Frost Dates for Council Bluffs, IA
In Council Bluffs, IA, the average last spring frost is around Apr 18 and the average first fall frost around Oct 21, for a growing season of about 185 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 30, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Omaha Eppley Airfield, NE weather station, 6 miles away, elevation 982 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 30 | Oct 6 |
| 20% | Apr 27 | Oct 12 |
| 30% | Apr 23 | Oct 15 |
| 40% | Apr 21 | Oct 19 |
| 50% | Apr 18 | Oct 21 |
| 60% | Apr 15 | Oct 23 |
| 70% | Apr 12 | Oct 26 |
| 80% | Apr 9 | Oct 29 |
| 90% | Apr 5 | Nov 1 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 28 | Oct 10 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Oct 21 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 8 | Oct 30 |
Planting calendar for Council Bluffs
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Sow or transplant May 2 – May 16
Sow or transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 23
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 16
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Aug 26
Sow or transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Sep 9
Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Sep 30
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Aug 26
Plant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Based on the average last frost (Apr 18) and first frost (Oct 21). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.