When to plant cabbage

Cabbage (cool-season heading brassica) is classed hardy in the cited extension guidance. The timing rules below are relative to your local freeze dates — enter a location to turn them into calendar dates.

The rules this site applies
MethodFrost-relative windowRule & reconciliation
Start seeds indoors10–8 weeks before the median last spring freezeSow 4–6 weeks before the set-out window opens (UNH 4–6 weeks; Missouri G6570 6–8 weeks).
Transplant outdoors4–2 weeks before the median last spring freezeUNH: set out 4 weeks before the last frost; Purdue's hardy class allows 4–6 weeks before. The later UNH point is used, with a 14-day span.
Fall planting8–4 weeks before the median first fall freezePurdue Table 2: plant fall cabbage at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost.

Seed germination soil temperature: optimum 85°F (optimum range 45–95°F); minimum 40°F, maximum 100°F. Purdue HO-186-W Table 3. Cold soil below the minimum rots seed — a reason windows and soil readings both matter.

Variety assumption: Assumes an average early-to-mid variety (about 65–80 days from transplant).

Crop rule sources (3)
Reviewed city pages for cabbage
Related crops

Broccoli · Brussels sprouts · Collards · Kale · Kohlrabi · Radishes