Cabbage transplants go out about four weeks before your last spring frost, and late varieties are planted in summer for fall. Find your zone below, or enter your ZIP code for dates based on the weather station closest to you.
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 planting dates by zone
| USDA zone | When to plant |
|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 25 |
| Zone 4 | April 18 |
| Zone 5 | April 10 |
| Zone 6 | April 3 |
| Zone 7 | March 20 |
| Zone 8 | March 3 |
| Zone 9 | February 3 |
Not sure of your zone? Look it up by 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.