When to plant new zealand spinach in Iowa
Iowa spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant new zealand spinach shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 19 in Fort Madison to May 8 in Spencer — below are local dates for 42 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 5b | April 18 | October 20 | April 25 – May 9 |
| Cedar Rapids | 5b | April 27 | October 11 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Davenport | 5b | April 19 | October 22 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Sioux City | 5a | April 29 | October 7 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Iowa City | 5b | April 21 | October 18 | April 28 – May 12 |
| Ankeny | 5b | April 23 | October 15 | April 30 – May 14 |
| West Des Moines | 5b | April 18 | October 20 | April 25 – May 9 |
| Ames | 5b | April 26 | October 8 | May 3 – May 17 |
New Zealand Spinach in Iowa: FAQ
When can I plant new zealand spinach in Iowa?
Across Iowa, the time to direct-sow new zealand spinach spans roughly April 19 in Fort Madison to May 8 in Spencer, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the new zealand spinach planting date vary across Iowa?
Yes. Iowa publishes 42 cities with their own frost dates, so the right new zealand spinach planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does new zealand spinach take to grow in Iowa?
New Zealand Spinach takes about 55–70 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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