When to plant Napa Cabbage in Dubuque County, IA
Plant Napa Cabbage in Dubuque County after April 29; the prime window is April 15–May 6. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Dubuque 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.
Dubuque County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 1,243 feet, Dubuque County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Dubuque County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Dubuque County, IA
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
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 |
| 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
163 days in Dubuque County
Growing Tips for Dubuque 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
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Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Dubuque County, IA?
Dubuque County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dubuque County, IA?
Dubuque County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Dubuque County, IA?
In Dubuque County, IA, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dubuque County, IA for Napa Cabbage?
Dubuque 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 Dubuque County's climate?
Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Dubuque County's temperate climate. Dubuque County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 9.
Your Dubuque County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dubuque 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.