Cabbage planting guide
When to start cabbage seeds
For spring cabbage, start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the date you plan to transplant. Fall cabbage uses a different direct-sowing schedule and should not reuse the spring calculator.
Spring lead time
4-6 weeks
Start indoors before a locally suitable transplant date.
Fall method
Direct sow
Use a separate schedule based on local cold and variety maturity.
Rotation interval
4 years
Avoid beds recently used by related cabbage-family crops.
Maturity range
60-100 days
The exact variety and planting method change the finish date.
Seed-starting calculator
Find when to start seeds indoors
We count backward from the outdoor planting date using university timing guidance.
Spring crop
Use the calculator for transplants
The crop-specific guide says to start spring cabbage four to six weeks before transplanting. Seedlings are sensitive to frost, so choose the outdoor date from current local weather rather than the hardiness Zone alone.
Fall crop
Plan direct seeding separately
The source direct-sows fall cabbage and notes that direct-seeded plants can take up to three weeks longer than transplants. Compare the packet's maturity time with local expected cold before sowing.
Prepare for sturdy transplants
Avoid excess heat indoors
The source recommends normal room temperatures of 60-70°F. Higher temperatures can produce tall, weak seedlings.
Harden gradually
After seedlings develop true leaves, gradually add outdoor sun and wind exposure while protecting them from damaging cold.
Rotate the bed
Avoid locations used for cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, rutabaga or Brussels sprouts during the previous four years.
Minnesota's July example is not a national date
The reviewed guide gives an early-July fall sowing example for Minnesota. This page does not apply that date nationwide. Fall timing depends on local heat, expected freezes and the variety's maturity period.
A practical next step
Plan cabbage with your local season
Cool-season crops may grow before the last spring frost or after summer heat fades. Use crop-specific soil and temperature guidance too.
- 1. Local dates
Find spring and fall frost dates
See historical 32°F freeze estimates and the matched NOAA station for your ZIP Code.
- 2. Season length
Estimate the frost-date growing window
Compare cautious, middle and less-cautious spring/fall date pairs.
- 3. Seed schedule
Count backward for indoor seed starting
Choose a suitable outdoor date for cabbage, then use the reviewed crop-specific lead time to build a seed schedule.