Fremont, IA frost dates
How Fremont compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Fremont falls between April 9 and May 7, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 29 and October 26.
- The median last frost is 5 days earlier than the Iowa median of Apr 28.
- Its 174-day growing season is longer than 78% of the 934 Iowa places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is 8 days earlier than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 131 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Iowa City, IA, 88 km away, the last frost here is 2 days later than there and the growing season is 6 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 9 |
| 50% (median) | April 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 29 |
| 50% (median) | October 14 |
| 90% (late) | October 26 |
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 Fremont, IA
Fremont, IA frost dates — last frost Apr 23, first frost Oct 14, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Fremont, IA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | Aug 19 – Sep 16 |
| Kale | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Broccoli | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Okra | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 28 | May 14 – May 28 | — |
| Basil | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 30 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 7 – May 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 30 – Nov 4 |
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 Ottumwa Industrial Ap, IA weather station, 12 km away (elevation 843 ft (257 m)).
Frost dates near Fremont
- Cedar Apr 23 · Oct 14
- Kirkville Apr 23 · Oct 14
- Hedrick Apr 23 · Oct 14
- Rose Hill Apr 21 · Oct 16
- Martinsburg Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Delta Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Chillicothe Apr 23 · Oct 14
- Eddyville Apr 23 · Oct 14
- University Park Apr 21 · Oct 16
- Oskaloosa Apr 21 · Oct 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fremont, IA?
The median last spring frost in Fremont, IA is April 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fremont, IA?
The median first fall frost is October 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Fremont, IA?
About 174 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fremont, IA?
Fremont, IA is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.