When to plant Cabbage in Ellis County, KS
The best window to plant Cabbage in Ellis County, is April 10–May 1, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 24; first frost October 15. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Ellis County, KS
Top priorities for Ellis County, Kansas gardeners in June
Welcome to June in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Harvest cabbage as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- 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.
Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 664 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 20.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Ellis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Ellis County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ellis County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). 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 Jul 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ellis 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 — Ellis County, KS
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Ellis County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Ellis County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 24 in Ellis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Ellis County receives only 20" 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 Ellis County, KS?
Ellis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ellis County, KS?
Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Cabbage in Ellis County, KS?
In Ellis County, KS, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ellis County, KS for Cabbage?
Ellis County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Ellis County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Ellis County's temperate climate. Ellis County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.
Your Ellis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ellis County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.