (cherry & grape), Broccoli, Cabbage
See all 32 crops in their best window in May
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Artichoke, Asparagus, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Potato, Radish, Rhubarb, Salsify, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season)
Herbs: Catnip, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory
Fruit: Grape (bunch), Strawberry
Flowers: Calendula, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum
Can also plant
Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collard greens, Daikon radish, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Shallot, Spinach, Turnip, Watercress, Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chives, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory, Blackberry, Raspberry, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Pansy / viola, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Snapdragon
Start seeds indoors
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Annual salvia, Marigold, Milkweed (native), Pansy / viola, Statice, Stock, Strawflower
June66
Best time to plant
Tomato (slicing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Pepper (sweet / bell), Cucumber (slicing), Summer squash & zucchini, Bean (bush snap), Sweet corn, Potato, Cabbage, Onion (bulbing)
Start seeds indoors
Broccoli
See all 66 crops in their best window in June
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Asparagus, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Leek, New Zealand spinach, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Rhubarb, Rutabaga, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing)
Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Caraway, Chives, Epazote, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lemon verbena, Lovage, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Tarragon (French), Thyme, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Winter savory
Fruit: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry
Flowers: Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Snapdragon, Statice, Sunflower
Can also plant
Beet, Broccoli, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (romaine & head), Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress, Chamomile, Cilantro, Dill, Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory, Calendula, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum
Start seeds indoors
Broccoli, Lettuce (romaine & head), Pansy / viola, Stock
July54
Best time to plant
Tomato (cherry & grape), Cucumber (slicing), Summer squash & zucchini, Bean (bush snap), Pea (snap & snow), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Collard greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cilantro
See all 54 crops in their best window in July
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Daikon radish, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Purslane, Rutabaga, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip
Herbs: Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Cuban oregano, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)
Flowers: Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Marigold, Nasturtium, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum
Can also plant
Garden cress, Kale, Radish, Spinach, Pansy / viola
August19
Best time to plant
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Spinach, Kale, Radish
See all 19 crops in their best window in August
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Arugula, Broccoli raab (rapini), Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Radish, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip
Herbs: Chervil, Fenugreek (methi)
Flowers: Calendula, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sweet alyssum
September2
Best time to plant
Garlic
See all 2 crops in their best window in September
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Elephant garlic, Garlic
October2
Best time to plant
Garlic
See all 2 crops in their best window in October
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Elephant garlic, Garlic
November0
Too cold to plant outdoors. A good month to plan beds and order seeds.
See all 0 crops in their best window in November
Too cold to plant outdoors. A good month to plan beds and order seeds.
December0
Too cold to plant outdoors. A good month to plan beds and order seeds.
See all 0 crops in their best window in December
Too cold to plant outdoors. A good month to plan beds and order seeds.
Every crop that grows in Billings
126 of 174 crops in the app fit this climate. Dates are for planting outdoors; “Start indoors” is for seeds you grow into transplants.
