In zone 7, set cabbage transplants outside around March 20, about four weeks before your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors from February 6 to February 20. For a fall crop, transplant by about August 21.
Cabbage dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Cabbage timing in zone 7
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | February 6 – February 20 |
| Transplant outside | March 20 |
| First harvest | May 24 – June 8 |
| Transplant for fall by | August 21 |
| Start fall cabbage | Midsummer, in a shaded seedbed |
| Water fall plantings | Regularly through late-summer heat |
| Harvest | When heads are firm, before they split |
Most of zone 7 sees its last spring frost between April 10 and April 26 (typical April 17) and its first fall frost between October 18 and October 29 (typical October 23). Hardened cabbage transplants tolerate frost, but weeks of 35–45 °F weather can make them bolt. The tool above uses the weather station closest to your ZIP code.
Why cabbage is planted early
Cabbage is a cool-season crop, and hardened transplants tolerate frost. Heads form best in mild weather, so early varieties go out about four weeks before the last spring frost and mature before summer heat. Late varieties are started in midsummer and form their heads in fall.
Best cabbage varieties for zone 7
In zone 7, grow early cabbage in spring and late cabbage for fall:
- Early varieties: 1–3 pound heads that mature before the heat.
- Late varieties: 4–8 pound heads for fall and storage.
- Red and savoy cabbage for color and milder flavor.
Most modern hybrids resist yellows (fusarium wilt); choose black-rot-resistant varieties if that disease is a problem.
How to plant cabbage
- Start seeds indoors ¼–½ inch deep, or in a shaded seedbed for fall plantings.
- Harden off transplants before planting out.
- Space plants 12–24 inches apart: closer for small early heads, wider for large late ones.
- Transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening.
- Keep the soil evenly moist for steady growth.
Zone 7 cabbage tips
- Plant spring cabbage early so heads mature before summer heat.
- Start fall cabbage in midsummer, in a shaded seedbed, and transplant on a cloudy day.
- Water fall plantings well. They need steady moisture to get through the heat and form heads quickly.
- Rotate. If clubroot appears, keep the whole cabbage family out of that spot for at least four years.
Harvesting cabbage
Harvest when the heads are solid and firm to hand pressure, before they crack. Cut close to the base, leaving the loose outer leaves. If a head splits, harvest it right away. Store uncut heads unwashed in a loose plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Cabbage planting dates in nearby zones
See dates for every zone on the cabbage planting guide, or build a full schedule with the planting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant cabbage in zone 7 in April?
For spring, yes. Start late cabbage in midsummer and transplant by about August 21 for fall heads.
How long does cabbage keep?
Uncut heads keep up to two weeks in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped. Savoy keeps only a few days.
Can cabbage handle frost?
Yes. Hardened cabbage transplants tolerate frost and go out about four weeks before your last spring frost.
Why did my cabbage bolt?
Long exposure to 35–45 °F weather can trigger a flower stalk. Avoid planting too early, and protect plants during long cold spells.
How do I stop cabbage from splitting?
Harvest as soon as heads are firm. Mature heads split when they take up a lot of water quickly, often after heavy rain.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.