When to plant Cabbage in Rye, CO
Plant Cabbage in Rye, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 23. Continue planting through May 14 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Rye, CO
Your June planting checklist for Pueblo County, Colorado
Your Pueblo County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Start cabbage under lights
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Rye, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 4,607 feet, Pueblo County receives approximately 14.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
Rye Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.9
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 Rye
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.9) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pueblo County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Pueblo 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 — Rye, CO
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
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
153 days in Pueblo County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Rye
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 07 in Pueblo 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.
Pueblo 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
When should I plant Cabbage in Rye, CO?
In Rye, CO, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 7) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rye, CO for Cabbage?
Rye sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Rye's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Rye's temperate climate. Rye averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 7 and first frost around October 7.
Your Pueblo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pueblo 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.