FrostCal

When to Plant Spinach in Iowa

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 10 – Mar 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 27 in Keokuk and as late as Mar 22 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 22 – Sep 5.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 40–50 days

Very cold-hardy; direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked.

Spinach Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
Des MoinesMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 25 – Sep 8
Cedar RapidsMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 17 – Aug 31
DavenportMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 27 – Sep 10
Sioux CityMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 12 – Aug 26
Iowa CityMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaterlooMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 15 – Aug 29
AmesMar 15 – Mar 29Aug 13 – Aug 27
West Des MoinesMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 25 – Sep 8
Council BluffsMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 26 – Sep 9
DubuqueMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 26 – Sep 9
AnkenyMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 20 – Sep 3
UrbandaleMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 25 – Sep 8
Cedar FallsMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 15 – Aug 29
MarionMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 17 – Aug 31
BettendorfMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 27 – Sep 10
MarshalltownMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 12 – Aug 26
Mason CityMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 12 – Aug 26
ClintonMar 2 – Mar 16Aug 31 – Sep 14
BurlingtonMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 25 – Sep 8
Fort DodgeMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 13 – Aug 27
OttumwaMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 19 – Sep 2
MuscatineMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 29 – Sep 12
JohnstonMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 23 – Sep 6
CoralvilleMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaukeeMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 23 – Sep 6
AltoonaMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 20 – Sep 3
North LibertyMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 23 – Sep 6
IndianolaMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 17 – Aug 31
CliveMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 25 – Sep 8
NewtonMar 11 – Mar 25Aug 22 – Sep 5

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 spinach in Iowa?

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 10 – Mar 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 27 in Keokuk and as late as Mar 22 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 22 – Sep 5.

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 spinach take to grow?

Spinach typically take 40–50 days from planting to harvest. Very cold-hardy; direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked.

Other Crops in Iowa

When to plant spinach in other states

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