When to Plant Cabbage in Java, SD
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.
Java, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 1,070 feet, Walworth County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Java Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Walworth County's 144-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 | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Walworth County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Java, SD
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Walworth County
Growing Tips for Java
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
Your Walworth County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Walworth County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.