Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Missouri

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 Missouri's humid climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 20 - May 5 in Northern Missouri. Missouri gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally...

Missouri Frost Dates

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

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

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Missouri

Northern Missouri (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 Missouri (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 Missouri (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 Missouri

Cabbage in Missouri'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 Missouri

Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile.

Missouri Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state. Cabbage can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Missouri's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

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