When to plant cabbage 🥬
Cabbage takes 65–100 days to mature, spaced 18" apart at 0.5" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | March 30 – April 13 | May 4 – May 18 | August 3 – September 7 |
| Zone 4 | March 20 – April 3 | April 24 – May 8 | July 24 – August 28 |
| Zone 5 | March 6 – March 20 | April 10 – April 24 | July 10 – August 14 |
| Zone 6 | February 19 – March 4 | March 25 – April 8 | June 24 – July 29 |
| Zone 7 | February 5 – February 19 | March 11 – March 25 | June 10 – July 15 |
| Zone 8 | January 19 – February 2 | February 23 – March 8 | May 24 – June 28 |
| Zone 9 | December 21 – January 4 | January 25 – February 8 | April 25 – May 30 |
| Zone 10 | December 5 – December 19 | January 9 – January 23 | April 9 – May 14 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized cabbage planting dates
Care tips
- Use floating row cover to block cabbage moths.
- Harvest when heads are firm to the squeeze.
- Leave roots in the ground for a small second crop.
Good companions
Onion, Dill, Beet.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your cabbage harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start cabbage seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start cabbage seeds indoors between March 6 and March 20 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start cabbage seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start cabbage seeds indoors between February 19 and March 4 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start cabbage seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start cabbage seeds indoors between February 5 and February 19 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start cabbage seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start cabbage seeds indoors between January 19 and February 2 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant cabbage seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant cabbage seedlings about -3–-1 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around March 25–April 8.
How long does cabbage take to grow?▾
Cabbage typically takes 65–100 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 10–15 weeks after the last spring frost.