When to Plant Corn in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Apr 21 – May 5. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 10 in Keokuk and as late as May 3 in Grinnell.
Direct sow at last frost to 2 weeks after, once soil reaches 60F; does not transplant well. Succession sow every 2 weeks.
Corn Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Cedar Rapids | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Davenport | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Sioux City | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Iowa City | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Waterloo | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Ames | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| West Des Moines | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Council Bluffs | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Dubuque | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Ankeny | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Urbandale | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Cedar Falls | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Marion | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Bettendorf | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Marshalltown | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Mason City | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Clinton | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Burlington | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Fort Dodge | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Ottumwa | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Muscatine | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Johnston | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Coralville | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Waukee | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Altoona | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| North Liberty | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Indianola | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Clive | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Newton | Apr 22 – May 6 |
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 corn in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Apr 21 – May 5. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 10 in Keokuk and as late as May 3 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 corn take to grow?
Corn typically take 60–100 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow at last frost to 2 weeks after, once soil reaches 60F; does not transplant well. Succession sow every 2 weeks.
Other Crops in Iowa
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant corn in other states