đ„ŹWhen to Plant Cabbage in USDA Zone 9a (2026 Guide)
Cool-season heavy feeder. Transplant a couple weeks before last frost. Here is the cool-season planting schedule for cabbage in zone 9a (covering areas like Houston TX, Jacksonville FL). All dates are based on 2026 frost data for your zone.
Start Seeds Indoors
Jan 14
Transplant
Feb 11
Harvest From
May 2
Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Feb 11, before zone 9a's average last frost on Feb 25.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 80
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Zone 9a frost: Feb 25 â Dec 5
- Season length: ~283 days
- Companions: onion, beets, herbs
Growing cabbage in zone 9a
Zone 9a has an average last spring frost around Feb 25 and a first fall frost around Dec 5, giving roughly 283 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 Jan 14, roughly 6 weeks before your last frost. Move the seedlings outside around Feb 11. Give each plant about 18 inches of space in full sun.
Zone 9a specific growing notes
In zone 9a (Houston TX, Jacksonville FL), your 283-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 5 means your last possible harvest is roughly late Dec. For a continuous supply, consider succession planting every 2-3 weeks from Feb 11 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 9a?
Transplant around Feb 11. If starting from seed indoors, sow around Jan 14. Because cabbage is a cool-season crop, it tolerates light frost and can go out around Feb 11, before zone 9a's average last frost on Feb 25.
How long does cabbage take to grow in zone 9a?
About 80 days from transplanting to first harvest. A Feb 11 planting in zone 9a is typically ready to pick from around May 2. Zone 9a has about 283 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.