FrostCal

When to Plant Oregano in Iowa

In a typical Iowa location, start seeds indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10, then transplant outdoors Apr 21 – Apr 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 10 in Keokuk and as late as May 3 in Grinnell.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 80–90 days

Perennial herb; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, transplant around/just after last frost date.

Oregano Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
Des MoinesFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 18 – Apr 25
Cedar RapidsMar 3 – Mar 17Apr 28 – May 5
DavenportFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 19 – Apr 26
Sioux CityMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
Iowa CityFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
WaterlooMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
AmesMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 26 – May 3
West Des MoinesFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 18 – Apr 25
Council BluffsFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 18 – Apr 25
DubuqueFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 19 – Apr 26
AnkenyFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
UrbandaleFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 18 – Apr 25
Cedar FallsMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
MarionMar 3 – Mar 17Apr 28 – May 5
BettendorfFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 19 – Apr 26
MarshalltownMar 3 – Mar 17Apr 28 – May 5
Mason CityMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 6
ClintonFeb 16 – Mar 2Apr 13 – Apr 20
BurlingtonFeb 18 – Mar 4Apr 15 – Apr 22
Fort DodgeMar 3 – Mar 17Apr 28 – May 5
OttumwaFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – Apr 30
MuscatineFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 18 – Apr 25
JohnstonFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 19 – Apr 26
CoralvilleFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
WaukeeFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 19 – Apr 26
AltoonaFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
North LibertyFeb 24 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
IndianolaFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
CliveFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 18 – Apr 25
NewtonFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – Apr 29

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 oregano in Iowa?

In a typical Iowa location, start seeds indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10, then transplant outdoors Apr 21 – Apr 28. 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 oregano take to grow?

Oregano typically take 80–90 days from planting to harvest. Perennial herb; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, transplant around/just after last frost date.

Other Crops in Iowa

When to plant oregano in other states

Related Guides