When to plant Cabbage in Rio Blanco County, CO
Rio Blanco County gardeners should plant Cabbage between May 19 and June 9 in spring. With Rio Blanco County's Zone 5b climate (last frost June 2), Cabbage needs 60–100 days to mature — plant by June 9 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 9 to July 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Rio Blanco County, CO
Your July gardening checklist
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Rio Blanco County, Colorado.
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Get cabbage seeds going inside
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Direct-sow cabbage for cool weather
Your first frost is about 7 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 6,974 feet, Rio Blanco County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°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.
Rio Blanco County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
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 Rio Blanco County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.7) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rio Blanco County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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 Rio Blanco County's 107-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Rio Blanco 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 — Rio Blanco County, CO
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 |
| 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 | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
107 days in Rio Blanco County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Rio Blanco County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after June 02 in Rio Blanco County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 107.0-day growing season in Rio Blanco 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.
Rio Blanco County receives only 19" 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 Rio Blanco County, CO?
Rio Blanco County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rio Blanco County, CO?
Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 17.
When should I plant Cabbage in Rio Blanco County, CO?
In Rio Blanco County, CO, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around June 2) and before the first frost (around September 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rio Blanco County, CO for Cabbage?
Rio Blanco County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Rio Blanco County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Rio Blanco County's temperate climate. Rio Blanco County averages a 107-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 2 and first frost around September 17.
Your Rio Blanco County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rio Blanco County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.