When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Dubuque County, IA
Dubuque County sits in cold Zone 5a. Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) May 13–May 27 for the single annual harvest; the October 9 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Dubuque County, IA
June in Dubuque County, Iowa — your action list
Your Dubuque County, Iowa garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- Starting indoors: sedum (stonecrop)
Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile, formerly Sedum spectabile) is a supremely tough, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its late-season interest. The flat-topped clusters of starry flowers open pink in late summer and deepen to copper-red as temperatures cool, remaining attractive well into fall and providing seed heads that feed birds through winter. Succulent foliage emerges blue-green in spring, is handsome all season, and turns bronzy after frost. Remarkably adaptable — thrives in poor, gravelly, or sandy soils where other perennials struggle — and virtually maintenance-free once established.
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 Sedum (Stonecrop) to ensure they mature before fall.
Dubuque County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Sedum (Stonecrop) 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 Dubuque County
How your county's soil matches Sedum (Stonecrop)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.3) overlaps with Sedum (Stonecrop)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dubuque County is excellent for Sedum (Stonecrop) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sedum (Stonecrop).
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Sedum (Stonecrop).
How to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop)
Succession Planting Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 11 to harvest before frost.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum (Stonecrop) needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sedum (Stonecrop) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dubuque County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sedum (Stonecrop) 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.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Dubuque County, IA
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Bloom | September 9 | Sep 9 – Nov 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Dubuque County
Growing Tips for Sedum (Stonecrop) in Dubuque County
Direct sow Sedum (Stonecrop) outdoors after April 29 in Dubuque County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Plant divisions or container plants in spring after frost danger passes, or in early fall. Excellent drainage is the primary requirement — upright border sedums will rot in wet, heavy soils over winter. Lean soil actually improves performance; avoid over-fertilizing which causes floppy stems. Tall cultivars (Autumn Joy, Matrona) may need light staking in rich soil. Divide every 3–4 years in spring when centers become sparse. Deadhead selectively — leaving seed heads through winter extends ornamental interest and feeds goldfinches. Very low water requirement once established. Year 2+ plants reach full clump size and peak bloom display.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sedum (Stonecrop) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Dubuque County, IA?
Dubuque County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) 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 Sedum (Stonecrop) in Dubuque County, IA?
In Dubuque County, IA, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) 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 Sedum (Stonecrop)?
Dubuque County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in Dubuque County's climate?
Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) 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.