When to plant cabbage
Cabbage tolerates frost, so start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks before it; for a fall crop, transplant 10–12 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
Cabbage dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Start indoors | Feb 9–23 |
|---|---|
| Transplant outside | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant for fall | Aug 1–15 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Aug 9 |
| Soil temperature | 45°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 60–90 |
| Spacing | 12–24 in apart |
Your cabbage year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
- Transplant for fall
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for cabbage
- Heads split after heavy rain once mature; harvest firm heads promptly.
- Early varieties suit spring; big storage cabbages suit a fall harvest.
- Row cover prevents cabbage worm damage without sprays.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant cabbage in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Mar 2–16 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Mar 13–27 | Aug 13–27 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Jan 5–19 | Oct 2–16 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Dec 8–22 | Oct 11–25 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Mar 2–16 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Feb 2–16 | Sep 6–20 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Aug 16–30 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Feb 13–27 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | Apr 2–16 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Mar 7–21 | Aug 17–31 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Mar 7–21 | Aug 10–24 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Mar 4–18 | Aug 8–22 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Sep 8–22 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Mar 3–17 | Aug 16–30 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Aug 1–15 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Mar 2–16 | Aug 11–25 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 8–22 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Aug 16–30 |
Cabbage planting FAQ
When should I plant cabbage?
Cabbage tolerates frost, so start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks before it; for a fall crop, transplant 10–12 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
How many days until cabbage is ready to harvest?
Most cabbage varieties take about 60–90 days from transplanting. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can cabbage survive frost?
Yes. Cabbage tolerates frost and light freezes, which is why they can be planted weeks before the last frost date.
How far apart should I plant cabbage?
Space cabbage 12–24 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant cabbage?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost, allowing a week or two extra because cabbage tolerates light frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing cabbage
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.