When can I plant cabbage outside?

Direct sow or transplant right around your last spring frost.

How long until cabbage is ready to harvest?

70-100 days. Head feels solid and firm when squeezed; harvest before head splits by cutting at base

When to Plant Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

vegetableZones 2–11intermediate

Cool-season cole crop that forms tight heads. Excellent for slaw, sauerkraut, and stir-fry. Tolerates light frost which actually improves flavor.

Planting calendar

Start seeds indoors

6 weeks before your last spring frost.

Direct sow / transplant

Right around your last spring frost.

Fall planting

10 weeks before your first fall frost.

Best as spring or fall crop; bolts in summer heat

Spacing & harvest

Plant spacing: 12-18 inches
Row spacing: 24-36 inches
Days to harvest: 70-100 days
Ready when: Head feels solid and firm when squeezed; harvest before head splits by cutting at base

Companion planting

Plant near

Dill — Attracts beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage worms
Onion — Strong scent deters cabbage moths
Celery — Repels cabbage white butterflies

Keep away from

Tomato — Both are heavy feeders competing for nutrients
Strawberry — Inhibits cabbage growth

Get cabbage planting dates for your exact zone

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns