When to Plant Cabbage in Sac County, IA
Cabbage is a versatile cool-season crop that forms dense, leafy heads in green, red, or savoy varieties. It is a staple for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and many global cuisines.
Sac County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 1,221 feet, Sac County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Sac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Sac County, IA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
166 days
Growing Tips for Sac County
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent heads from splitting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Sac County, IA?
Sac County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sac County, IA?
Sac County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sac County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.