Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cabbage in Vermont

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 Vermont's varied climate. You can direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 20 - Jun 5 in Northern Vermont. Vermont gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very...

Vermont Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Vermont 3b, 4a May 20 - Jun 5 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Vermont 4a, 4b, 5a May 10 - May 25 Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Vermont 4b, 5a, 5b May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5

Cabbage Planting Schedule for Vermont

Northern Vermont (Zones 3b, 4a)

Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 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 Vermont (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

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

Southern Vermont (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 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 Vermont

Cabbage in Vermont's Climate

Your cold climate is excellent cabbage country. Transplant 2-3 weeks before your last frost — cabbage handles frost well. Fall cabbage is equally rewarding: start indoors in mid-June, transplant in mid-July, and harvest dense, sweet heads after frost. Storage varieties like Danish Ballhead keep for months in a cold garage or root cellar.

Soil Considerations for Vermont

Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular.

Vermont Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable. Cabbage can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Vermont's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Vermont: Northern Vermont (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 5 - May 20. 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 Vermont, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Vermont gardeners should plan around a May 20 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern Vermont 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 Vermont Planting Calendar All plants for Vermont 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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