When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County, IA
Johnson County gardeners should plant Chinese Cabbage between April 10 and May 1 in spring. With Johnson County's Zone 5b climate (last frost April 24), Chinese Cabbage needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by August 2 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County, IA
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Johnson County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,204 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Johnson County, IA
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
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 | 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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Johnson County
Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
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Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County, IA?
Johnson County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, IA?
Johnson County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County, IA?
In Johnson County, IA, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Johnson County, IA for Chinese Cabbage?
Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Johnson County's climate?
Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.