When to Plant Cabbage in Ottawa County, KS
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.
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 993 feet, Ottawa County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Ottawa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Ottawa County, KS
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
192 days
Growing Tips for Ottawa 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 Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ottawa County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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