đ„ŹWhen to Plant Cabbage in USDA Zone 4b (2026 Guide)
Cool-season heavy feeder. Transplant a couple weeks before last frost. Here is the cool-season planting schedule for cabbage in zone 4b (covering areas like Minneapolis MN, Burlington VT). All dates are based on 2026 frost data for your zone.
Start Seeds Indoors
Mar 24
Transplant
Apr 21
Harvest From
Jul 10
Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Apr 21, before zone 4b's average last frost on May 5.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 80
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Zone 4b frost: May 5 â Oct 1
- Season length: ~149 days
- Companions: onion, beets, herbs
Growing cabbage in zone 4b
Zone 4b has an average last spring frost around May 5 and a first fall frost around Oct 1, giving roughly 149 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 Mar 24, roughly 6 weeks before your last frost. Move the seedlings outside around Apr 21. Give each plant about 18 inches of space in full sun.
Zone 4b specific growing notes
In zone 4b (Minneapolis MN, Burlington VT), your 149-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 Oct 1 means your last possible harvest is roughly late Oct. For a continuous supply, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks from Apr 21 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 4b?
Transplant around Apr 21. If starting from seed indoors, sow around Mar 24. Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Apr 21, before zone 4b's average last frost on May 5.
How long does cabbage take to grow in zone 4b?
About 80 days from transplanting to first harvest. A Apr 21 planting in zone 4b is typically ready to pick from around Jul 10. Zone 4b has about 149 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.