Last spring frost
Apr 30
Frost Dates for Cushing, IA
First fall frost
Oct 9
Growing season
162 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Cushing, IA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 30 and the first fall frost is about Oct 9, giving roughly a 162-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 15 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 19 | May 7 | Apr 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 11 | Apr 30 | Apr 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 10 | Mar 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 9 | May 7 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 |
| 32°F | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 |
| 28°F | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 |
| 24°F | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 20°F | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 |
| 16°F | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 17 | Sep 30 | Oct 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 27 | Oct 9 | Oct 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 29 | Nov 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 |
| 32°F | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 |
| 28°F | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 |
| 24°F | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 20°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 16°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Holstein, Ia, about 7.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,370 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Cushing, IA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Cushing, IA is about Apr 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Cushing, IA typically arrives about Oct 9. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 30 on average, or Apr 15 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 162 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 51018 Planting calendar → Iowa frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026