Vegetables
| Crop | Best time to plant | Also possible | Start indoors | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth greens / callaloo | Jul 1–20 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Armenian cucumber | Jun 6–Jul 2 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Artichoke | Apr 26–May 10 | May 11–Jun 7 | Feb 22–Mar 8 | Set out plants |
| Arugula | Apr 12–May 6, Jul 24–Aug 24 | Mar 29–Apr 11, May 7–31, Jul 6–23 | — | Sow seeds |
| Asparagus | Apr 12–26, May 25–Jun 7 | Apr 27–May 24 | — | Set out plants |
| Bean (bush snap) | Jun 6–20, Jun 26–Jul 17 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Bean (dry / shelling) | Jun 6–12 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Bean (pole) | Jun 6–Jul 7 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Beet | Apr 12–May 3, Jul 12–Aug 2 | May 4–Jul 11 | — | Sow seeds |
| Bitter melon | Jun 6–Jul 5 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Bok choy / pak choi | Jul 12–26 | Apr 26–May 6, Jul 1–11 | — | Sow seeds |
| Broccoli | Apr 12–26, Jul 5–25 | Apr 27–Jul 4 | Mar 1–15, May 24–Jun 13 | Set out plants |
| Broccoli raab (rapini) | Apr 12–26, Jul 18–Aug 12 | Apr 27–May 15, Jun 27–Jul 17 | — | Sow seeds |
| Brussels sprouts | Apr 12–26, Jun 16–Jul 7 | Apr 27–Jun 15 | Mar 1–15, May 5–26 | Set out plants |
| Cabbage | Apr 5–19, Jun 22–Jul 13 | Apr 20–Jun 21 | Feb 22–Mar 8, May 11–Jun 1 | Set out plants |
| Cardoon | May 10–19 | — | Mar 8–17 | Set out plants |
| Carrot | Apr 19–May 10, Jul 2–23 | May 11–Jul 1 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cauliflower | Apr 19–May 3, Jun 21–Jul 11 | May 4–Jun 20 | Mar 8–22, May 10–30 | Set out plants |
| Celeriac (celery root) | Apr 30–May 14, May 18–Jun 8 | — | Feb 12–26, Mar 2–23 | Set out plants |
| Celery | May 18–Jun 4 | — | Mar 2–19 | Set out plants |
| Chickpea / garbanzo | Apr 30–May 14 | May 15–Jun 1 | — | Sow seeds |
| Chinese broccoli (gai lan) | Apr 19–May 10, Jul 10–30 | May 11–Jul 9 | — | Sow seeds |
| Collard greens | Apr 12–26, Jul 16–Aug 6 | Apr 27–Jul 15 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cucumber (pickling) | Jun 6–Jul 10 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Cucumber (slicing) | Jun 6–Jul 7 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Daikon radish | Apr 19–May 3, Jul 12–Aug 2 | May 4–22, Jun 25–Jul 11 | — | Sow seeds |
| Elephant garlic | Sep 10–Oct 15 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Endive & escarole | Apr 19–26, Jun 17–24 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Fava bean | Mar 29–Apr 8 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Fennel (bulb) | Apr 26–May 10, Jun 15–Jul 4 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Garden cress | Apr 26–May 21, Aug 10–28 | May 22–Jun 15, Jul 22–Aug 9 | — | Sow seeds |
| Garlic | Sep 10–Oct 15 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Green onion / scallion | Apr 12–26 | Apr 27–Jun 7 | — | Sow seeds |
| Kale | Mar 29–Apr 19, Jul 29–Aug 18 | Apr 20–Jul 28 | — | Sow seeds |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 12–26, Jul 20–Aug 9 | Apr 27–Jul 19 | — | Sow seeds |
| Komatsuna (mustard spinach) | Jul 6–Aug 17 | May 10–Jun 7, Jun 23–Jul 5 | — | Sow seeds |
| Leek | Apr 12–26, Jun 6–27 | Apr 27–Jun 5 | Feb 8–22, Apr 4–25 | Set out plants |
| Lettuce (leaf & mesclun) | Apr 12–28, Jul 17–Aug 14 | Apr 29–May 24, Jun 28–Jul 16 | — | Sow seeds |
| Lettuce (romaine & head) | Jul 3–28 | Apr 19–May 6, Jun 18–Jul 2 | May 29–Jun 23 | Set out plants |
| Mache (corn salad) | Aug 11–26 | Apr 12–21, Jul 30–Aug 10 | — | Sow seeds |
| Mustard greens | Apr 8–30, Jul 25–Aug 22 | Mar 29–Apr 7, May 1–20, Jul 3–24 | — | Sow seeds |
| Napa / Chinese cabbage | Jun 26–Jul 23 | Apr 26–May 10, Jun 14–25 | — | Sow seeds |
| New Zealand spinach | Jun 6–Jul 9 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Onion (bulbing) | May 21–Jun 18 | Mar 29–May 20 | Mar 5–Apr 2 | Set out plants |
| Parsnip | Apr 19–May 10 | May 11–Jun 22 | — | Sow seeds |
