When to plant tulip bulbs in Iowa

Fall planting in Des Moines

Oct 6–Nov 10

Across Iowa the window opens between September 23 and October 11. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Des Moines: Oct 6–Nov 10
Last frost, Des Moines: Apr 18

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Plant once the soil has cooled below 60°F. Bulbs need 12–14 weeks of cold to flower in spring.

Tulip bulbs planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Des MoinesOct 6–Nov 10

Cedar RapidsSep 27–Nov 1

DavenportOct 8–Nov 12

Sioux CitySep 23–Oct 28

AnkenyOct 1–Nov 5

Iowa CityOct 4–Nov 8

West Des MoinesOct 6–Nov 10

AmesSep 24–Oct 29

WaterlooSep 26–Oct 31

Council BluffsOct 7–Nov 11

DubuqueOct 7–Nov 11

UrbandaleOct 4–Nov 8

MarionSep 28–Nov 2

Cedar FallsSep 26–Oct 31

BettendorfOct 11–Nov 15

WaukeeOct 6–Nov 10

MarshalltownSep 23–Oct 28

Mason CitySep 23–Oct 28

OttumwaSep 30–Nov 4

JohnstonOct 4–Nov 8

Fort DodgeSep 24–Oct 29

ClintonOct 2–Nov 6

CoralvilleOct 4–Nov 8

BurlingtonOct 6–Nov 10

MuscatineSep 30–Nov 4

AltoonaOct 1–Nov 5

North LibertyOct 4–Nov 8

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in Iowa?

In Des Moines, fall planting from October 6 to November 10. Across Iowa the window opens between September 23 and October 11, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.