Frost Dates for Des Moines, IA 50317
Last spring frost April 25 · First fall frost October 6 · 164 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
ZIP 50317 has about 36,500 people, the largest of 12 ZIP codes in Des Moines.
Moderate season: 164 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 13–May 7 (24 days). Fall frost risk spans September 21–October 21 (30 days).
Frost probability for 50317
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 7 | April 25 | April 13 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 21 | October 6 | October 21 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at ANKENY (15.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Des Moines, IA
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50317 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50315 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50310 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50320 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50313 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50316 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50312 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50311 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50314 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50309 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50321 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
| 50319 | April 25 | October 6 | 5b |
Which crops fit a 164-day season in Des Moines
In Des Moines (164 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 21 | May 9–May 16 | 122 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 122 available after May 9. | Jun 6 |
| Pepper | Mar 14 | May 9–May 16 | 122 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 122 available after May 9. | Jun 11 |
| Lettuce | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 206 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 4. | Aug 4 |
| Cucumber | Apr 4 | May 9–May 16 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 10; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 10 |
| Beans | — | May 2–May 16 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Peas | — | Feb 28–May 9 | 227 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 227 available after Feb 28. | Jul 26 |
| Zucchini | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Onion | Jan 31 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 199 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 199 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 28–Apr 18 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Kale | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 199 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 199 available after Mar 28. | Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 213 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 28. | Aug 4 |
| Radish | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Oct 13. | Sep 4 |
| Beets | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 6 | 269 | overwinter: Plant Oct 6 to Oct 27; harvest the following summer. | Oct 27 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 21–May 16 | 220 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 21; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 136 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 136 available after May 2. | Jun 18 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 11 | May 9–May 9 | 129 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 129 available after May 9. | May 24 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 | Apr 18–May 2 | 178 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 18. | Jul 16 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 28 | Apr 11–Apr 11 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 213 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 28. | Jul 5 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 129 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 129 available after May 9. | May 24 |
| Eggplant | Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | 122 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 122 available after May 9. | Jun 16 |
| Okra | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Basil | Mar 21 | May 16–May 16 | 129 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 129 available after May 16. | Jul 10 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 28–Apr 18 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Parsley | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 164 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 164 available after May 2. | Jul 21 |
| Celery | Feb 14 | May 2–May 16 | 164 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 164 available after May 2. | Jun 1 |
| Scallions | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 28 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Collards | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 122 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 122 available after May 9. | Jun 1 |
| Chives | Jan 31 | May 2–May 9 | 178 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 178 available after May 2. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Oregano | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 178 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 178 available after May 2. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 31 | May 2–May 9 | 164 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 164 available after May 2. | — |
| Sage | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 178 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 178 available after May 2. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 178 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 178 available after May 2. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Cosmos | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 9 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 10; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 10 |
| Lavender | Jan 31 | Apr 25–May 9 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 14 | Apr 25–May 2 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 20 |
| Melons | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 122 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 122 available after May 9. | Jun 1 |
| Mint | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 2–May 16 | 143 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 143 available after May 2. | Jul 5 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 129 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 129 available after May 9. | Jun 3 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 150 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 25. | Jun 30 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 129 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 129 available after May 2. | Jun 11 |
| Watermelon | Apr 11 | May 2–May 9 | 129 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 129 available after May 2. | Jun 6 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Zinnias | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 9 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 10; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 10 |
Month by month in Des Moines
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 31), Lavender (Jan 31), Onion (Jan 31), Rosemary (Jan 31). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 14), Collards (Feb 14), Kale (Feb 14), Oregano (Feb 14), Parsley (Feb 14), Scallions (Feb 14), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 28), Beets (Feb 28), Dill (Feb 28), Peas (Feb 28), Radish (Feb 28), Spinach (Feb 28). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 7), Calendula (Mar 14), Cauliflower (Mar 14), Marigolds (Mar 14), Pepper (Mar 14), Basil (Mar 21), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 14), Cilantro (Mar 28), Turnip (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 28), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 28), Cabbage (Mar 28), Collards (Mar 28), Kale (Mar 28), Lettuce (Mar 28), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 21). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 4), Butternut Squash (Apr 11), Cantaloupe (Apr 11), Melons (Apr 11), Pumpkin (Apr 11), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 11), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 4), Potatoes (Apr 11), Sunflowers (Apr 25). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 11), Swiss Chard (Apr 11), Bok Choy (Apr 18), Cauliflower (Apr 18), Cosmos (Apr 25), Lavender (Apr 25), +4 more. Last frost around April 25. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 2), Pole Beans (May 2). Transplant from: Celery (May 2), Chives (May 2), Corn (May 2), Okra (May 2), Oregano (May 2), Parsley (May 2), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 24), Pumpkin (May 24). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 1), Celery (Jun 1), Melons (Jun 1), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 3), Tomato (Jun 6), Watermelon (Jun 6), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 5), Pole Beans (Jul 5), Basil (Jul 10), Cosmos (Jul 10), Cucumber (Jul 10), Zinnias (Jul 10), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 4), Carrots (Aug 4), Beets (Aug 5), Dill (Aug 5), Swiss Chard (Aug 5), Calendula (Aug 10), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 3), Spinach (Sep 3), Radish (Sep 4). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 6). First frost around October 6. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 27). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Des Moines, IA (ZIP 50317)?
The median last spring frost date for Des Moines, IA (ZIP code 50317) is around April 25. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 13; one in ten it runs past May 7.
What is the first fall frost date in Des Moines, IA?
The median first fall frost date for Des Moines, IA is around October 6. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 21 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Des Moines, IA?
The frost-free growing season in Des Moines is about 164 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Des Moines (164 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA is in USDA hardiness zone 5b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Des Moines, IA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 21 and plant out May 9 in Des Moines. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Des Moines?
Two: plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13.
When do I plant garlic in Des Moines?
Oct 6 to Oct 27; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Nearby and related
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