Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Indiana

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 Indiana's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 25 - May 10 in Northern Indiana. Indiana gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Clay-heavy soils common statewide. Rich but can have drainage issues. Raised beds help with heavy...

Indiana Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Indiana 5b, 6a Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Indiana 6a, 6b Apr 15 - May 1 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Indiana 6b Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Indiana

Northern Indiana (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 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

Central Indiana (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · 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

Southern Indiana (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

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 Indiana

Cabbage in Indiana's Climate

Cabbage thrives in spring and fall. Fall is the superior season — declining temperatures produce dense, crisp heads without bolting risk. Your diverse soils all grow cabbage well. In clay soils, the moisture retention actually benefits this thirsty crop. Consistent watering prevents head splitting.

Soil Considerations for Indiana

Clay-heavy soils common statewide. Rich but can have drainage issues. Raised beds help with heavy clay.

Indiana Climate & Growing Season

Four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall for most crops. Occasional late spring frosts catch gardeners off guard. Cabbage can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Indiana's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Indiana: Northern Indiana (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 25 - May 10, while Southern Indiana (6b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - Apr 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 Indiana, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Indiana gardeners should plan around a Apr 25 - May 10 last frost, while those in Southern Indiana 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 Indiana Planting Calendar All plants for Indiana 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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