When to Plant Cabbage in Dolores County, CO
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.
Dolores County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 82 days.
At an elevation of 7,506 feet, Dolores County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Dolores County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-8.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Dolores County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–8.3) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Dolores County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 30 sq ft. In Dolores County's 82-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
Cabbage needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Dolores County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Dolores County, CO
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | August 20 | Aug 20 – Oct 15 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
82 days in Dolores County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Dolores County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after June 18 in Dolores County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 82.0-day growing season in Dolores County is tight for Cabbage (60.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Dolores County receives only 23" of rain annually. Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Dolores County, CO?
Dolores County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dolores County, CO?
Dolores County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dolores County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.