When to Plant Cabbage in Yavapai County, AZ
May to-do list for Yavapai County, Arizona
May is a pivotal month for Yavapai County, Arizona gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Begin indoor sowing: cabbage
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: cabbage
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.
Yavapai County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 3,732 feet, Yavapai County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°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.
Yavapai County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Yavapai County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.5) is more alkaline than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Yavapai 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 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 27.
Plant 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 0.5" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Yavapai 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 — Yavapai County, AZ
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Yavapai County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Yavapai County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 09 in Yavapai County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Yavapai 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 Yavapai County reach 101°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.
Yavapai County receives only 14" 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Yavapai County, AZ?
Yavapai County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yavapai County, AZ?
Yavapai County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Yavapai County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yavapai County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.