Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Arizona

A satisfying crop that stores well. Plant in spring or fall for crisp, dense heads.

The Short Answer

Cabbage are cold-tolerant and do well in Arizona's varied climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 15 - Jun 5 in Northern Arizona (Flagstaff). Arizona gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Alkaline, mineral-rich desert soils. Low organic matter. Heavy amendment with compost essential....

Arizona Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Arizona you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a May 15 - Jun 5 Sep 15 - Oct 10
Central Arizona (Phoenix) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 1 - Dec 20
Southern Arizona (Tucson) 8b, 9a, 9b Feb 1 - Feb 25 Nov 20 - Dec 15

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Arizona

Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 10

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Central Arizona (Phoenix) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Southern Arizona (Tucson) (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 25 · Average first frost: Nov 20 - Dec 15

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Growing Cabbage in Arizona

Cabbage in Arizona's Climate

Plant cabbage from October through December for winter harvest. Diamondback moth is a year-round challenge in mild climates — Bt applications are more frequent than in cold zones where winter kills pest populations. Choose varieties bred for warm-climate conditions.

Soil Considerations for Arizona

Alkaline, mineral-rich desert soils. Low organic matter. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Caliche layers may need to be broken.

Arizona Climate & Growing Season

Extreme heat in summer lowlands. Two planting seasons in Phoenix — spring and fall (summer is too hot). High elevation has traditional cold-climate seasons. Cabbage can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Arizona's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Arizona: Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Arizona (Tucson) (8b, 9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 25. This difference matters for cabbage — but cabbage handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.

Growing Tips

Consistent watering prevents head splitting. Heads can handle light frost — it actually improves flavor.

Companion Planting

Plant cabbage alongside these companions for better growth:

Beets Celery Onions Dill

Keep cabbage away from:

Strawberries Tomatoes

The Bottom Line

Cabbage can be grown successfully across Arizona, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern Arizona (Tucson) can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Cabbage Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Arizona Planting Calendar All plants for Arizona Cabbage in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cabbage in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cabbage in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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