| Pea (shelling / English) | Mar 29–Apr 12, Jul 10–30 | Apr 13–Jul 9 | — | Sow seeds |
| Pea (snap & snow) | Mar 29–Apr 12, Jul 10–30 | Apr 13–Jul 9 | — | Sow seeds |
| Pepper (sweet / bell) | Jun 6–25 | — | Apr 4–23 | Set out plants |
| Potato | May 17–Jun 14 | Apr 13–May 16 | — | Sow seeds |
| Purslane | Jul 1–13 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Radicchio | Apr 12–19 | Apr 20–May 3 | — | Sow seeds |
| Radish | Apr 15–May 16, Aug 9–Sep 5 | Apr 5–14, May 17–Jun 13, Jul 19–Aug 8 | — | Sow seeds |
| Rhubarb | Apr 12–26, May 25–Jun 7 | Apr 27–May 24 | — | Set out plants |
| Rutabaga | Jun 4–18, Jun 21–Jul 12 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Salsify | Apr 19–May 19 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Shallot | Mar 29–Apr 12, Jun 11–Jul 2 | Apr 13–Jun 10 | — | Sow seeds |
| Spinach | Mar 29–Apr 22, Aug 6–31 | Apr 23–May 10, Jul 5–Aug 5 | — | Sow seeds |
| Summer squash & zucchini | Jun 6–20, Jun 22–Jul 12 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke) | May 10–31 | Apr 19–May 9 | — | Sow seeds |
| Sweet corn | Jun 6–24 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Swiss chard | Apr 19–May 10, Jul 17–Aug 7 | May 11–Jul 16 | — | Sow seeds |
| Tomatillo | Jun 6–22 | — | Apr 25–May 11 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (cherry & grape) | Jun 6–Jul 9 | — | Apr 18–May 21 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (early / short-season) | May 18–25, Jun 24–Jul 14 | May 26–Jun 23 | Mar 30–Apr 6, May 6–26 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (paste / determinate) | Jun 6–27 | — | Apr 18–May 9 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (slicing) | Jun 6–24 | — | Apr 18–May 6 | Set out plants |
| Turnip | Apr 12–26, Jul 22–Aug 12 | Apr 27–Jul 21 | — | Sow seeds |
| Watercress | Apr 19–May 3 | May 4–Jun 14 | — | Sow seeds |
Herbs
| Crop | Best time to plant | Also possible | Start indoors | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise hyssop | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | Apr 23–May 21 | Set out plants |
| Bee balm (bergamot) | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | Apr 19–May 17 | Set out plants |
| Borage | Jun 24–Jul 24 | May 3–Jun 23 | — | Sow seeds |
| Caraway | Apr 19–May 3, Jun 22–Jul 13 | May 4–Jun 21 | — | Sow seeds |
| Catnip | Apr 26–May 15 | May 16–Jun 7 | Mar 8–27 | Set out plants |
| Chamomile | Apr 12–26, Jul 7–28 | Apr 27–Jul 6 | — | Sow seeds |
| Chervil | Jul 19–Aug 12 | Apr 19–May 5, Jun 30–Jul 18 | — | Sow seeds |
| Chives | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | Apr 19–May 17 | Set out plants |
| Cilantro | Jul 7–Aug 4 | Apr 26–May 8, Jun 21–Jul 6 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cuban oregano | Jul 1–10 | — | — | Set out plants |
| Dill | Apr 26–May 3, Jul 8–29 | May 4–Jul 7 | — | Sow seeds |
| Epazote | Jun 6–20, Jul 1–22 | Jun 21–30 | — | Sow seeds |
| Fenugreek (methi) | Jul 15–Aug 10 | May 10–Jun 5, Jul 6–14 | — | Sow seeds |
| Feverfew | Jun 2–28 | May 3–Jun 1 | Apr 14–May 10 | Set out plants |
| Garlic chives | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | Apr 19–May 17 | Set out plants |
| Lavender | Jun 10–Jul 3 | May 17–Jun 9 | Mar 25–Apr 17 | Set out plants |
| Lemon balm | Apr 26–Jun 7 | — | Mar 22–May 3 | Set out plants |
| Lemon verbena | Jun 7–27 | May 18–Jun 6 | — | Set out plants |
| Lovage | May 22–Jun 7 | Apr 26–May 21 | Apr 3–19 | Set out plants |
| Marjoram | Jun 5–22 | May 18–Jun 4 | Apr 17–May 4 | Set out plants |
| Mint | Apr 29–May 14 | Apr 26–28, May 15–Jun 7 | — | Set out plants |
| Oregano | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | Apr 19–May 17 | Set out plants |
| Parsley | Apr 19–May 3, Jun 22–Jul 13 | May 4–Jun 21 | Feb 15–Mar 1, Apr 20–May 11 | Set out plants |
| Rosemary | Jun 3–19 | May 17–Jun 2 | Mar 18–Apr 3 | Set out plants |
| Sage | Jun 1–28 | May 3–31 | Apr 13–May 10 | Set out plants |
| Shiso (perilla) | Jun 6–13 | Jun 14–Jul 4 | May 2–9 | Set out plants |
| Sorrel (French / garden) | Apr 19–May 16 | May 17–Jun 14 | — | Sow seeds |
