2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Wheat in Minnesota
Complete guide to growing wheat in Minnesota with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from USDA and state extension services.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the wheat growing season in Minnesota. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
38°F (3°C) minimum
Growing Period
90-110 days (spring wheat)
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
May 5
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
September 28
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing wheat in Minnesota.
January - March
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
April - May
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
June - July
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
August - September
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
October - December
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
Best Wheat Varieties for Minnesota
These varieties have proven performance in Minnesota's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linkert | Minnesota climate |
| 2 | Bolles | Minnesota climate |
| 3 | Shelly | Minnesota climate |
| 4 | Lang-MN | Minnesota climate |
Growing Tips for Minnesota
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Minnesota farmers.
SPRING wheat in Minnesota — not winter wheat
Hard red spring wheat for bread flour
Plant as early as soil allows — yield declines after May 1
Fusarium head blight — use Prosaro or Caramba fungicide at heading
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Hessian fly
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Aphids
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Armyworm
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Wheat midge
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Cereal leaf beetle
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside wheat, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
Frost Dates
Last Spring Frost
May 5
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
September 28
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant wheat in Minnesota?
The optimal planting window for wheat in Minnesota is April 5 to May 1. Soil temperature should reach at least 38°F (3°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 90-110 days (spring wheat).
What varieties of wheat grow best in Minnesota?
The best varieties for Minnesota include Linkert, Bolles, Shelly, Lang-MN. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest wheat in Minnesota?
The harvest window for wheat in Minnesota is typically August 1 to September 1. The crop takes 90-110 days (spring wheat) from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Minnesota Cooperative Extension Service, and NOAA frost date records. Last updated: March 2026.
Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.