Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage

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

Sun

Full sun (6-8 hours)

Water

1-1.5 inches per week

Days to Harvest

70-100

Difficulty

intermediate

Spacing

18"

Frost Tolerance

high

The Short Answer

Cabbage are cold-tolerant and actually prefer cooler growing conditions. You can direct sow seeds 4 weeks before your last frost date — one of the earliest crops you can plant. Or start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost for an even earlier harvest. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the most nutritious vegetables you can grow and one of the best for storage — properly cured heads last 3-6 months in a cold root cellar or spare refrigerator. Consistent watering is critical during head formation; fluctuations in moisture cause heads to crack and split. Cracked heads should be harvested immediately. Start with smaller-headed varieties like Early Jersey Wakefield before attempting the massive storage types like Danish Ballhead, which need 100+ days and impeccable pest management.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Begin cabbage seeds indoors 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 40°F to germinate, which typically takes 5-10 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 2 weeks before your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 40°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Direct Sowing

Cabbage can be direct sown 4 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds 0.25" deep, spaced 18" apart.

Fall Planting

Cabbage are planted in fall, 10 weeks before your average first frost date. Plant 0.25" deep, 18" apart.

Growing Tips

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

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Beets Celery Onions Dill

Keep away from:

Strawberries Tomatoes

Cabbage Planting Dates by State

Click your state for cabbage planting dates specific to your location:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026