When to plant pumpkin in Iowa
Iowa spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant pumpkin shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 26 in Fort Madison to May 15 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 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Cedar Rapids | 5b | April 27 | October 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Davenport | 5b | April 19 | October 22 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Sioux City | 5a | April 29 | October 7 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Iowa City | 5b | April 21 | October 18 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Ankeny | 5b | April 23 | October 15 | May 7 – May 21 |
| West Des Moines | 5b | April 18 | October 20 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Ames | 5b | April 26 | October 8 | May 10 – May 24 |
Pumpkin in Iowa: FAQ
When can I plant pumpkin in Iowa?
Across Iowa, the time to direct-sow pumpkin spans roughly April 26 in Fort Madison to May 15 in Spencer, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pumpkin planting date vary across Iowa?
Yes. Iowa publishes 42 cities with their own frost dates, so the right pumpkin 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 pumpkin take to grow in Iowa?
Pumpkin takes about 90–110 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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.