when.garden
Search a place…

When to plant swiss chard in Des Moines

Swiss chard is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Des Moines's frost dates of Apr 17.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 20 – Apr 10
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 5 – Apr 26
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 25 – Jun 4
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Jul 15 – Jul 29
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Sep 10 – Sep 20
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
50 – 60 d
Des Moines's 179-day season leaves this much room.
Swiss chard on Des Moines's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
APR 17
OCT 16

Common questions

When can I sow swiss chard outdoors in Des Moines?

Direct-sow around early April (Apr 5–Apr 26) in Des Moines, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.

When will swiss chard be ready to harvest in Des Moines?

Expect to harvest from around late May (May 25–Jun 4) in Des Moines, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.

When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in Des Moines?

Start seeds indoors around mid March (Mar 20–Apr 10) in Des Moines, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.

When can I transplant swiss chard outdoors in Des Moines?

Transplant outdoors around early April (Apr 5–Apr 26) in Des Moines, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.

Can I plant swiss chard in autumn in Des Moines?

Yes — Des Moines supports a second, autumn sowing of swiss chard around mid July (Jul 15–Jul 29), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Des Moines?

Des Moines has roughly 179 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow swiss chard to maturity outdoors.

The rule of thumb

Sow swiss chard as soon as the soil is workable — it tolerates cool weather and light frost. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Des Moines's frost dates.

Confidence 89/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.
Swiss chard in other places
TokyoLondonNew York CitySydneyMelbourneLos AngelesBerlinTorontoOsakaChicagoHoustonNagoya