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When to plant Black Beans in Floyd County, IA

Black Beans planted in Floyd County between May 8 and May 29 matures in 90–120 days — well before the October 7 first frost.

When to Plant Black Beans in Floyd County, IA

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Floyd County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 714 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Floyd County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Floyd County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Floyd County, IA

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 – Sep 25

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

159 days in Floyd County

Growing Tips for Floyd County

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Floyd County, IA?

Floyd County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Floyd County, IA?

Floyd County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Black Beans in Floyd County, IA?

In Floyd County, IA, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Floyd County, IA for Black Beans?

Floyd County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Black Beans grow in Floyd County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Floyd County's temperate climate. Floyd County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Floyd County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Floyd County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Floyd County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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