When to Plant Cabbage in Branch County, MI
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.
Branch County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 900 feet, Branch County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Branch County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Branch County, MI
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
169 days
Growing Tips for Branch 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 Branch County, MI?
Branch County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Branch County, MI?
Branch County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Branch County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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