When To Plant Cabbage In Arkansas – Optimal Planting Times For

Getting your cabbage planting time right in Arkansas is the single biggest factor for a great harvest. If you want crisp, solid heads, you need to know exactly when to plant cabbage in Arkansas.

The state’s unique climate, split between north and south, means timing is everything. Plant too early, and a late frost can ruin your seedlings. Plant to late, and the summer heat will make them bolt and taste bitter. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting times for both spring and fall crops, ensuring you get it right.

When to Plant Cabbage in Arkansas

Arkansas falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 6b through 8a. This range means your specific location greatly affects your schedule. Cabbage is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F.

For most gardeners, there are two main planting windows: early spring and late summer for a fall harvest. The fall crop is often easier and more productive because the weather cools as the heads mature.

Spring Planting Schedule

For a spring harvest, timing is tight. You need to get plants in the ground early enough to mature before summer heat arrives, but after the danger of a hard freeze.

• Southern Arkansas (Zones 8a): Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last average frost date. Transplant seedlings into the garden between late February and mid-March.
• Central/Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b-7b): Start seeds indoors at the same time. Aim to transplant your seedlings from mid-March to early April, once the soil is workable.

Always have row covers or cloches ready for unexpected late frosts. A common mistake is rushing transplants into soggy, cold soil; they won’t grow well and are suseptible to disease.

Fall Planting Schedule

The fall planting window is more forgiving and often yields the best heads. You’ll use the first fall frost date to count backwards.

• For All Regions: Count backwards 12-14 weeks from your first average fall frost date. This is when you should start seeds indoors or in a shaded nursery bed.
• Southern AR: Start seeds in early to mid-August. Transplant in early September.
• Central/Northern AR: Start seeds in late July to early August. Transplant in late August.

Fall transplants benefit from warm soil but mature as days get cooler and shorter, which they prefer. Providing afternoon shade for young transplants is a smart move.

Direct Sow vs. Transplanting

Most gardeners prefer starting cabbage indoors for precise timing. Direct sowing is possible, especially in fall, but it requires more attention.

Starting Seeds Indoors

1. Fill trays with a sterile seed-starting mix.
2. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, 2 per cell.
3. Keep soil moist and warm (70-75°F) for germination.
4. Once sprouted, provide plenty of light (a sunny window or grow lights).
5. Thin to the strongest seedling per cell.
6. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting.

Transplanting to the Garden

1. Choose a site with full sun (at least 6 hours).
2. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
4. Plant them slightly deeper than they were in their pots.
5. Water thoroughly after planting.

Variety Selection for Arkansas

Choosing the right type extends your harvest. Early varieties mature fast for spring, while storage types are perfect for fall.

• Early Season (Spring): ‘Golden Acre’, ‘Fast Ball’, ‘Parel’. These mature in about 60 days.
• Mid/Late Season (Best for Fall): ‘Danish Ballhead’, ‘Late Flat Dutch’, ‘Storage #4’. These take 80-100 days and handle light frosts well.
• Disease Resistant: Look for varieties resistant to fusarium yellows (marked with an ‘F’ on packets), a common issue in warmer soils.

Essential Care Tips for Success

Consistent care prevents problems and leads to tight, flavorful heads.

Watering and Feeding

Cabbage needs consistent moisture. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, from rainfall or watering. Inconsistent watering can cause heads to split. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are about halfway grown.

Pest and Disease Management

Arkansas gardens face a few key pests. Cabbage loopers and imported cabbageworms are very common. Check the undersides of leaves regularly.

• Use floating row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs.
• Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), an organic bacterial control, if you see worms.
• Rotate your cabbage family crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases like clubroot.

Good air circulation by proper spacing also helps prevent fungal issues.

Harvesting and Storage

Your cabbage is ready when the head feels firm and solid when you gently squeeze it. For the best flavor, harvest in the morning.

Use a sharp knife to cut the head at the base. You can leave the outer leaves and roots in place; sometimes you’ll get a few smaller secondary heads. Fall cabbage that has experienced a light frost often tastes sweeter.

For storage, keep whole, unwashed heads in a cold, humid place like a refrigerator or root cellar. They can last for several months under ideal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you plant cabbage in the summer in Arkansas?

No, summer heat is to intense. Cabbage will bolt (send up a flower stalk) and become bitter. Stick to the early spring and late summer planting windows.

What is the latest you can plant cabbage in Arkansas?

For a fall crop, you should aim to have transplants in the ground by early September in the north and mid-September in the south. Planting any later risks the heads not maturing before a hard freeze, though they can tolerate light frosts.

Can I grow cabbage in pots?

Yes, choose a compact variety and a large pot (at least 12 inches deep and wide). Ensure it has excellent drainage and water more frequently, as pots dry out faster.

Why are my cabbage heads small and loose?

This is usually caused by to much heat, not enough sun, insufficient water, or lack of nutrients. Ensure you plant at the correct time and follow consistent watering and feeding practices.

Is it better to plant cabbage seeds or plants?

For beginners, buying transplants from a local nursery is easiest and ensures your timing is right. Starting from seed offers more variety choices and is more economical, especially for a large fall planting.

By following these Arkansas-specific schedules, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful cabbage harvest. Remember, the fall crop is often the most reliable, so don’t miss that planting window. With good timing and basic care, you’ll enjoy homegrown cabbage for months to come.