When to plant Napa Cabbage in Cedar County, IA
For Napa Cabbage in Cedar County, the safe spring window opens around April 3 and closes around April 24. Last expected frost is April 17, first fall frost October 16, giving a 182-day growing season. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Cedar County, IA
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
Cedar County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Cedar County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Cedar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cedar County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Cedar County, IA
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
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 |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Cedar County
Growing Tips for Cedar County
Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Cedar County, IA?
Cedar County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cedar County, IA?
Cedar County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Cedar County, IA?
In Cedar County, IA, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cedar County, IA for Napa Cabbage?
Cedar County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Napa Cabbage grow in Cedar County's climate?
Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Cedar County's temperate climate. Cedar County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.
Your Cedar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cedar 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.