Peterson, IA frost dates
Last spring frostApr 30median date
First fall frostOct 5median date
Growing season158 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5aZone 5a
How Peterson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Peterson falls between April 14 and May 11, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 22 and October 21.
- The median last frost is 2 days later than the Iowa median of Apr 28.
- Its 158-day growing season is longer than 22% of the 934 Iowa places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 5a, where the median is May 3.
- The weather station records an average of 157 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Sioux City, IA, 99 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there and the growing season is 3 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 14 |
| 50% (median) | April 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 22 |
| 50% (median) | October 5 |
| 90% (late) | October 21 |
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 Peterson, IA
Peterson, IA frost dates — last frost Apr 30, first frost Oct 5, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 5 to Feb 19Transplant outside: Apr 2 to Apr 16
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: May 14 to May 28
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: May 14 to May 28
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 7 to May 21
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: Apr 9 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to May 7Plant for fall: Aug 10 to Sep 7
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: Apr 2 to Apr 16Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 17
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30Plant for fall: Jun 29 to Jul 20
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: Apr 9 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Jun 29 to Jul 20
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30Plant for fall: Jun 29 to Jul 20
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: May 7 to May 21
Sow outdoors: Mar 19 to Apr 9Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Aug 3
Sow outdoors: Mar 19 to Apr 9Plant for fall: Aug 10 to Aug 31
Sow outdoors: Mar 26 to May 7Plant for fall: Aug 24 to Sep 14
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 9Transplant outside: May 14 to May 21Sow outdoors: May 7 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 20 to Aug 3
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 9Sow outdoors: May 7 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 10
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 9Sow outdoors: May 7 to May 21
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 9Transplant outside: May 14 to May 28
Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 7Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Jul 27
Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 7Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 10
Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to Apr 30
Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 14Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 10
Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 7Plant for fall: Aug 10 to Aug 31
Sow outdoors: May 7 to May 28Plant for fall: Jul 20 to Aug 3
Sow outdoors: May 7 to May 21
Transplant outside: May 14 to Jun 4
Plant for fall: Sep 21 to Oct 26
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Peterson, IA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 2 – May 7 | Aug 10 – Sep 7 |
| Kale | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Broccoli | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 20 |
| Cabbage | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 20 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 20 |
| Okra | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Basil | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 26 – May 7 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 | May 7 – May 21 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 16 – May 14 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 7 – May 28 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 14 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 21 – Oct 26 |
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 Sioux Rapids 4 E, IA weather station, 23 km away (elevation 1,421 ft (433 m)).
Frost dates near Peterson
- Linn Grove Apr 30 · Oct 5
- Sutherland Apr 29 · Oct 10
- Royal May 2 · Oct 2
- Sioux Rapids Apr 30 · Oct 5
- Calumet Apr 29 · Oct 10
- Rembrandt Apr 30 · Oct 5
- Larrabee May 4 · Oct 4
- Fostoria May 1 · Oct 3
- Greenville Apr 30 · Oct 5
- Everly May 2 · Oct 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Peterson, IA?
The median last spring frost in Peterson, IA is April 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Peterson, IA?
The median first fall frost is October 5, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 22.
How long is the growing season in Peterson, IA?
About 158 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Peterson, IA?
Peterson, IA is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.