When to Plant Peppers in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 24, then transplant outdoors Apr 28 – May 12. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 17 in Keokuk and as late as May 10 in Grinnell.
Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.
Peppers Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Cedar Rapids | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Davenport | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Sioux City | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Iowa City | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Waterloo | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Ames | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 3 – May 17 |
| West Des Moines | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Council Bluffs | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Dubuque | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Ankeny | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Urbandale | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Cedar Falls | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Marion | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Bettendorf | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Marshalltown | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Mason City | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Clinton | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Burlington | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Fort Dodge | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Ottumwa | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Muscatine | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Johnston | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Coralville | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Waukee | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Altoona | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| North Liberty | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Indianola | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Clive | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Newton | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
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 peppers in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 24, then transplant outdoors Apr 28 – May 12. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 17 in Keokuk and as late as May 10 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 peppers take to grow?
Peppers typically take 60–90 days from planting to harvest. Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.
Other Crops in Iowa
- Tomatoes
- 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
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant peppers in other states