Frost dates for 50301 — Des Moines, IA
How Des Moines compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Des Moines falls between April 8 and May 6, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 30 and October 28.
- The median last frost is 5 days earlier than the Iowa median of Apr 28.
- Its 175-day growing season is longer than 82% 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 150 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 8 |
| 50% (median) | April 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 30 |
| 50% (median) | October 15 |
| 90% (late) | October 28 |
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 Des Moines, IA
Frost dates for 50301 — Des Moines, IA — last frost Apr 23, first frost Oct 15, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Des Moines, 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 20 – Sep 17 |
| Kale | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Broccoli | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Cabbage | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| 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 23 – Aug 13 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 30 | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| 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 23 – Aug 6 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 7 – May 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 1 – Nov 5 |
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 Ankeny, IA weather station, 9 km away (elevation 974 ft (297 m)).
ZIP codes in Des Moines: 50301 50302 50303 50304 50305 50306 50307 50308 50309 50310 50311 50312 50313 50314 50315 50316 50317 50318 50319 50320 50321 50328 50329 50330 50331 50332 50333 50334 50335 50336 50339 50340 50359 50360 50361 50362 50363 50364 50367 50368 50369 50380 50381 50391 50392 50393 50394 50395 50396 50936 50940 50947 50950 50980 50981 50982 50983
Frost dates near Des Moines
- Berwick Apr 23 · Oct 15
- Ankeny Apr 23 · Oct 15
- Altoona Apr 23 · Oct 15
- Bondurant Apr 23 · Oct 15
- Pleasant Hill Apr 18 · Oct 20
- Johnston Apr 19 · Oct 18
- Polk City Apr 19 · Oct 18
- Elkhart Apr 23 · Oct 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Des Moines, IA?
The median last spring frost in Des Moines, IA is April 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Des Moines, IA?
The median first fall frost is October 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 30.
How long is the growing season in Des Moines, IA?
About 175 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.