đ„ŹWhen to Plant Cabbage in USDA Zone 3b (2026 Guide)
Cool-season heavy feeder. Transplant a couple weeks before last frost. Here is the cool-season planting schedule for cabbage in zone 3b (covering areas like northern Maine, Bemidji MN). All dates are based on 2026 frost data for your zone.
Start Seeds Indoors
Apr 3
Transplant
May 1
Harvest From
Jul 20
Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around May 1, before zone 3b's average last frost on May 15.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 80
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Zone 3b frost: May 15 â Sep 20
- Season length: ~128 days
- Companions: onion, beets, herbs
Growing cabbage in zone 3b
Zone 3b has an average last spring frost around May 15 and a first fall frost around Sep 20, giving roughly 128 frost-free growing days. That window comfortably fits cabbage's 80-day cycle, so plant on time to make the most of the season.
Get a head start by sowing seeds indoors around Apr 3, roughly 6 weeks before your last frost. Move the seedlings outside around May 1. Give each plant about 18 inches of space in full sun.
Zone 3b specific growing notes
In zone 3b (northern Maine, Bemidji MN), your 128-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 Sep 20 means your last possible harvest is roughly late Sep. For a continuous supply, consider planting early and using season extension techniques like row covers.
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 3b?
Transplant around May 1. If starting from seed indoors, sow around Apr 3. Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around May 1, before zone 3b's average last frost on May 15.
How long does cabbage take to grow in zone 3b?
About 80 days from transplanting to first harvest. A May 1 planting in zone 3b is typically ready to pick from around Jul 20. Zone 3b has about 128 frost-free days â plenty of time if you plant on schedule.
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.