When to plant Cabbage in Springfield, CO
Plant Cabbage in Springfield after April 19; the prime window is April 5–April 26. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Springfield, CO
Top priorities for Baca County, Colorado gardeners in June
Your Baca 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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Harvest cabbage as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: 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.
Springfield, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 4,958 feet, Baca County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Springfield Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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 Springfield
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 Baca 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 Jul 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Baca 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 — Springfield, CO
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Baca County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Springfield
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 19 in Baca 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.
Baca County receives only 12" 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 Springfield, CO?
In Springfield, CO, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Springfield, CO for Cabbage?
Springfield sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Springfield's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Springfield's temperate climate. Springfield averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 18.
Your Baca County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baca County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.