When to plant Cabbage in Dickinson County, IA
Aim to plant Cabbage in Dickinson County on or after April 16; the window stays open through May 7. Dickinson County's 159-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Dickinson 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.
Dickinson County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,311 feet, Dickinson County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Dickinson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Dickinson County's 159-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Dickinson County, IA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 |
| 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 | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Dickinson County
Growing Tips for Dickinson 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Dickinson County, IA?
Dickinson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dickinson County, IA?
Dickinson County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Cabbage in Dickinson County, IA?
In Dickinson County, IA, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dickinson County, IA for Cabbage?
Dickinson 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 Dickinson County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Dickinson County's temperate climate. Dickinson County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 6.
Your Dickinson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dickinson 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.