When to plant Cabbage in Butte County, CA
Cabbage planted in Butte County between March 30 and April 20 matures in 60–100 days — well before the November 10 first frost. A second sowing from September 15 to September 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Butte County, CA
June to-do list for Butte County, California
Each item below is timed to Butte County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Basket week: cabbage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Butte County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 144 feet, Butte County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Butte County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 Butte County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Butte County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help 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 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 15.
Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 9.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 9.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.2" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 7.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Butte 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 — Butte County, CA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 15 | Sep 15 – Sep 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Butte County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Butte County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 20 in Butte County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Butte County, CA?
Butte County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Butte County, CA?
Butte County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is November 10.
When should I plant Cabbage in Butte County, CA?
In Butte County, CA, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Butte County, CA for Cabbage?
Butte County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Butte County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Butte County's temperate climate. Butte County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around November 10.
Your Butte County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Butte County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.