When to plant in Bettendorf, IA
USDA Zone 5bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Bettendorf, Iowa — all computed from Bettendorf's nearest NOAA weather station.
Zone 5b means Bettendorf sees real winter cold, but a good range of perennials survive; the frost dates above govern when annual vegetables go out.
Frost probability
LE CLAIRE L&D 14 · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Bettendorf’s own odds, recorded at LE CLAIRE L&D 14.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 8 | Apr 27 | Apr 11 | Oct 1 | Oct 15 | Oct 28 |
| 32°F | Apr 30 | Apr 16 | Apr 2 | Oct 11 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Apr 21 | Apr 6 | Mar 21 | Oct 23 | Nov 2 | Nov 18 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Bettendorf, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 10 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Bettendorf planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Bettendorf, IA?
Bettendorf's average last spring frost falls near April 16 — the 50% mark at 32°F in the 1991–2020 normals. Hold tender transplants until the risk has passed, then plant out.
When is the first fall frost in Bettendorf, IA?
The first fall frost in Bettendorf typically arrives around October 25 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Bettendorf in?
Bettendorf is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. In zone 5b, winters are cold — pick cold-hardy varieties and protect tender crops.
How long is the growing season in Bettendorf?
There are roughly 192 frost-free days in Bettendorf (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around April 16 to the first fall frost near October 25.
When should I plant tomatoes in Bettendorf?
In Bettendorf, start tomato seeds indoors around February 19–March 5, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 23 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Bettendorf
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Bettendorf’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- East Moline · 9 km
- Moline · 9 km
- Davenport · 11 km
- Rock Island · 14 km
- Clinton · 36 km
- Muscatine · 52 km
- Kewanee · 59 km
- Galesburg · 69 km
Frost dates recorded at LE CLAIRE L&D 14, 6 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Bettendorf, IA — Frost Dates & Zone 5b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00134705. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/iowa/bettendorf.