When to Plant Potatoes in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, sow 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.
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Potatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| 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 potatoes in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, sow 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 potatoes take to grow?
Potatoes typically take 70–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
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
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant potatoes in other states