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When to plant orange in Iowa

Iowa spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant orange shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings 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.

In Des Moinesthe orange transplant out window (April 25–May 2) has passed for this year.
CityZoneLast frostFirst frostTransplant out
Des Moines5bApril 18October 20April 25 – May 2
Cedar Rapids5bApril 27October 11May 4 – May 11
Davenport5bApril 19October 22April 26 – May 3
Sioux City5aApril 29October 7May 6 – May 13
Iowa City5bApril 21October 18April 28 – May 5
Ankeny5bApril 23October 15April 30 – May 7
West Des Moines5bApril 18October 20April 25 – May 2
Ames5bApril 26October 8May 3 – May 10

Orange in Iowa: FAQ

When can I plant orange in Iowa?

Across Iowa, the time to transplant orange spans roughly April 19 in Fort Madison to May 8 in Spencer, each following that city's local frost dates.

Does the orange planting date vary across Iowa?

Yes. Iowa publishes 42 cities with their own frost dates, so the right orange planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.

Planting reminders

Never miss a window in your area

An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to your frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.

Orange planting guide →All Iowa cities →Iowa planting calendar →
When to Plant Orange in Iowa — Frost-Based Dates by City — BlissGarden