In zone 8, cabbage grows best in the cool months. Set out fall transplants by about September 2 for heads in late fall and winter. For a spring crop, transplant around March 3, so heads mature before the heat.
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 8
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | January 20 – February 3 |
| Transplant outside | March 3 |
| First harvest | May 7 – May 22 |
| Transplant for fall by | September 2 |
| Main season | Fall and winter |
| Start fall seedlings | Late summer, in a shaded seedbed |
| Harvest | When heads are firm, before they split |
Most of zone 8 sees its last spring frost between March 25 and April 6 (typical March 31) and its first fall frost between October 31 and November 9 (typical November 4). 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 8
In zone 8, cabbage is a fall, winter and early spring crop.
- Early varieties (1–3 pound heads) for late-winter planting, so they finish before the heat.
- Late varieties (4–8 pound heads) for fall and winter.
- Red and savoy cabbage for color and milder flavor.
Choose yellows-resistant (YR) and black-rot-resistant varieties, since these diseases thrive in warm areas.
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 8 cabbage tips
- Grow it through the cool months. Transplant in fall once the heat breaks.
- Shade summer seedlings and transplant on cloudy days.
- Water steadily so heads form quickly.
- Watch for cabbage worms and harlequin bugs, and check plants often.
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 8 in March?
For spring, yes: heads would form in the heat. Plant for fall, by about September 2.
Can cabbage grow in winter in zone 8?
Yes. Hardened cabbage tolerates frost and grows well through mild winters.
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.