When to plant cabbage
Short answer
Plant cabbage about 2 weeks before your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Apr 1, starting seeds indoors about Mar 4. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Jan 1 | Jan 1 | Mar 12 |
| Zone 2 | Jan 4 | Feb 1 | Apr 12 |
| Zone 3 | Jan 27 | Feb 24 | May 5 |
| Zone 4 | Feb 16 | Mar 16 | May 25 |
| Zone 5 | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Jun 10 |
| Zone 6 | Mar 19 | Apr 16 | Jun 25 |
| Zone 7 | Apr 3 | May 1 | Jul 10 |
| Zone 8 | Apr 20 | May 18 | Jul 27 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Cabbage is a semi-hardy crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
Your exact dates
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Frequently asked questions
When should I plant cabbage?
Sow cabbage directly about 2 weeks before your last spring frost — it tolerates cold. In a warmer zone 4 that's around Mar 16; in a colder zone 6, Apr 16.
When do I start cabbage seeds indoors?
Start cabbage seeds indoors about 6 weeks before your last frost, then transplant after the frost passes. That's roughly Mar 19 in zone 6.
How long until cabbage is ready to harvest?
About 70 days from transplant or sowing. In zone 6, plants set out around Apr 16 are typically ready near Jun 25.