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When to plant Napa Cabbage in Webster County, IA

For Webster County, gardeners: plant Napa Cabbage April 14 through May 5 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Webster 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.

Webster County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 1,065 feet, Webster County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Webster County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Webster County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage

Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Napa Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Webster County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Webster County, IA

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 – May 5
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Jul 28
Fall Sowing July 28 Jul 28 – Aug 11

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

161 days in Webster County

Growing Tips for Webster 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Webster County, IA?

Webster County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Webster County, IA?

Webster County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Webster County, IA?

In Webster County, IA, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Webster County, IA for Napa Cabbage?

Webster 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 Webster County's climate?

Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Webster County's temperate climate. Webster County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Webster 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.

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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 Webster County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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