🥬When to Plant Cabbage (2026)
Cool-season heavy feeder. Transplant a couple weeks before last frost.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 80
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Companions: onion, beets, herbs
Is Cabbage right for your USDA zone?
Cabbage is a cool-season crop, which means it thrives in the mild temperatures of spring and fall. Gardeners in zones 3a through 7b get the longest cabbage season — you can plant in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. In warmer zones (8a-10b), grow cabbage as a winter crop from October through February when temperatures are coolest.
Cabbage needs about 80 days from transplant to harvest, so any zone with at least 94frost-free days can grow it successfully. Check your zone's specific dates in the table below.
How to grow cabbage
Start cabbage seeds indoors about 6 weeks before your last spring frost, then harden off and transplant the seedlings once frost danger has passed. Give each plant 18 inches of room in full sun, and keep the soil consistently moist while seeds germinate and plants establish.
Expect roughly 80 days to your first harvest. Watch for cabbage worm, aphids, the most common pests of cabbage, and scout plants weekly so you can act early. Fertilize heavily with nitrogen early in the growing season—cabbage 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 overwatering—the 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.
Cabbage planting dates by zone (2026)
| Zone | Start Indoors | Sow / Transplant | Harvest From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 3 | May 1 | Jul 20 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 1 | Jul 20 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 29 | Apr 26 | Jul 15 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 24 | Apr 21 | Jul 10 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 19 | Apr 16 | Jul 5 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 11 | Jun 30 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 9 | Apr 6 | Jun 25 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Jun 20 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 27 | Mar 27 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 22 | Mar 22 | Jun 10 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 11 | Mar 11 | May 30 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 1 | Mar 1 | May 20 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 14 | Feb 11 | May 2 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 30 | Jan 27 | Apr 17 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 20 | Jan 17 | Apr 7 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Mar 22 |
Cabbage planting FAQ
When is the best time to plant cabbage?
Cabbage is a cool-season crop. Plant it in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. It tolerates light frost. Find the exact date for your USDA zone in the table below.
How long does cabbage take to grow?
Cabbage takes about 80 days from transplant to first harvest. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost gives the plants a head start.
How far apart should I space cabbage?
Space cabbage about 18 inches apart in full sun. Proper spacing gives roots room to spread and improves airflow, which reduces disease.
What is the best growing tip for cabbage?
Fertilize heavily with nitrogen early in the growing season—cabbage 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?
Split heads occur when a dry period is followed by heavy rain or overwatering—the 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 cabbage for a second harvest?
Yes—start 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 with cabbage?
Good companion plants for cabbage are onion, beets, herbs. Companion planting can deter pests and make better use of garden space. Rotate where you plant cabbage each year to keep soil healthy.