Cool-season crop
Cabbage Planting Dates for Cool Spring and Fall Crops
Calculate cabbage start and transplant windows from local freezes, with spacing, maturity, heat, head-size, and fall timing guidance.
Reviewed by Garden By ZIP Editorial Review ·
- Spacing
- 12–24 in
- Seed depth
- 0.25–0.5 in
- Typical maturity
- 60–100 days
Quick answer
Start cabbage indoors 6–8 weeks before the last spring freeze reference and transplant about 4–2 weeks before it. A fall crop generally begins 10–12 weeks before the first fall freeze reference. Calculate your range in the planting calendar.
Planting methods
Cabbage is commonly transplanted from an indoor start. Harden plants before setting them into cool spring or late-summer conditions.
Spacing, depth, and maturity
Cover seed 1/4–1/2 inch and space plants 12–24 inches according to expected head size. Maturity commonly spans 60–100 days.
Worked local-calendar example
For an April 19 last spring freeze reference, start seed in late February and transplant around late March. For an October 23 first fall freeze reference, count back into late July or August. These are labeled examples.
Common mistakes
- Choosing spacing without considering mature head size.
- Starting fall cabbage after the cool-season window is already too short.
- Letting seedlings stall in undersized containers.
Limitations
Variety, head size, heat, splitting, pests, and whether maturity is counted from transplant all change the outcome.