When to plant Black Beans in Union County, IA
Black Beans planted in Union County between April 30 and May 21 matures in 90–120 days — well before the October 11 first frost.
When to Plant Black Beans in Union 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.
Union County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 1,311 feet, Union County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Union County, IA
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Union 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Union County, IA?
Union County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, IA?
Union County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Black Beans in Union County, IA?
In Union County, IA, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, IA for Black Beans?
Union County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black Beans grow in Union County's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 11.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.