Burlington, IA planting zone & frost dates
Burlington is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 15 and the first fall frost around October 20, for a growing season of about 187 days.
Planting calendar for Burlington
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 15) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 25 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 20).
Useful for zone 6a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 2 | Apr 15 | May 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 1 | Oct 20 | Oct 6 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 1, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 6. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 5.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Burlington
- 52601 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Fort Madison zone 6a, last frost Apr 12
- Keokuk zone 6a, last frost Apr 10
- Muscatine zone 5b, last frost Apr 18
- Davenport zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Bettendorf zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Iowa City zone 5b, last frost Apr 21
- Coralville zone 5b, last frost Apr 21
- North Liberty zone 5b, last frost Apr 21
Questions
What growing zone is Burlington, IA?
Burlington is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Burlington?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Burlington is April 15. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in Burlington?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 22 – Apr 29. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Burlington Muni Ap, IA (USW00014931), 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 211 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.