When To Plant Cabbage In Pa

If you’re planning your Pennsylvania vegetable garden, knowing when to plant cabbage in pa is the first step to a great harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in our state’s climate, but timing is everything to avoid common pitfalls.

Plant too early, and a late frost can damage your seedlings. Plant too late, and summer heat will cause them to bolt and taste bitter. This guide will walk you through the optimal Pennsylvania planting times for both spring and fall crops, ensuring you get the best heads from your garden.

Pennsylvania’s planting windows are primarily dictated by the frost dates in your specific area. The state spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a, meaning last spring frosts can range from late April in the north to mid-April in the southeast.

For a successful crop, you have two main opportunities: spring and fall.

Spring Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Transplant those sturdy seedlings into the garden 2-4 weeks before that last frost date. They can handle a light frost and grow best in cool conditions.
Fall Planting (Often Better): For a autumn harvest, count backwards from your first expected fall frost. Start seeds indoors in mid-to-late June, or sow seeds directly in the garden in early July. Transplant seedlings by late July to early August.

Fall cabbage often produces better because it matures as temperatures cool, which improves flavor and head firmness. The pests are also less of a problem then.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Frost Dates

Your local frost dates are your best guide. Here’s a general breakdown for key PA regions:

Southcentral & Southeast (Zone 6b-7a): Last spring frost around April 15-25. First fall frost around October 15-25.
Central & Northeast (Zone 6a): Last spring frost around April 25 – May 5. First fall frost around October 5-15.
Northwest & High Elevations (Zone 5b): Last spring frost around May 5-15. First fall frost around September 25 – October 5.

Always check with your local county extension office for the most precise dates. They are a fantastic resource for gardeners.

Step-by-Step: Starting Cabbage from Seed Indoors

Starting indoors gives your plants a strong head start, especially for spring planting.

Timing: Calculate your date. For spring, sow seeds 6-8 weeks before last frost. For fall, sow in June.
Containers & Soil: Use clean seed trays or pots with drainage. Fill with a sterile, lightweight seed-starting mix—not garden soil.
Sowing: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep. Gently water them in and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Light & Temperature: Place in a bright, sunny window or under grow lights. Ideal soil temperature for germination is between 65-75°F.
Hardening Off: This is crucial! About 10-14 days before transplanting, begin acclimating seedlings to outdoors. Place them in a shaded, sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time outside and sun exposure.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Cabbage are heavy feeders and need excellent soil to produce tight, solid heads.

Sunlight: Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
Soil: They prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. A soil test can tell you exactly what you need.
Amendments: Work 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the bed before planting. You can also mix in a balanced organic fertilizer according to package directions.

Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors

When seedlings have 3-4 true leaves and are hardened off, they’re ready.

Planting Day: Choose a cloudy afternoon or evening to reduce transplant shock.
Spacing: Dig holes spaced 12-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Wider spacing leads to larger heads.
Depth: Plant seedlings slightly deeper than they were in their pots, up to their first set of true leaves.
Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Caring for Your Cabbage Plants

Consistent care is simple but makes a huge difference in your final yield.

Watering: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Consistent moisture is key to prevent heads from splitting. Soaker hoses are ideal to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil cool.
Fertilizing: Side-dress plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced veggie fertilizer) 3-4 weeks after transplanting to support all that leafy growth.
Pest Watch: Keep an eye out for cabbage worms and aphids. Handpick pests or use floating row covers from the start. BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) is an effective organic spray for caterpillers.

Recommended Cabbage Varieties for PA

Choosing the right type can extend your harvest. Here are some reliable performers:

Early Season (Spring): ‘Golden Acre’, ‘Parel’ (fast maturing).
Mid/Late Season & Storage: ‘Late Flat Dutch’, ‘Penn State Ballhead’ (developed for PA!), ‘Storage No. 4’.
Red Cabbage: ‘Mammoth Red Rock’ (great for fall).
Savoy: ‘Savoy King’ (crinkled, tender leaves).

Harvesting and Storing Your Cabbage

Harvest when heads feel solid and firm when gently squeezed.

Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the base of the plant.
For a possible second crop, leave the outer leaves and base root in the ground; sometimes you’ll get a few smaller secondary heads.
Store uncut heads in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator or root cellar. They can keep for several weeks to months depending on the variety.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to handle them:

Bolting: Cabbage “bolts” (sends up a flower stalk) due to temperature swings or planting too late in spring. Stick to the recommended planting windows and use bolt-resistant varieties for spring.
Split Heads: Caused by a sudden uptake of water after a dry period. Maintain even soil moisture with regular watering and mulching.
Yellowing Leaves: Could be a sign of nutrient deficiency (nitrogen), overwatering, or disease. Ensure proper soil fertility and drainage.

FAQ: Pennsylvania Cabbage Planting

Can I plant cabbage in July in Pennsylvania?
Yes! July is the ideal time to plant seeds or transplants for a fantastic fall harvest. Just make sure they get enough water during summer’s heat.

What is the latest you can plant cabbage in PA?
For a fall crop, aim to get transplants in the ground by early to mid-August at the latest. This gives them enough time to mature before a hard freeze.

Is it better to plant cabbage in spring or fall in PA?
Fall planting is often more succesful for beginners. The heads mature in cooler weather, which improves sweetness and texture, and insect pressure is usually lower.

How long does cabbage take to grow?
From transplanting, most varieties take between 70 to 120 days to mature. Check your seed packet for “Days to Maturity” for your specific type.

Can cabbage survive a frost?
Yes, established cabbage plants can tolerate light frosts and even taste sweeter after a mild frost. A hard freeze (below 28°F for extended time) will likely damage the head.

Following these Pennsylvania planting times and tips will set you up for a rewarding cabbage harvest. With a little planning for spring or fall, you can enjoy homegrown coleslaw, sauerkraut, and hearty soups straight from your backyard.