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When to Plant Begonias in North Dakota

Wax begonias (Begonia × semperflorens) are the workhorse shade bedding plant of American horticulture, offering continuous bloom from transplant to hard frost. Bronze or green-leaved varieties perform well from deep shade to full sun (in northern zones) and tolerate summer humidity better than most cool- season flowers. A staple of mass plantings, containers, and window boxes.

North Dakota spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Begonias planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Begonias Planting Calendar for North Dakota

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 – Jun 7
Bloom August 2 Aug 2 – Sep 27
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 – Jun 3
Bloom July 29 Jul 29 – Sep 30
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Bloom July 17 Jul 17 – Sep 25

Growing Tips for North Dakota

Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine; surface-sow on moist mix under lights, do not cover. Bottom heat (70–75°F) speeds germination. Transplant after frost; begonias are not direct-sown in practice. Pinch seedlings once for branching. Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions. Bronze-leaf types tolerate more sun; green- leaf types prefer shade to part-sun.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Begonias in North Dakota?

Planting dates for Begonias in North Dakota depend on your USDA zone. North Dakota spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is North Dakota for planting?

North Dakota contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: June 2026.