When to plant Cabbage in Macdoel, CA
In Zone 8a (Macdoel), direct-sow Cabbage between May 1 and May 22 for spring, after the May 15 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 23 to August 6 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Macdoel, CA
Your July planting checklist for Siskiyou County, California
July is a pivotal month for Siskiyou County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the cabbage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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Direct-sow cabbage for cool weather
Keep young seedlings shaded and moist in summer heat. A row of taller crops works as natural shade.
August prep starts now
- 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.
Macdoel, California is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 251 feet, Siskiyou County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Macdoel Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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 Macdoel
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Siskiyou County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 23.
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 | — | 7.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 7.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 1" | 2.9" | 🚿 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" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 6.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Siskiyou 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 — Macdoel, CA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 |
| Fall Sowing | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Siskiyou County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Macdoel
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 15 in Siskiyou County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Siskiyou County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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
When should I plant Cabbage in Macdoel, CA?
In Macdoel, CA, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Macdoel, CA for Cabbage?
Macdoel sits in USDA Zone 8a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Macdoel's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Macdoel's temperate climate. Macdoel averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around October 1.
Your Siskiyou County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Siskiyou County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.