When to plant Leeks in Cherokee County, IA
Cherokee County gardeners should plant Leeks between April 14 and May 5 in spring. With Cherokee County's Zone 5a climate (last frost April 28), Leeks needs 90–150 days to mature — plant by May 9 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Leeks in Cherokee County, IA
Leeks are a mild, sweet allium that produces long white shanks. They are more refined than onions and are a key ingredient in soups, stews, and gratins.
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 Leeks to ensure they mature before fall.
Cherokee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Leeks Planting Timeline — Cherokee County, IA
Leeks 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 | July 28 | Jul 28 – Oct 13 |
| 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 | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Cherokee County
Growing Tips for Cherokee County
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Transplant into trenches and hill soil around stems as they grow to increase the white portion. Harvest as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Leeks in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leeks in Cherokee County, IA?
Cherokee County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Leeks 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 Leeks in Cherokee County, IA?
In Cherokee County, IA, plant Leeks 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, IA for Leeks?
Cherokee County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Leeks grow in Cherokee County's climate?
Yes — Leeks 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.