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When to plant Cabbage in Calaveras County, CA

Aim to plant Cabbage in Calaveras County on or after March 18; the window stays open through April 8. Calaveras County's 218-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 17 to October 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Calaveras County, CA

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.

Calaveras County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.

At an elevation of 2,363 feet, Calaveras County receives approximately 25 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Calaveras County, CA (Zone 9a) Long season
218 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
218 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Calaveras County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Calaveras County's 218-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage

Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Calaveras County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Calaveras County, CA

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Direct Sow March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 8
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Aug 5
Fall Sowing September 17 Sep 17 – Oct 1

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

218 days in Calaveras County

Growing Tips for Calaveras 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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in Calaveras County, CA?

Calaveras County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calaveras County, CA?

Calaveras County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is November 12.

When should I plant Cabbage in Calaveras County, CA?

In Calaveras County, CA, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Calaveras County, CA for Cabbage?

Calaveras 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 Calaveras County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Calaveras County's temperate climate. Calaveras County averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around November 12.

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Your Calaveras County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Calaveras 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Calaveras County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.