When To Plant Cabbage In Alabama

Getting your cabbage patch started at the right time is the single most important step for a great harvest here. If you’re wondering when to plant cabbage in Alabama, the answer depends heavily on whether you want a spring or fall crop. Our climate offers two distinct planting windows, and getting them right means the difference between tight, crisp heads and disappointing bolted plants.

This guide will walk you through the optimal planting schedule for both seasons, along with variety recommendations and care tips tailored for Alabama gardeners. Let’s get your seeds and transplants scheduled.

Alabama’s long growing season, spanning USDA zones 7b to 9a, is perfect for two cabbage crops per year. The key is to avoid the peak summer heat, which cabbage despises.

Spring Planting Schedule

For a spring harvest, timing is critical. You must get plants established and harvested before the intense summer heat causes them to bolt (flower and go to seed).

North Alabama: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last average spring frost date. For most areas, this is late January to early February. Transplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden 2-4 weeks before the last frost, typically from mid-March to early April.
Central Alabama: Start seeds indoors in early to mid-January. You can transplant outdoors from late February through mid-March.
South Alabama: Here, you can often sow seeds directly in the garden in late fall for a very early spring harvest, or start transplants in December for setting out in January or early February.

Fall Planting Schedule

Fall is often the easiest and most productive season for growing cabbage in Alabama. The cooling temperatures and fewer pests lead to excellent quality.

North Alabama: Start seeds indoors or in a shaded seedbed in mid to late July. Transplant seedlings into the garden from late August to mid-September.
Central Alabama: Sow seeds indoors in early August. Aim to transplant from late August to early September.
South Alabama: Start seeds indoors in late August. Transplant from late September through October, and sometimes even into early November for a winter harvest.

Using Transplants vs. Direct Seed

Most gardeners use transplants for both seasons. It gives the plants a head start, which is especially crucial for the spring crop. For fall, you can direct seed if you have time, but starting transplants during the summer heat requires a bit more attention to watering.

How to Start Cabbage Seeds Indoors

Fill trays with a sterile seed-starting mix 6-8 weeks before your transplant date.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, and keep the soil consistently moist and warm (70-75°F).
Provide strong light (a sunny south window or grow lights) as soon as seedlings emerge to prevent leggyness.
Harden off seedlings for a week before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Choosing the Right Varieties for Alabama

Selecting heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant varieties is key, especially for spring. Here are some reliable choices:

‘Early Jersey Wakefield’: A pointed, heirloom variety that is very bolt-resistant for spring.
‘Charleston Wakefield’: Similar to Jersey but with a larger, conical head.
‘Golden Acre’: A reliable, round-headed green cabbage that performs well in both seasons.
‘Red Acre’ or ‘Ruby Perfection’: Excellent red varieties with good heat tolerance.
‘Savoy King’: A crinkled, savoy-type with sweet, tender leaves.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Cabbage are heavy feeders that need fertile, well-drained soil. A few weeks before planting, work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. They prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. A balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting will support there growth.

Step-by-Step Transplanting

Choose a cloudy day or transplant in the late afternoon to reduce shock.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart. Dwarf varieties can be closer.
Plant seedlings slightly deeper than they were in their pots, up to the first set of true leaves.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting.

Caring for Your Cabbage Plants

Consistent care is what turns small transplants into solid heads.

Watering: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Consistent moisture is vital for head development. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Fertilizing: Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced 10-10-10) when plants are about halfway grown, and again when heads begin to form.
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (straw, pine straw, shredded leaves) to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil cool.
Pest Control: Watch for cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, and aphids. Use floating row covers immediately after planting to exclude moths. Handpick worms or use an organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues.

Bolting: Caused by planting too late in spring or a sudden cold snap followed by warmth. Stick to the early planting schedule and use bolt-resistant varieties.
Split Heads: Caused by too much water after heads are mature. You can twist the plant slightly to break some roots and slow uptake, or harvest promptly.
Yellowing Leaves: Could be a sign of nutrient deficiency (add fertilizer) or clubroot disease (ensure good soil drainage and rotate crops).

Harvesting and Storing Your Cabbage

Heads are ready when they feel firm and solid when gently squeezed. For the best flavor and texture, harvest in the morning.

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.
Store uncut heads in the refrigerator crisper drawer for several weeks. For long-term storage, cabbage can be kept in a cool, humid root cellar.

FAQs: Growing Cabbage in Alabama

Can I grow cabbage in Alabama in the summer?

It is not recommended. Cabbage is a cool-season crop and will bolt, become bitter, or struggle with pests in the summer heat. Stick to spring and fall schedules.

What is the latest I can plant cabbage in the fall?

In North Alabama, aim to have transplants in the ground by mid-September. In Central Alabama, late September. In South Alabama, you can often plant into October, as cabbage can withstand light frosts which actually improve their flavor.

How do I protect my fall cabbage from early frost?

Cabbage can handle frost quite well. For a hard freeze (below 28°F), you can cover plants with a frost cloth or old bedsheets overnight. This often extends the harvest window by weeks.

Why are my cabbage heads small and loose?

This is usually caused by insufficient water, lack of nutrients, or planting too close together. Ensure consistent watering, fertilize properly, and follow spacing guidelines for your variety.

What should I plant after I harvest my cabbage?

Practice crop rotation to prevent disease. Good summer followers include beans or southern peas. After a fall harvest, you can plant a cover crop like crimson clover or prepare the bed for a spring planting of a different family, like tomatoes.

Following this optimal planting schedule for Alabama will set you up for success. By choosing the right season, variety, and providing consistent care, you’ll be able to enjoy homegrown, crisp cabbage from your own garden twice a year. Remember, the calender is your best tool for planning a bountiful harvest.