| Summer savory | May 18–Jun 1 | Jun 2–Jul 7 | — | Sow seeds |
| Tarragon (French) | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | — | Set out plants |
| Thyme | Jun 6–Jul 3 | May 10–Jun 5 | Apr 11–May 8 | Set out plants |
| Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) | Jun 22–Jul 10 | Jun 6–21, Jul 11–12 | — | Set out plants |
| Winter savory | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | Apr 19–May 17 | Set out plants |
Fruit
| Crop | Best time to plant | Also possible | Start indoors | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackberry | Apr 5–26 | Apr 27–Jun 7 | — | Set out plants |
| Cucamelon / mouse melon | Jun 6–20 | Jun 21–27 | May 2–16 | Set out plants |
| Grape (bunch) | Apr 12–May 10 | May 11–24 | — | Set out plants |
| Ground cherry | Jun 6–20 | Jun 21–Jul 2 | Apr 18–May 2 | Set out plants |
| Raspberry | Apr 12–26 | Apr 27–Jun 7 | — | Set out plants |
| Strawberry | Apr 16–May 11 | Apr 12–15, May 12–Jun 7 | — | Set out plants |
Flowers
| Crop | Best time to plant | Also possible | Start indoors | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual salvia | Jun 23–Jul 16 | Jun 6–22, Jul 17–22 | Apr 14–May 7 | Set out plants |
| Bachelor's button (cornflower) | Apr 12–May 2, Jun 24–Jul 25 | May 3–Jun 23 | — | Sow seeds |
| Black-eyed Susan | Jun 2–24 | May 10–Jun 1 | — | Sow seeds |
| Calendula | Apr 26–May 12, Jul 5–Aug 9 | May 13–Jul 4 | — | Sow seeds |
| California poppy | Apr 12–May 2, Jun 24–Jul 25 | May 3–Jun 23 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cleome (spider flower) | Jun 6–22 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Coreopsis (tickseed) | May 31–Jul 3 | Apr 12–May 30 | — | Sow seeds |
| Larkspur | Mar 29–Apr 19 | Apr 20–May 1 | — | Sow seeds |
| Marigold | Jun 23–Jul 13 | Jun 6–22, Jul 14–17 | May 5–25 | Set out plants |
| Milkweed (native) | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | May 3–31 | Set out plants |
| Nasturtium | Jun 20–Jul 22 | May 18–Jun 19 | — | Sow seeds |
| Pansy / viola | Mar 29–Apr 19, Aug 4–24 | Apr 20–May 24, Jul 18–Aug 3 | Jan 11–Feb 1, May 19–Jun 8 | Set out plants |
| Purple coneflower (echinacea) | Jun 7–Jul 5 | May 10–Jun 6 | Mar 22–Apr 19 | Set out plants |
| Snapdragon | Apr 12–26, Jun 12–Jul 3 | Apr 27–May 3, May 19–Jun 11 | Feb 8–22, Apr 10–May 1 | Set out plants |
| Statice | May 10–24, Jun 23–Jul 14 | May 25–Jun 22 | Mar 8–22, Apr 21–May 12 | Set out plants |
| Stock | Apr 26–May 10, Jul 22–Aug 12 | May 11–27, Jun 30–Jul 21 | Feb 22–Mar 8, May 20–Jun 10 | Set out plants |
| Strawflower | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 1–21 | Jun 2–30 | Mar 30–Apr 13, May 13–Jun 2 | Set out plants |
| Sunflower | Jun 6–17 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Sweet alyssum | Apr 19–May 12, Jul 9–Aug 11 | May 13–Jul 8 | — | Sow seeds |
| Sweet pea (flower) | Mar 29–Apr 26 | Apr 27–May 8 | — | Sow seeds |
Crops that struggle in Billings
These need a climate Billings doesn't have. Pots, shade cloth or a greenhouse can stretch the rules.
- Banana: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Basil: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 58 days it needs.
- Bay laurel: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 32°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Bean (lima): The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 78 days it needs.
- Blueberry: It needs acid soil, and dry-climate soil is usually alkaline. Grow it in a large pot of acid potting mix.
- Bottle gourd / cucuzza: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
- Cantaloupe & melons: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 82 days it needs.
- Cassava (yuca): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Celosia: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 80 days it needs.
- Chaya (tree spinach): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Cosmos: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
- Culantro: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
