When to Plant Cabbage in Archuleta County, CO
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.
Archuleta County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 96 days.
At an elevation of 5,346 feet, Archuleta County receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Archuleta County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Archuleta County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.9) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Archuleta County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 30 sq ft. In Archuleta County's 96-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Archuleta 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 — Archuleta County, CO
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jun 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Oct 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
96 days in Archuleta County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Archuleta County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after June 13 in Archuleta County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 96.0-day growing season in Archuleta County is tight for Cabbage (60.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Archuleta County receives only 14" 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Archuleta County, CO?
Archuleta County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Archuleta County, CO?
Archuleta County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Archuleta County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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