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When to plant Cabbage in Pope County County,

Pope County County gardeners should plant Cabbage between March 24 and April 14 in spring. With Pope County County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 7), Cabbage needs 100 days to mature — plant by July 13 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Pope County, IL

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.

Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Pope County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.

Pope County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21
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Pope County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Pope County's 197-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage

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 Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pope County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Pope County, IL

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 14
Harvest June 9 Jun 9 – Aug 4
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Pope County

Growing Tips for Pope County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in Pope County, IL?

Pope County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pope County, IL?

Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Cabbage in Pope County County, ?

In Pope County County, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pope County County, for Cabbage?

Pope County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cabbage grow in Pope County County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Pope County County's temperate climate. Pope County County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pope County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pope County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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