When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Saguache County, CO
This month in Saguache County, Colorado
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Set out napa cabbage seedlings
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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Plant napa cabbage from seed, right in the garden
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
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 Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Saguache County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.4
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 Saguache County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.4) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Saguache County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Napa 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 | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular 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.
Napa 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.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Saguache County, CO
Napa 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 | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 29 |
| 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 Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
113 days in Saguache County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Saguache County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after May 30 in Saguache County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa 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. Napa Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Saguache County, CO?
Saguache County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 30. Plan your Napa 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.
Your Saguache County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.