When to Plant Cabbage in Kitimat-Stikine, BC
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.
Kitimat-Stikine, British Columbia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 229 feet, Kitimat-Stikine receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly podzolic loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.
Kitimat-Stikine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Podzolic Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 30 sq ft. In Kitimat-Stikine's 200-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Cabbage Water Budget
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Kitimat-Stikine). 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 — Kitimat-Stikine, BC
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Kitimat-Stikine
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Kitimat-Stikine
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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 Kitimat-Stikine, BC?
Kitimat-Stikine is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kitimat-Stikine, BC?
Kitimat-Stikine, British Columbia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Kitimat-Stikine Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kitimat-Stikine (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.