Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Georgia

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

The Short Answer

Georgia's mild winters make cabbage a productive cool-season crop, filling the garden gap between summer's end and spring's beginning. The Piedmont's moderate fall-through-spring temperatures are ideal for heading without the bolting risk that comes with rapidly warming weather.

Georgia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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 Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 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

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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 Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: spring from mid-March, fall from late July. Piedmont: transplant from September for fall/winter harvest. South Georgia: transplant October through November. Georgia's red clay grows cabbage well — the moisture retention suits this thirsty crop. Add lime if pH is below 6.5.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Rio Verde for heat tolerance. Stonehead for compact heads in small gardens. Napa for fall. UGA Extension provides variety recommendations for Georgia's unique cool-season conditions.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Cabbage worms and harlequin bugs. Clubroot in acidic Piedmont soils. Aphids inside forming heads. Bolting if winter temperatures spike.

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 in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Cabbage in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cabbage in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cabbage in Arizona Arizona 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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