When to Plant Asparagus in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, plant outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell.
Perennial; plant crowns 2-4 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Takes 2-3 years to full production.
Asparagus Planting Dates by City
| City | Plant outdoors |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Cedar Rapids | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Davenport | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Sioux City | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Iowa City | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Waterloo | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Ames | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| West Des Moines | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Council Bluffs | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Dubuque | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Ankeny | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Urbandale | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Cedar Falls | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Marion | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Bettendorf | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Marshalltown | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Mason City | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Clinton | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Burlington | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Fort Dodge | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Ottumwa | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Muscatine | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Johnston | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Coralville | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Waukee | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Altoona | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| North Liberty | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Indianola | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Clive | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Newton | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant asparagus in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, plant outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell.
When is the last frost in Iowa?
The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do asparagus take to grow?
Asparagus typically take 730–1095 days from planting to harvest. Perennial; plant crowns 2-4 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Takes 2-3 years to full production.
Other Crops in Iowa
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant asparagus in other states