When to plant Cabbage in Denver County County,
Plant Cabbage in Denver County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 30. Continue planting through May 21 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 18 to August 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Denver County, CO
June in the garden — Denver County, Colorado
Welcome to June in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Time to start cabbage inside
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: cabbage
- Fall sowing: 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.
Denver 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 6,818 feet, Denver County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Denver County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
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 Denver County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Denver 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.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 18.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Denver 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 — Denver County, CO
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 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Denver County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Denver County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 14 in Denver County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Denver County receives only 20" 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 Denver County, CO?
Denver County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Denver County, CO?
Denver 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 Cabbage in Denver County, ?
In Denver County, , plant 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 Denver County, for Cabbage?
Denver County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Denver County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Denver County's temperate climate. Denver County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 26.
Your Denver County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Denver 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.