Local Gardening Guide

What Can I Grow in Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. Here's what thrives in your area and when to plant it.

🌡️ Zone 5a 📍 Iowa

Zone 5 at a Glance

USDA Zone
5a
Winter Low
-20 to -10°F
Grow Cycles
1/yr
Frost Risk
moderate

Cedar Rapids falls in USDA Zone 5 (5a specifically). Summer highs reach 80–95°F and winter lows drop to -20 to -10°F.

Best Plants to Grow in Cedar Rapids

100 plants grow well in Zone 5 conditions. Here are the top picks by season.

Spring Picks

Lettuce 35–60 days Spinach 35–50 days Kale 50–65 days Swiss Chard 45–60 days Carrots 55–70 days Radishes 25–35 days Beets 50–65 days Potatoes 75–120 days

Summer Picks

Tomatoes 60–90 days Cherry Tomatoes 55–75 days Roma Tomatoes 70–80 days Bell Peppers 65–90 days Hot Peppers 65–90 days Jalapeños 65–90 days Habanero Peppers 75–100 days Cucumbers 50–70 days

Fall Picks

Lettuce 35–60 days Spinach 35–50 days Kale 50–65 days Swiss Chard 45–60 days Carrots 55–70 days Radishes 25–35 days Beets 50–65 days Potatoes 75–120 days

Year-Round Picks

Artichokes 150–180 days

Garden Kits for Cedar Rapids

Themed collections that grow well in Zone 5.

🌶️
Salsa Box
Everything for fresh homemade salsa, all season long.
 🥗
Salad Lovers
Fresh salad greens and toppings straight from your garden.
 🥕
Kid-Friendly Crunch
High-engagement crops kids love to pick and eat.
 🥬
Smoothie Greens
Nutrient-packed greens for smoothies and juicing.
 🌿
Herb Heaven
The essential culinary herb collection.
 🇲🇹
Italian Feast
Classic Italian garden: tomatoes, basil, zucchini, and garlic.
 🌮
Taco Night
Grow your own taco toppings: fresh lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro.
 ☀️
Summer Bounty
The best of summer: cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, and basil.
 🐝
Pollinator Paradise
Flowers that attract pollinators and look gorgeous in your garden beds.
 🍲
Exotic Asia
Asian-inspired garden with bok choy, Thai basil, lemongrass, and more.
 🌈
Beautiful Foods
Colorful, photogenic crops that look as good as they taste.
 🥦
Brassica Box
The cool-season powerhouse: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and more.
 🍿
Snack Garden
Grab-and-go snacking crops the whole family will graze on.
 🍓
Strawberry Patch
A dedicated strawberry bed with companion flowers and herbs.
 🇱🇪
Mediterranean
Sun-loving flavors of the Mediterranean: eggplant, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
 🍸
Happy Hour
Cocktail garden essentials: fresh herbs and garnish crops for drinks.
 🥢
Asian Stir Fry
Stir fry essentials: bok choy, scallions, cilantro, snow peas, and Thai basil.

Build Your Plant Playlist

Start with a themed kit and customize from there.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA zone is Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. Winter lows typically range from -20 to -10°F and summer highs reach 80–95°F.
What can I grow in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids gardeners can grow 100 different plants across multiple seasons. Popular choices include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens. See our full Zone 5 guide for detailed plant lists.
When should I start planting in Cedar Rapids?
Timing depends on the crop. Cool-season crops can be started in early spring or fall. Warm-season crops should wait until after frost risk passes. Check individual plant guides for Zone 5a planting windows.
What garden kits work in Cedar Rapids?
Most of our garden kits work in Zone 5. Popular options include the Salsa Box, Salad Lovers, and Herb Heaven kits. Each includes plants that grow well together in your zone.

Explore Zone 5

See the full Zone 5 planting guide for complete plant lists, timing, and growing tips for all Zone 5 gardeners.