Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Texas

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

The Short Answer

Texas grows cabbage as a cool-season crop, with fall planting being the primary season across most of the state. South Texas's Rio Grande Valley is a commercial cabbage producer, and home gardeners statewide can grow excellent heads during the mild winter months.

Texas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20

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 Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 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

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 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

Texas Panhandle (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

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 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

Growing Cabbage in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

Fall: transplant from September (north Texas) through November (south Texas). Spring: transplant in February (north Texas) — the window closes fast when heat arrives. Texas's alkaline soils may need sulfur for cabbage, which prefers pH 6.0-7.0. Cabbage handles light frost, and frost-sweetened cabbage is noticeably better tasting. Consistent moisture prevents splitting.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Rio Verde and Bravo for heat tolerance in Texas's warm cool-season. Golden Acre for quick spring crops. Napa cabbage for fall. Savoy types (Savoy Ace) have beautiful crinkled leaves and superior flavor.

Common Challenges in Texas

Cabbage loopers and diamondback moth — Bt is essential in Texas's warm conditions where pest pressure remains high even in winter. Aphids. Harlequin bugs are particularly destructive to brassicas in Texas. Bolting if winter temperatures spike.

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 Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. 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 Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates