When to Plant Cabbage in Salt Lake City, UT
Published: April 24, 2026
Cabbage Planting Dates for Salt Lake City, UT
| Start seeds indoors | February 9–16 |
| Last frost (average) | March 30 |
| Transplant outdoors | March 9–19 |
| Minimum soil temperature | 45°F |
| Expect first harvest | May 8 – June 17 |
| Fall crop planting | August 9–19 |
| Fall crop harvest | October 8 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 1 |
⚠ 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 Salt Lake City, UT
Consult a Salt Lake City-area nursery or your state extension office for cabbage varieties proven in Zone 6a.
Growing Cabbage in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City sits in Zone 6a, with an average last frost of March 30 and first fall frost around November 1 — giving a 216-day frost-free growing season. Cool-season crops like cabbage benefit from Salt Lake City's cooler spring and fall windows, when temperatures stay in the 55–75°F sweet spot that produces the best flavor and least bolting.
Salt Lake City'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.
Salt Lake City's caliche soil is rock-hard below the surface — raised beds filled with quality potting mix are the most practical approach for cabbage. Breaking through caliche for in-ground planting requires significant soil amendment, gypsum application, and deep tilling over several seasons. Water at 1.5 inches per week delivered through drip irrigation for best results in a raised-bed system.
Cabbage Calendar for Salt Lake City
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| February | Start seeds indoors under grow lights |
| March | Transplant outdoors into warm soil |
| May | 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City every 2–3 weeks through spring to extend the harvest window into summer.
Common Cabbage Pests in Salt Lake City
- •Cabbage Worm — peaks July in Zone 6a (active May–September); green caterpillars on brassicas; apply Bt spray or use row covers.
- •Cabbage Looper — peaks July in Zone 6a (active May–September); loop-walking green caterpillars; Bt spray works well.
- •Aphid — peaks July in Zone 6a (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 Salt Lake City
In Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City, UT?
In Salt Lake City (Zone 6a), start cabbage seeds indoors around February 9–16 and transplant outdoors around March 9–19. The city's average last frost of March 30 is the anchor date — count 7 weeks back for seed starting and 3 weeks back for transplanting.
What zone is Salt Lake City, UT for cabbage growing?
Salt Lake City is USDA Zone 6a. For cabbage, this means a frost-free growing season of roughly 31 weeks running from March 30 to November 1. Cool-season crops like cabbage thrive in this zone with both spring and fall planting windows available.
When is cabbage harvest season in Salt Lake City?
Expect the first cabbage harvest in Salt Lake City around May 8, with harvest continuing through June 17. This is based on 60–100 days from transplant or direct sow. A fall crop planted August 9–19 adds a second harvest around October 8.
How long does it take to grow cabbage in Salt Lake City, UT?
From transplant or direct sow to first harvest, cabbage takes 60–100 days in Salt Lake City's climate. Based on a typical planting date of March 9–19, expect your first harvest around May 8. Salt Lake City's Zone 6a transition-zone climate produces maturity times right in the middle of the stated range.
What soil does cabbage need in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City's caliche subsoil is effectively rock — traditional in-ground planting of cabbage produces poor results. Build a raised bed with 12–18 inches of quality potting mix or Mel's Mix for reliable production. Break through caliche only for deep-rooted crops, and expect to add compost each year to offset the alkalinity.