When to Plant Cabbage in Cibola County, NM
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.
Cibola County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 4,342 feet, Cibola County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Cibola County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.1-8.6
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 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Cibola County, NM
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Fall Sowing | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
132 days
Growing Tips for Cibola 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 Cibola County, NM?
Cibola County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cibola County, NM?
Cibola County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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