Cabbage is a cool weather crop that does best when matured in cool fall temperatures. But is there still time to get a harvest if you haven’t planted yet? Depending on your planting zone and intended use, it may not be too late to successfully grow cabbage – even if it’s midsummer.
When is the Optimal Time to Plant Cabbage?
Cabbage can be grown as both a spring and fall crop. Here are the usual recommended planting times
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Spring cabbage – Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Transplant seedlings outside 2-3 weeks before the frost date.
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Fall cabbage – Direct sow seeds or transplant starts in mid to late summer for a fall harvest. Wait until summer heat has passed.
These timings allow the plants to mature in the cool conditions cabbage prefers avoiding summer heat or winter cold. However with proper care cabbage can still be grown as a summer crop into early fall in some climates.
Planting Cabbage in Mid to Late Summer
While not ideal, planting cabbage in July or August can work if:
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You choose a fast-maturing, heat-tolerant variety suited to fall harvesting. Look for days to maturity around 60-70 days.
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You get transplants/starts vs direct sowing seed. Mature plants tolerate heat better.
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You plant in a partially shaded spot to help keep soil cool.
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You water frequently to prevent moisture stress Consistent water is key
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You mulch to retain soil moisture and cool the ground.
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You provide shade covers if temperatures exceed 85°F.
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Your intended use is fresh eating or short-term storage, not long winter storage.
Tips for Late Season Cabbage Planting
Follow these tips to get the most from late plantings:
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Plant in successive 2-3 week intervals for continuous harvests into fall.
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Try fast-growing mini cabbage varieties like ‘Konzan’ or ‘Caraflex’.
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Stick to green or Savoy cabbage, which tolerate heat better than reds.
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Check for pests like cabbage loopers which thrive in hot weather.
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Harvest heads promptly when firm. Heat causes rapid bolting.
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Use row cover to protect plants if overnight frost is expected in fall.
Using Late Season Cabbage
While summer planted cabbage won’t store for months like fall-grown varieties, you can still enjoy them in these ways:
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Shred for fresh slaw and salads. It won’t keep long as shredded slaw though.
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Use for stir fries, stews, soups, and other cooked dishes. Cooked cabbage stores well in the fridge.
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Pickle sliced cabbage in brine for a tangy store-bought kraut substitute.
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Freeze cooked cabbage for longer storage. Thaw and use in soups, rolls, etc.
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Cook and can sauerkraut, kimchi, or relishes following proper canning procedure.
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Store fresh heads 2-3 weeks max in the fridge. Outer leaves may yellow.
When It’s Too Late for Cabbage
There comes a point in mid to late fall when cabbage can no longer reasonably mature before your first expected fall frost. At this point it’s best to wait and replant in spring. Cabbage forms best at temps between 60-70°F.
If immature plants get hit with hard frost, the damage will impair head formation. Bolting and bursting are also risks with cabbage maturing in cold weather.
So make your last summer plantings at least 2 months before your average first fall frost date. Any later, it’s safest to wait for next year!
Enjoying Cabbage All Season
While spring and fall are prime times for top-quality cabbage crops, you can continue enjoying smaller harvests into or even through warmer months with the right variety selection and care.
Staggering plantings, choosing faster-maturing cultivars, and providing protective measures to help beat the heat can lead to summertime cabbage success. Just adjust your expectations for yields and storage life compared to ideal cool weather crops.
What is Winter Cabbage?
The varieties of cabbage that keep best have a colder tolerance and are started later in the season. Winter cabbages have smaller heads and are harder. Huron, OS Cross, and Danish Ball Head are some types. They are long-season varieties that can keep producing well into winter. If you know when to plant winter cabbage for a late harvest, you can be sure that it will be ready to harvest at the right time. Stagger the planting for more consistent yields.
How to Grow Winter Cabbage
Sow seeds directly into a prepared bed in midsummer. Some gardeners might wonder when to plant winter cabbage. If you wait until the middle of summer, you can plant anytime until the end of summer or even early fall in mild places. Seeds will germinate in temperatures as low as 40 degrees F. (4 C. ). Successively sow every week for a crop that will last through the winter. Winter cabbage cultivation is the same as early season cabbage. Please be careful not to let the young leaves get frost on them, or they will die. Winter crops need less frequent irrigation since most of their moisture is supplied by nature. Be careful that the area is not overly soggy and drains well. Cabbages that are in boggy soil tend to split.
5 Cabbage Growing Mistakes to AVOID
FAQ
How late can you start cabbage?
Can I plant cabbage now?
Can I plant cabbage in late summer?
Can cabbage grow in 90 degree weather?
When should I plant cabbage?
The proper dates to both sow seeds and plant your cabbages in the garden will vary depending on the particular type. Spring cabbage – Plants should be started from seed in late summer to early fall.
How long before a frost can you plant cabbage?
Sow cabbage seed indoors 5 to 7 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings to the garden when they are 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) tall. Direct sow cabbage in the garden between 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost and 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost. Use floating row covers to protect the start of early crops.
When should I transplant cabbage?
Place cabbage transplants in the garden when they are 3 to 4 inches (7-10cm) tall as early as 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring. Direct sow seed outdoors when the soil can be worked in spring. In mild-winter regions, start seed in late summer for a winter or spring harvest. There are literally hundreds of different varieties of cabbage.
Can you grow cabbage in spring?
To grow spring cabbage as a tasty spring green—that is to harvest leaves cut-and-come-again, not for heading—sow seed close together instead of setting out starts, much like growing mesclun. You can do this next spring or now if you live in a warm-winter region.