Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Maryland

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 Maryland's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 1 - May 15 in Western Maryland. Maryland gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils...

Maryland Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Maryland 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore 7a, 7b, 8a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Maryland

Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

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 Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

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 Maryland

Cabbage in Maryland'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 Maryland

Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys.

Maryland Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state. Cabbage can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Maryland's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) 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 Maryland, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Western Maryland gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 15 last frost, while those in Eastern Shore 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 Maryland Planting Calendar All plants for Maryland 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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