đ„ŹWhen to Plant Cabbage in USDA Zone 8b (2026 Guide)
Cool-season heavy feeder. Transplant a couple weeks before last frost. Here is the cool-season planting schedule for cabbage in zone 8b (covering areas like Austin TX, Savannah GA). All dates are based on 2026 frost data for your zone.
Start Seeds Indoors
Feb 1
Transplant
Mar 1
Harvest From
May 20
Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Mar 1, before zone 8b's average last frost on Mar 15.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 80
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Zone 8b frost: Mar 15 â Nov 20
- Season length: ~250 days
- Companions: onion, beets, herbs
Growing cabbage in zone 8b
Zone 8b has an average last spring frost around Mar 15 and a first fall frost around Nov 20, giving roughly 250 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 1, roughly 6 weeks before your last frost. Move the seedlings outside around Mar 1. Give each plant about 18 inches of space in full sun.
Zone 8b specific growing notes
In zone 8b (Austin TX, Savannah GA), your 250-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 20 means your last possible harvest is roughly late Nov. For a continuous supply, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks from Mar 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 8b?
Transplant around Mar 1. If starting from seed indoors, sow around Feb 1. Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Mar 1, before zone 8b's average last frost on Mar 15.
How long does cabbage take to grow in zone 8b?
About 80 days from transplanting to first harvest. A Mar 1 planting in zone 8b is typically ready to pick from around May 20. Zone 8b has about 250 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.