When to Plant Cabbage in Jefferson County, OK
Top priorities for Jefferson County, Oklahoma gardeners in May
May is a pivotal month for Jefferson County, Oklahoma gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Collect cabbage at their peak
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Jefferson County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 883 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 24.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.5
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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.5) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Cabbage will thrive.
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 Aug 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 31.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jefferson 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 — Jefferson County, OK
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Jefferson County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 26 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Jefferson County reach 91°F — grow Cabbage as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Jefferson County receives only 25" 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 Jefferson County, OK?
Jefferson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, OK?
Jefferson County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.