Frost dates for 50317 — Des Moines, IA
How Des Moines compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Des Moines falls between April 4 and May 2, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 4 and November 1.
- The median last frost is 10 days earlier than the Iowa median of Apr 28.
- Its 185-day growing season is longer than 93% of the 934 Iowa places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is 13 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 128 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 4 |
| 50% (median) | April 18 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 4 |
| 50% (median) | October 20 |
| 90% (late) | November 1 |
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 50317 — Des Moines, IA — last frost Apr 18, first frost Oct 20, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Des Moines, IA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Mar 21 – Apr 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 22 |
| Kale | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Broccoli | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Cabbage | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Okra | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 9 – May 23 | May 9 – May 23 | — |
| Basil | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 25 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 9 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 2 – May 23 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 6 – Nov 10 |
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 Des Moines Intl Ap, IA weather station, 13 km away (elevation 958 ft (292 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
- Pleasant Hill Apr 18 · Oct 20
- Berwick Apr 23 · Oct 15
- Altoona Apr 23 · Oct 15
- Runnells Apr 21 · Oct 15
- Bondurant Apr 23 · Oct 15
- Ankeny Apr 23 · Oct 15
- Mitchellville Apr 21 · Oct 15
- Carlisle Apr 18 · Oct 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Des Moines, IA?
The median last spring frost in Des Moines, IA is April 18. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 2, 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 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 4.
How long is the growing season in Des Moines, IA?
About 185 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.