When to plant Cabbage in Saguache County, CO
Plant Cabbage in Saguache County after May 30; the prime window is May 16–June 6. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Saguache County, CO
Saguache County, Colorado gardeners: here's your July plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Saguache County, Colorado this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start cabbage indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Direct-sow cabbage for cool weather
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Saguache County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 30 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,293 feet, Saguache County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Saguache County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.4
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 Saguache County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.4) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Saguache County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Saguache 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 — Saguache County, CO
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | August 1 | Aug 1 – Sep 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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
113 days in Saguache County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Saguache County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 30 in Saguache County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 113.0-day growing season in Saguache 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.
Saguache County receives only 24" 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 Saguache County, CO?
Saguache County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 30. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saguache County, CO?
Saguache County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 30 and first fall frost is September 20.
When should I plant Cabbage in Saguache County, CO?
In Saguache County, CO, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 30) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saguache County, CO for Cabbage?
Saguache 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 Saguache County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Saguache County's temperate climate. Saguache County averages a 113-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 30 and first frost around September 20.
Your Saguache County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saguache 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.