When to plant Cabbage in Capay, CA
In Capay, plant Cabbage in spring between January 19 and February 9, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Capay's last frost averages February 9, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between October 8 and October 22 — roughly 60–100 days before the first frost on December 3.
When to Plant Cabbage in Capay, CA
This month in Yolo County, California
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.
Capay, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 163 feet, Yolo County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Capay Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Capay
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Yolo County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 08.
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 | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.1" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.3" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Yolo 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 — Capay, CA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | April 13 | Apr 13 – Jun 8 |
| Fall Sowing | October 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Yolo County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Capay
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 09 in Yolo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Yolo County reach 95°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.
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
When should I plant Cabbage in Capay, CA?
In Capay, CA, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Capay, CA for Cabbage?
Capay sits in USDA Zone 9b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Capay's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Capay's temperate climate. Capay averages a 298-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 3.
Your Yolo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Yolo 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.