When to Plant Cabbage in Colorado Springs, CO
Published:
Cabbage Planting Dates for Colorado Springs, CO
| Start seeds indoors | February 1–8 |
| Last frost (average) | March 22 |
| Transplant outdoors | March 1–11 |
| Minimum soil temperature | 45°F |
| Expect first harvest | April 30 – June 9 |
| Fall crop planting | August 18–28 |
| Fall crop harvest | October 17 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 10 |
⚠ Start cabbage indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Transplant 2–4 weeks before last frost. Very frost tolerant — withstands temperatures as low as 20°F. Also plant in late summer for fall harvest.
Best Cabbage Varieties for Colorado Springs, CO
Consult a Colorado Springs-area nursery or your state extension office for cabbage varieties proven in Zone 6b.
Growing Cabbage in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits in Zone 6b, with an average last frost of March 22 and first fall frost around November 10 — giving a 233-day frost-free growing season. Cool-season crops like cabbage benefit from Colorado Springs's cooler spring and fall windows, when temperatures stay in the 55–75°F sweet spot that produces the best flavor and least bolting.
Colorado Springs's moderate climate supports cabbage on the standard transplant calendar with minimal special accommodation. Succession planting — sowing fresh seeds or setting new transplants every 2–3 weeks through spring — stretches the harvest window and gives you a backup crop if pests hit the first planting.
Colorado Springs's well-draining loam soils are among the best for cabbage growing — focus on annual organic matter additions (2 to 3 inches of compost) and consistent moisture during drier months. Water cabbage at 1.5 inches per week; loam holds moisture evenly without the drought-crack cycle of heavy clay or the rapid-drain losses of pure sand.
Cabbage Calendar for Colorado Springs
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| February | Start seeds indoors under grow lights |
| March | Transplant outdoors into warm soil |
| April | Expect first harvest window to open |
| August | Start fall crop — transplants or direct sow |
| November | First fall frost — harvest remaining, end of outdoor season |
Cabbage Tips for Colorado Springs Gardeners
- •Space plants 18 inches apart — crowding reduces head size and promotes fungal disease.
- •Side-dress with nitrogen 3–4 weeks after transplanting to support rapid leaf formation.
- •Succession plant cabbage in Colorado Springs every 2–3 weeks through spring to extend the harvest window into summer.
Common Cabbage Pests in Colorado Springs
- •Cabbage Worm — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); green caterpillars on brassicas; apply Bt spray or use row covers.
- •Cabbage Looper — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); loop-walking green caterpillars; Bt spray works well.
- •Aphid — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); monitor closely during peak season and treat early.
Check plants every 2–3 days during peak season — early intervention prevents most infestations from becoming serious.
What to Plant with Cabbage in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs's moderate climate, Onion and Dill are the most beneficial plants to grow alongside cabbage. Onion deters carrot fly, aphids, and several root-zone pests through sulfur compounds. Keep cabbage away from Tomato — it competes for nutrients or shares pest pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cabbage in Colorado Springs, CO?
In Colorado Springs (Zone 6b), start cabbage seeds indoors around February 1–8 and transplant outdoors around March 1–11. The city's average last frost of March 22 is the anchor date — count 7 weeks back for seed starting and 3 weeks back for transplanting.
What zone is Colorado Springs, CO for cabbage growing?
Colorado Springs is USDA Zone 6b. For cabbage, this means a frost-free growing season of roughly 33 weeks running from March 22 to November 10. Cool-season crops like cabbage thrive in this zone with both spring and fall planting windows available.
When is cabbage harvest season in Colorado Springs?
Expect the first cabbage harvest in Colorado Springs around April 30, with harvest continuing through June 9. This is based on 60–100 days from transplant or direct sow. A fall crop planted August 18–28 adds a second harvest around October 17.
How long does it take to grow cabbage in Colorado Springs, CO?
From transplant or direct sow to first harvest, cabbage takes 60–100 days in Colorado Springs's climate. Based on a typical planting date of March 1–11, expect your first harvest around April 30. Colorado Springs's Zone 6b transition-zone climate produces maturity times right in the middle of the stated range.
What soil does cabbage need in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs's loam soil is near-ideal for cabbage. Work in 2–3 inches of compost before planting to boost organic matter and nutrient content. Minimal amendment is needed beyond that — loam holds moisture evenly without the drought-crack cycle of clay or the nutrient-loss issues of sandy soil.