- Edamame: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 82 days it needs.
- Eggplant: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 72 days it needs.
- Fig: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 22°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Ginger: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 270 days it needs.
- Globe amaranth (gomphrena): The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
- Jicama: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 180 days it needs.
- Lemongrass: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 88 days it needs.
- Luffa gourd: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Malabar spinach: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 65 days it needs.
- Moringa: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 75 days it needs.
- Muscadine grape: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 26°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Okinawa spinach: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 52 days it needs.
- Okra: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 58 days it needs.
- Papalo: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 68 days it needs.
- Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Peanut: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 130 days it needs.
- Pentas (Egyptian star cluster): The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 38 days it needs.
- Pepper (hot / chili): The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 80 days it needs.
- Pigeon pea: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 150 days it needs.
- Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 14°F.
- Popcorn: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 102 days it needs.
- Pumpkin: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Roselle: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 165 days it needs.
- Seminole pumpkin / calabaza: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 108 days it needs.
- Southern pea / cowpea: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 75 days it needs.
- Stevia: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 100 days it needs.
- Sweet potato: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Taro (dasheen): The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 225 days it needs.
- Tomato (heat-set varieties): The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 75 days it needs.
- Watermelon: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 85 days it needs.
- Winged bean: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Winter melon / wax gourd: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Winter squash: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 95 days it needs.
- Yardlong bean: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
- Zinnia: The frost-free season (about 144 days) is shorter than the 68 days it needs.
Nearby planting calendars
- Cheyenne, WY 370 mi · last frost around May 14
- Salt Lake City, UT 387 mi · last frost around Mar 31
- Boise, ID 407 mi · last frost around Apr 24
- Denver, CO 454 mi · last frost around Apr 30
- Fargo, ND 563 mi · last frost around May 5
- All Montana cities
How these dates are worked out
Each crop has temperature limits and timing from university extension guides: how cold a night it can take, how much heat it can stand, how long it takes to mature, and how far before or after the last frost it goes in. Those are checked day by day against the Billings Wtp station's NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (average highs, lows, rain and frost dates). Dates are estimates for a typical year; a sheltered yard, a slope or a cold pocket can shift them by a week or two.
Weather: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals. Crop timing: university extension guides (sources listed for each crop in the app). City locations: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).