If you’re planning your Texas vegetable garden, knowing when to plant cabbage is key to getting big, crisp heads. The optimal Texas planting times for this cool-season crop depend heavily on your specific region and the unpredictable weather. Get it right, and you’ll enjoy a fantastic harvest; get it wrong, and your plants might bolt or struggle.
Texas is a big state with diverse climates, from the humid east to the arid west. This means there’s no single planting date that works everywhere. Your success hinges on timing your planting for the cool growing periods cabbage loves. Let’s break down the schedule so you can plan with confidence.
When to Plant Cabbage in Texas – Optimal Texas Planting Times
For most of Texas, cabbage is grown as a fall and winter crop, with a smaller spring window in some areas. The goal is to avoid the intense summer heat, which causes cabbage to bolt (flower prematurely) and turn bitter.
Texas Growing Regions and Their Schedules
Use this general guide based on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommendations, then adjust for your local frost dates.
- North & Central Texas: For a spring crop, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date (late Feb to early March). Transplant seedlings outdoors in early to mid-March. For a superior fall crop, start seeds indoors in mid to late July and transplant in late August or early September.
- South Texas: Your primary planting is in the fall. Plant seeds directly in the garden or start transplants from late August through October. You can also plant a very early spring crop in January.
- West Texas: Follow similar timing to North Texas, but be mindful of earlier fall frosts in some areas. Spring planting in March and fall planting from late July to August is typical.
- East Texas: The humid climate is great for cabbage, but watch for extra moisture. Fall planting from August to September is ideal, with a spring planting window in late February to early March.
Why Fall Planting is Often Best
Many experienced Texas gardeners prefer fall planting. The plants mature during the cooler, shorter days of fall and winter, which they prefer. Pests like cabbage loopers are also less active as temperatures drop. The heads often develop a better flavor and texture compared to spring-grown cabbage, which can rush to maturity before heat hits.
Understanding Your Frost Dates
Your average first and last frost dates are your best friends for planning. Cabbage transplants can tolerate a light frost, and mature plants can handle even harder freezes, making them perfect for Texas winters. Use online tools from your local county extension office to find your exact dates and count backwards from there for seed starting.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Choose Your Variety: Select varieties suited for Texas. Good options include ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ (pointed head, heat-tolerant), ‘Charleston Wakefield’, ‘Dynamo’, and ‘Blue Vantage’.
- Start Seeds Indoors: For precise timing, start seeds in trays 6-8 weeks before your intended transplant date. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist.
- Prepare the Garden Bed: Cabbage needs full sun (at least 6 hours) and well-drained, fertile soil. Work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure and a balanced organic fertilizer before planting.
- Transplant Seedlings: When seedlings have 3-4 true leaves and are stocky, harden them off for a week. Transplant them into the garden, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart. Plant them slightly deeper than they were in their pots.
- Direct Seeding Option: In South Texas or for fall planting, you can sow seeds directly ½ inch deep, thinning to the proper spacing once they sprout.
Caring for Your Cabbage Plants
Consistent care is what turns small transplants into hefty heads. Here’s what to focus on.
- Watering: Cabbage needs consistent moisture, about 1-2 inches per week. Water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Drip irrigation is a excellent choice. Inconsistent watering can cause heads to split.
- Fertilizing: Side-dress plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced 10-10-10) about 3 weeks after transplanting and again when heads begin to form.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves) around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures even.
- Pest Management: Watch for cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, and aphids. Handpick caterpillars, use floating row covers as a barrier, or apply organic controls like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for worms. Check the undersides of leaves regularly.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good timing, you might face a few challenges. Here’s how to handle them.
Bolting
This is when the plant sends up a flower stalk, ruining the head. It’s caused by planting too late in spring (exposed to warming temps) or a sudden cold snap followed by warmth on young plants. The solution is strict adherence to recommended planting windows for your area.
Small or No Head Formation
This can result from overcrowding, insufficient sunlight, nutrient-poor soil, or extreme temperature stress. Ensure proper spacing, full sun, and fertile soil from the start. Some varieties just take longer than others, too.
Yellowing Leaves
Lower leaves yellowing is normal as the plant matures. Widespread yellowing can indicate a nitrogen deficiency, overwatering, or a disease like Fusarium yellows. Feed your plants if needed and ensure good drainage.
Harvesting and Storing Your Texas Cabbage
Harvest when heads feel solid and firm when gently squeezed. For most varieties, this is when they reach the size listed on the seed packet. Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the base of the plant. You can leave the outer leaves and roots in place; sometimes you’ll get a few smaller secondary heads.
Freshly harvested cabbage stores well in the refrigerator for several weeks. For long-term storage, cabbage can be kept in a cool, humid root cellar or even fermented into sauerkraut, a classic preservation method.
FAQ: Planting Cabbage in Texas
Can I plant cabbage in the summer in Texas?
No, cabbage is a cool-season crop. Summer heat will cause it to bolt, taste bitter, or fail to form a head. Stick to spring and fall planting windows.
What are the best cabbage varieties for Texas heat?
Look for heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’, ‘Dynamo’, ‘Blue Vantage’, and ‘Cheers’.
How do I protect my cabbage from a hard freeze?
Mature cabbage is very cold-hardy and can survive temperatures into the 20s. For a predicted severe freeze (below 20°F), you can cover plants with frost cloth or a thick layer of straw for extra protection.
Can I grow cabbage in containers?
Yes! Choose a compact variety and a large container (at least 12 inches deep and wide). Ensure it has excellent drainage and water consistently, as pots dry out faster.
Is it to late to plant cabbage in October?
In North Texas, October is likely too late for transplants to mature before serious winter cold. In South Texas, October planting is often perfect for a winter harvest. Always check your first frost date and the “days to maturity” for your chosen variety.
By following these regional guidelines and paying attention to your local conditions, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown Texas cabbage. The key is respecting the cool-season nature of the plant and using the states long fall and winter to your advantage. With a little planning, you’ll be set for success.