Dunlap, IA frost dates
Last spring frostApr 29median date
First fall frostOct 8median date
Growing season162 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5bZone 5b
How Dunlap compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Dunlap falls between April 15 and May 13, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 23 and October 22.
- The median last frost is 1 day later than the Iowa median of Apr 28.
- Its 162-day growing season is longer than 31% of the 934 Iowa places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 5b, where the median is May 1.
- The weather station records an average of 154 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Council Bluffs, IA, 70 km away, the last frost here is 11 days later than there and the growing season is 24 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 15 |
| 50% (median) | April 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 23 |
| 50% (median) | October 8 |
| 90% (late) | October 22 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Dunlap, IA
Dunlap, IA frost dates — last frost Apr 29, first frost Oct 8, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 4 to Feb 18Transplant outside: Apr 1 to Apr 15
Start indoors: Feb 18 to Mar 4Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Start indoors: Feb 18 to Mar 4Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: May 6 to May 20
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 8 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 6Plant for fall: Aug 13 to Sep 10
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 1 to Apr 15Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Plant for fall: Jul 30 to Aug 20
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Plant for fall: Jul 2 to Jul 23
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 8 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Jul 2 to Jul 23
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Plant for fall: Jul 2 to Jul 23
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: May 6 to May 20
Sow outdoors: Mar 18 to Apr 8Plant for fall: Jul 16 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: Mar 18 to Apr 8Plant for fall: Aug 13 to Sep 3
Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to May 6Plant for fall: Aug 27 to Sep 17
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 8Transplant outside: May 13 to May 20Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 8Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 30 to Aug 13
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 8Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 20
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 8Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 6Plant for fall: Jul 16 to Jul 30
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 6Plant for fall: Jul 30 to Aug 13
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Apr 29
Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 13Plant for fall: Jul 30 to Aug 13
Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 6Plant for fall: Aug 13 to Sep 3
Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 27Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: May 6 to May 20
Transplant outside: May 13 to Jun 3
Plant for fall: Sep 24 to Oct 29
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Dunlap, IA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 1 – May 6 | Aug 13 – Sep 10 |
| Kale | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jul 30 – Aug 20 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 2 – Jul 23 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 2 – Jul 23 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 2 – Jul 23 |
| Okra | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Basil | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Jul 16 – Aug 6 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | Aug 27 – Sep 17 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 20 | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 6 – May 27 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 6 – May 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 24 – Oct 29 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Logan, IA weather station, 28 km away (elevation 991 ft (302 m)).
Frost dates near Dunlap
- Dow City Apr 27 · Oct 11
- Woodbine Apr 29 · Oct 8
- Arion Apr 27 · Oct 11
- Moorhead Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Panama Apr 27 · Oct 9
- Earling Apr 27 · Oct 9
- Soldier Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Ute Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Defiance Apr 27 · Oct 9
- Charter Oak May 3 · Oct 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Dunlap, IA?
The median last spring frost in Dunlap, IA is April 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Dunlap, IA?
The median first fall frost is October 8, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Dunlap, IA?
About 162 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Dunlap, IA?
Dunlap, IA is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.