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When to plant Napa Cabbage in Boulder County, CO

Boulder County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Napa Cabbage between April 30 (after last frost on May 14) and May 21. A second sowing from July 18 to August 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Boulder County, CO

Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.

Boulder County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 7,657 feet, Boulder County receives approximately 22.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.

Boulder County, CO (Zone 6a) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Boulder County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Boulder County, CO

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 – Aug 13
Fall Sowing July 18 Jul 18 – Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

55–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

135 days in Boulder County

Growing Tips for Boulder County

Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Boulder County, CO?

Boulder County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boulder County, CO?

Boulder County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Boulder County, CO?

In Boulder County, CO, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Boulder County, CO for Napa Cabbage?

Boulder County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Napa Cabbage grow in Boulder County's climate?

Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Boulder County's temperate climate. Boulder County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 26.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Boulder County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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