When to plant Black Beans in Rice County, MN
Aim to plant Black Beans in Rice County on or after May 14; the window stays open through June 4. Rice County's 160-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option.
When to Plant Black Beans in Rice County, MN
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Rice County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 873 feet, Rice County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Rice County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Rice County, MN
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Rice County
Growing Tips for Rice County
Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Rice County, MN?
Rice County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rice County, MN?
Rice County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Black Beans in Rice County, MN?
In Rice County, MN, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rice County, MN for Black Beans?
Rice County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black Beans grow in Rice County's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Rice County's temperate climate. Rice County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.
Your Rice County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rice County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.