When to Plant Common Bean in Iowa
Direct Sow Outdoors
Saturday, April 25, 2026
State
Iowa
USDA Zones
4b, 5a, 5b, 6a
Avg Last Frost
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Cities Covered
934
Iowa Planting Schedule by Zone
Iowa spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 4b | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |
| 5a | Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Sunday, May 10, 2026 |
| 5b | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Common Bean in Iowa: Complete Guide
Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Iowa, the right time to direct sow is around Saturday, April 25, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Iowa stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 65 days to maturity, Common Bean fits comfortably within Iowa's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Common Bean requires full sun (6-8 hours) and regular (1 inch/week) moisture. Most of Iowa receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Common Bean in Iowa?
In Iowa, direct sow Common Bean outdoors around Saturday, April 25, 2026. Iowa spans zones 4b–6a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Iowa?
Iowa spans 4 USDA zones (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a), so last frost dates vary by region. Riceville, Toeterville, Arlington (4b) sees frost until around Tuesday, May 5, 2026, while Council Bluffs, Carter Lake, Glenwood (6a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Common Bean take to grow in Iowa?
Common Bean takes about 65 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Iowa's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Iowa cover for Common Bean?
Iowa includes zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. Common Bean grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.