When to Plant Cabbage in Contra Costa County, CA
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.
Contra Costa County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 88 feet, Contra Costa County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Contra Costa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Contra Costa County, CA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 26 |
| Fall Sowing | October 4 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jun 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9b
Growing Season
276 days
Growing Tips for Contra Costa 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Contra Costa County, CA?
Contra Costa County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Contra Costa County, CA?
Contra Costa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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