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When to Plant Cabbage in Brandon, MB

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.

Brandon, Manitoba is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 1,341 feet, Brandon receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly black chernozem soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Brandon, MB (Zone 4a) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
140 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Brandon Soil Profile

Soil Type

Black Chernozem

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 Brandon's 140-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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Brandon, MB

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Sep 11
Fall Sowing July 10 Jul 10 – Jul 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 4a

📆 Growing Season

140 days in Brandon

Growing Tips for Brandon

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 Brandon, MB?

Brandon is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brandon, MB?

Brandon, Manitoba is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is October 2.

🌱

Your Brandon Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Brandon (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.