When to Plant Cabbage in Elbert 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.
Elbert County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 5,587 feet, Elbert County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Elbert County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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 — Elbert County, CO
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
144 days
Growing Tips for Elbert 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 Elbert County, CO?
Elbert County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elbert County, CO?
Elbert County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Elbert County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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