When to Plant Cabbage in Des Moines, Iowa (50321)

Location

Des Moines, Iowa

ZIP Code

50321

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Saturday, March 14, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Saturday, April 25, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Cabbage seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, April 25, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Days to Maturity 70 days

Mature Height 12-18"

Spread 24"

Type Head

Fruit Size Large (2-5 lb head)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (1-1.5 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 4-10 days

Ready to Plant Cabbage in Des Moines?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 14, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CeleryDillOnionPotatoChamomile

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

StrawberryTomatoGrape

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Growing Cabbage in Zone 5b

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a popular garden vegetable. In Des Moines, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Cabbage seedlings outdoors around Saturday, April 25, 2026, about 0 weeks after your last frost date.