When to plant Cabbage in Pinal County, AZ
Pinal County's spring Cabbage window runs February 2 through February 23. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Pinal County, AZ
Your July gardening checklist
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Pinal County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 3,959 feet, Pinal County receives approximately 15.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Pinal County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Cabbage 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 Pinal County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.6) is more alkaline than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Pinal County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 02.
Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 0.5" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.3" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.5" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Pinal 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 — Pinal County, AZ
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Direct Sow | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 23 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – Jun 22 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Pinal County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Pinal County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 23 in Pinal County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Pinal County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Pinal County reach 98°F — grow Cabbage as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Pinal County receives only 16" 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Pinal County, AZ?
Pinal County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pinal County, AZ?
Pinal County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Cabbage in Pinal County, AZ?
In Pinal County, AZ, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pinal County, AZ for Cabbage?
Pinal County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Pinal County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Pinal County's temperate climate. Pinal County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.
Your Pinal County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pinal County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.