đ„ŹWhen to Plant Cabbage in USDA Zone 7b (2026 Guide)
Cool-season heavy feeder. Transplant a couple weeks before last frost. Here is the cool-season planting schedule for cabbage in zone 7b (covering areas like Atlanta GA, Raleigh NC). All dates are based on 2026 frost data for your zone.
Start Seeds Indoors
Feb 22
Transplant
Mar 22
Harvest From
Jun 10
Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Mar 22, before zone 7b's average last frost on Apr 5.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 80
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Zone 7b frost: Apr 5 â Nov 1
- Season length: ~210 days
- Companions: onion, beets, herbs
Growing cabbage in zone 7b
Zone 7b has an average last spring frost around Apr 5 and a first fall frost around Nov 1, giving roughly 210 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 Feb 22, roughly 6 weeks before your last frost. Move the seedlings outside around Mar 22. Give each plant about 18 inches of space in full sun.
Zone 7b specific growing notes
In zone 7b (Atlanta GA, Raleigh NC), your 210-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 Nov 1 means your last possible harvest is roughly late Nov. For a continuous supply, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks from Mar 22 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 7b?
Transplant around Mar 22. If starting from seed indoors, sow around Feb 22. Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Mar 22, before zone 7b's average last frost on Apr 5.
How long does cabbage take to grow in zone 7b?
About 80 days from transplanting to first harvest. A Mar 22 planting in zone 7b is typically ready to pick from around Jun 10. Zone 7b has about 210 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.