When to plant Cabbage in Cherokee County County,
For Cabbage in Cherokee County County, the safe spring window opens around April 14 and closes around May 5. Last expected frost is April 28, first fall frost October 6, giving a 161-day growing season. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Cherokee County, IA
Top priorities for Cherokee County, Iowa gardeners in June
Your Cherokee County, Iowa garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: cabbage
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Collect cabbage at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: cabbage
- Fall sowing: cabbage
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.
Cherokee County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 700 feet, Cherokee County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Cherokee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Cabbage 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.
Soil Compatibility in Cherokee County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cherokee County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 28.
Cabbage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
Cabbage needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cherokee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Cherokee County, IA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Cherokee County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Cherokee County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 28 in Cherokee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Cherokee County, IA?
Cherokee County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cherokee County, IA?
Cherokee County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Cabbage in Cherokee County, ?
In Cherokee County, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cherokee County, for Cabbage?
Cherokee County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Cherokee County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Cherokee County's temperate climate. Cherokee County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 6.
Your Cherokee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cherokee 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.