When to plant cabbage in Sacramento, California
December 15 – December 29
Transplant outdoors · typical Sacramento yearClimate basis: NOAA station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA (USW00023271), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Sacramento (ZCTA 95814 centroid), elevation 38 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant cabbage outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (January 12). One year in ten still freezes after February 8.
The Sacramento year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to Feb 8
Every method, with its sources
Start seeds indoors
Nov 3 – Nov 17Sow 4–6 weeks before the set-out window opens (UNH 4–6 weeks; Missouri G6570 6–8 weeks). Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Jan 12). University of New Hampshire Extension · University of Missouri Extension
Transplant outdoors
Dec 15 – Dec 29UNH: 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. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Jan 12). University of New Hampshire Extension · Purdue University Extension
Fall planting
Oct 21 – Nov 18Purdue Table 2: plant fall cabbage at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Dec 16). Purdue University Extension
Variety assumption: Assumes an average early-to-mid variety (about 65–80 days from transplant).
These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.
Crop rule sources (3)
- University of New Hampshire Extension: Growing Vegetables: When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden [fact sheet] (accessed 2026-07-24)Per-crop 'time from seed to transplant' and 'safe to set out in garden' relative to last frost.
- University of Missouri Extension: Starting Plants Indoors from Seeds (G6570) (accessed 2026-07-24)Weeks needed to grow vegetable transplants indoors (Table 2).
- Purdue University Extension: Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W) (accessed 2026-07-24)Hardiness classes: hardy = plant 4-6 wk before last spring frost; semi-hardy = 2-4 wk before; tender = after average last frost; very tender = at least 2 wk after. Table 2: fall planting at least 4-8 wk before first fall frost.