When to Plant Cabbage in Colorado
A satisfying crop that stores well. Plant in spring or fall for crisp, dense heads.
The Short Answer
Colorado Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Colorado you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Range (Denver) | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| Western Slope | 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a | May 10 - Jun 1 | Sep 15 - Oct 5 |
| Mountain Regions | 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b | Jun 1 - Jun 20 | Aug 25 - Sep 15 |
Cabbage Planting Schedule for Colorado
Front Range (Denver) (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Western Slope (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 10 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 5
Mountain Regions (Zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: Jun 1 - Jun 20 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15
Growing Cabbage in Colorado
Cabbage in Colorado's Climate
Your cold climate is excellent cabbage country. Transplant 2-3 weeks before your last frost — cabbage handles frost well. Fall cabbage is equally rewarding: start indoors in mid-June, transplant in mid-July, and harvest dense, sweet heads after frost. Storage varieties like Danish Ballhead keep for months in a cold garage or root cellar.
Soil Considerations for Colorado
Alkaline clay soils common along Front Range. Rocky, thin soils in mountains. Amend heavily with compost and sulfur to lower pH.
Colorado Climate & Growing Season
High altitude means intense sun but cool nights. Low humidity. Hail risk in late spring. Short but intense growing season at elevation. Cabbage can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Colorado's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Colorado: Front Range (Denver) (5a, 5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Mountain Regions (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) sees frost end around Jun 1 - Jun 20. 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:
Keep cabbage away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026