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When to Plant Cabbage in Coconino County, AZ

Cabbage is a versatile cool-season crop that forms dense, leafy heads in green, red, or savoy varieties. It is a staple for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and many global cuisines.

Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.

At an elevation of 7,869 feet, Coconino County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Coconino County, AZ (Zone 5b) Short season
122 days
Last Spring Frost May 28
122 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Coconino County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Aug 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 23 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 20 Transplant: Jun 24 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Oct 21

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,070 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cabbage needs ~1,760 GDD — county provides 2,684 GDD Excellent fit

Cabbage Planting Timeline โ€” Coconino County, AZ

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Transplant Outdoors May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jun 11
Direct Sow May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jun 4
Fall Sowing July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Aug 2
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Sep 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

122 days

Growing Tips for Coconino County

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent heads from splitting.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in Coconino County, AZ?

Coconino County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Coconino County, AZ?

Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Coconino County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Coconino County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.