Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Ohio

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

The Short Answer

Cabbage thrives in Ohio's cool springs and falls, producing dense, crisp heads that store for months in a root cellar or cold garage. The crop is remarkably cold-hardy — mature heads can withstand temperatures in the low 20s, making cabbage one of the latest-harvested crops in the Ohio garden.

Ohio Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Ohio 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Ohio 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Ohio 6b Apr 15 - Apr 30 Oct 15 - Oct 30

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Ohio

Northern Ohio (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · 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 Ohio (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · 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 Ohio (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - Apr 30 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Oct 30

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 Ohio

State-Specific Growing Tips

Spring: start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks before last frost. Fall: start indoors in late June, transplant in late July. Ohio's clay soils grow excellent cabbage with compost amendment — the moisture retention actually benefits this heavy-drinking crop. Consistent watering prevents head splitting. Side-dress with nitrogen when heads begin forming.

Recommended Varieties for Ohio

Golden Acre (early, 65 days) for spring. Storage No. 4 and Danish Ballhead for fall storage. Red cabbage adds color and nutrition. Napa (Chinese) cabbage for fall planting — it bolts easily in spring but thrives in autumn's declining temperatures.

Common Challenges in Ohio

Cabbage worms — use Bt from transplanting onward. Cabbage root maggot damages roots in spring. Splitting from inconsistent watering or excessive rain. Clubroot in acidic soils — maintain pH above 6.5. Slugs in damp conditions.

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 Ohio with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Ohio gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Southern Ohio sees frost end around Apr 15 - Apr 30. 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 Ohio Planting Calendar All plants for Ohio 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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