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When to plant Sage in Scott County, IA

In Scott County, Sage is a spring-only crop. Plant April 22–May 6 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Sage in Scott County, IA

Sage

Sage is a woody perennial herb with velvety gray-green leaves and a warm, peppery flavor. It is a traditional seasoning for poultry, stuffing, and sausage.

Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 678 feet, Scott County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sage to ensure they mature before fall.

Scott County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sage Planting Timeline — Scott County, IA

Sage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Sep 2

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

75–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott County

Start from seed or cuttings. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Replace plants every 4-5 years when they become woody and less productive. Excellent drainage is essential.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cucumber
  • Rue

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sage in Scott County, IA?

Scott County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Sage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, IA?

Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Sage in Scott County, IA?

In Scott County, IA, plant Sage after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County, IA for Sage?

Scott County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Sage grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sage grow in Scott County's climate?

Yes — Sage grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Scott County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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