Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Kansas

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 Kansas's varied climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 20 - May 5 in Northern Kansas. Kansas gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be...

Kansas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Kansas 5b, 6a Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas 6a, 6b Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas 6b, 7a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Kansas

Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · 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 Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · 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 Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · 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 Kansas

Cabbage in Kansas'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 Kansas

Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue.

Kansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops. Cabbage can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Kansas's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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 Kansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Kansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern Kansas 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 Kansas Planting Calendar All plants for Kansas 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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