đ„ŹWhen to Plant Cabbage in USDA Zone 10b (2026 Guide)
Cool-season heavy feeder. Transplant a couple weeks before last frost. Here is the cool-season planting schedule for cabbage in zone 10b (covering areas like Key West FL, coastal So-Cal). All dates are based on 2026 frost data for your zone.
Start Seeds Indoors
Dec 4
Transplant
Jan 1
Harvest From
Mar 22
Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Jan 1, before zone 10b's average last frost on Jan 15.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 80
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Zone 10b frost: Jan 15 â Dec 31
- Season length: ~350 days
- Companions: onion, beets, herbs
Growing cabbage in zone 10b
Zone 10b has an average last spring frost around Jan 15 and a first fall frost around Dec 31, giving roughly 350 frost-free growing days. That window comfortably fits cabbage's 80-day cycle, with room for a second succession planting if you time it right.
Get a head start by sowing seeds indoors around Dec 4, roughly 6 weeks before your last frost. Move the seedlings outside around Jan 1. Give each plant about 18 inches of space in full sun.
Zone 10b specific growing notes
In zone 10b (Key West FL, coastal So-Cal), your 350-day growing season means cabbage should be one of your first spring plantings. Cool-season crops thrive in the mild part of your growing window. Monitor soil temperature â cabbage germinates best when soil is 40-75°F.
Your first fall frost around Dec 31 means your last possible harvest is roughly late Dec. For a continuous supply, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks from Jan 1 through mid-season.
Pro tip for cabbage
Fertilize heavily with nitrogen early in the growing seasonâcabbage is one of the heaviest feeders in the garden and depletes soil quickly. Side-dress with compost or fish emulsion every 2 weeks until heads begin forming.
Troubleshooting cabbage
Split heads occur when a dry period is followed by heavy rain or overwateringâthe inner leaves grow faster than outer leaves can stretch. Harvest promptly when heads feel firm; if cracking starts, twist the plant to break some roots and slow water uptake.
Growing cabbage in containers
One plant per 5-gallon container. Cabbage needs consistent moisture and heavy feeding in containers. Compact early varieties like 'Golden Acre' or 'Early Jersey Wakefield' are best suited for pots.
Can you plant cabbage twice a year?
Yesâstart fall cabbage seeds indoors in early to mid-July in zones 5+. Transplant by mid-August. Fall cabbage often forms tighter, sweeter heads because they mature in cooling weather.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant cabbage in zone 10b?
Transplant around Jan 1. If starting from seed indoors, sow around Dec 4. Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Jan 1, before zone 10b's average last frost on Jan 15.
How long does cabbage take to grow in zone 10b?
About 80 days from transplanting to first harvest. A Jan 1 planting in zone 10b is typically ready to pick from around Mar 22. Zone 10b has about 350 frost-free days â plenty of time for a second succession planting.
How far apart should I space cabbage?
Space cabbage about 18 inches apart in full sun. This gives each plant enough room for roots to spread and leaves to catch sunlight without competing.
What is the best tip for growing cabbage?
Fertilize heavily with nitrogen early in the growing seasonâcabbage is one of the heaviest feeders in the garden and depletes soil quickly. Side-dress with compost or fish emulsion every 2 weeks until heads begin forming.
What are common problems with cabbage and how do I fix them?
Split heads occur when a dry period is followed by heavy rain or overwateringâthe inner leaves grow faster than outer leaves can stretch. Harvest promptly when heads feel firm; if cracking starts, twist the plant to break some roots and slow water uptake.
Can I grow cabbage in a container?
One plant per 5-gallon container. Cabbage needs consistent moisture and heavy feeding in containers. Compact early varieties like 'Golden Acre' or 'Early Jersey Wakefield' are best suited for pots.
Can I plant a second crop of cabbage for fall harvest?
Yesâstart fall cabbage seeds indoors in early to mid-July in zones 5+. Transplant by mid-August. Fall cabbage often forms tighter, sweeter heads because they mature in cooling weather.
What grows well next to cabbage?
Good companion plants for cabbage are onion, beets, herbs. Avoid planting near warm-season crops that compete for space and nutrients. Cabbage also benefits from crop rotation â do not plant it in the same spot year after year.