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When to plant Cabbage in Rock County, MN

Plant Cabbage in Rock County from April 18 to May 9 in spring. Rock County sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around May 2 and first frost on October 2. A second sowing from July 24 to August 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Rock County, MN

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.

Rock County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 916 feet, Rock County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Rock County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Rock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.9

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 Rock County's 153-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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Rock County, MN

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 29
Fall Sowing July 24 Jul 24 – Aug 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

153 days in Rock County

Growing Tips for Rock 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 Rock County, MN?

Rock County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rock County, MN?

Rock County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 2.

When should I plant Cabbage in Rock County, MN?

In Rock County, MN, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rock County, MN for Cabbage?

Rock County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cabbage grow in Rock County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Rock County's temperate climate. Rock County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 2.

🌱

Your Rock County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rock County (Zone 5a). 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 Rock County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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