When to plant Cabbage in Temecula, CA
In Temecula, plant Cabbage in spring between February 3 and February 24, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Temecula's last frost averages February 24, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between October 9 and October 23 — roughly 60–100 days before the first frost on December 4.
When to Plant Cabbage in Temecula, CA
Top priorities for Riverside County, California gardeners in July
Your Riverside County, California garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
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.
Temecula, California is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 283 days.
At an elevation of 1,206 feet, Riverside County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Temecula Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 Temecula
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Riverside County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 09.
Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 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" | 0.2" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 0.6" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Riverside 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 — Temecula, CA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – Jun 23 |
| Fall Sowing | October 9 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
283 days in Riverside County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Temecula
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 24 in Riverside County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Riverside County reach 102°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.
Riverside County receives only 16" of rain annually. Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Temecula, CA?
In Temecula, CA, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around December 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Temecula, CA for Cabbage?
Temecula sits in USDA Zone 10a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Temecula's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Temecula's temperate climate. Temecula averages a 284-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around December 4.
Your Riverside County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Riverside County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.