When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Routt County, CO
May in Routt County, Colorado — your action list
A quick May briefing for Routt County, Colorado gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Outdoor sowing time: savoy cabbage
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Transplants going out: savoy cabbage
- Fall sowing: savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage has crinkled, deeply veined leaves that form looser heads than regular cabbage. It has a milder, sweeter flavor and is more cold-tolerant.
Routt County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 88 days.
At an elevation of 5,381 feet, Routt County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savoy Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Routt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Routt County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.9) overlaps with Savoy Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Routt County is excellent for Savoy Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Savoy Cabbage.
How to Plant Savoy Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Savoy Cabbage
Savoy Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Savoy Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Routt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Savoy 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.
Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Routt County, CO
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | August 21 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
88 days in Routt County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Routt County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after June 12 in Routt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 88.0-day growing season in Routt County is tight for Savoy Cabbage (70.0-110.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Savoy Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Routt County receives only 24" of rain annually. Savoy 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. Savoy cabbage is more forgiving of temperature fluctuations than smooth-leaved types. Excellent for stuffed cabbage rolls.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Routt County, CO?
Routt County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 12. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Routt County, CO?
Routt County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and first fall frost is September 8.
Your Routt County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Routt County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.