Knowing when to plant cabbage in Georgia is the first step to a successful harvest. Get the timing right, and you’ll enjoy crisp, homegrown heads for months.
Georgia’s climate offers two main planting windows for cabbage: spring and fall. This cool-season crop thrives in milder temperatures and can even handle a light frost, which actually improves its flavor. The key is to avoid the intense summer heat, which causes cabbage to bolt, or go to seed, prematurely.
When Do You Plant Cabbage In Georgia
The optimal planting times depend entirely on whether you’re starting seeds indoors, using transplants, or sowing seeds directly in the garden. Here’s a straightforward breakdown for North, Central, and South Georgia.
For a Spring Harvest:
* North Georgia: Plant transplants in the garden from mid-February to mid-March. You can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before that, around early January.
* Central Georgia: Plant transplants from late January to late February. Start seeds indoors in late December or early January.
* South Georgia: Plant transplants from January through early February. Start seeds indoors in mid to late December.
For a Fall Harvest (Often the Best Crop):
* North Georgia: Plant transplants in the garden from late July to mid-August. Start seeds indoors in June.
* Central Georgia: Plant transplants from mid-August to early September. Start seeds indoors in July.
* South Georgia: Plant transplants from early September to early October. Start seeds indoors in August.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for transplants to be in the ground so they mature when average daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 75°F. Using transplants gives you a head start, which is especially helpful for spring planting.
Why Fall Planting is Often Easier
Many Georgia gardeners find fall cabbage planting more reliable than spring. Here’s why:
* The cooling temperatures of fall are ideal for cabbage growth.
* There are fewer pest pressures in the fall compared to spring.
* Plants started in late summer grow quickly as the heat wanes.
* Heads mature in the cool, even cold, weather which makes them sweeter.
For fall crops, you’ll need to start seeds indoors or in a shaded nursery bed during the summer heat, then transplant them out as temperatures begin to drop.
Choosing the Right Cabbage Variety for Georgia
Selecting a variety suited to your planting season improves your chances of success. Look for days-to-maturity on the seed packet.
For Spring Planting (Choose early-maturing, bolt-resistant types):
* ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’: A pointed, heirloom variety that matures quickly.
* ‘Gonzales’: A compact, early hybrid perfect for smaller spaces.
* ‘Stonehead’: A reliable, round hybrid that resists splitting.
For Fall Planting (You can use a wider range, including larger, slower-maturing types):
* ‘Danish Ballhead’: A great storage cabbage for winter use.
* ‘Late Flat Dutch’: A large, flat-headed heirloom that does well in fall.
* ‘Red Acre’: A beautiful purple cabbage that holds its color well.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your timing down, follow these steps for healthy plants.
1. Preparing Your Garden Bed
Cabbage needs full sun—at least 6 hours of direct light. The soil is crucial.
* Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
* Mix in 2-3 inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
* Cabbage prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. A simple soil test can confirm your levels.
* Ensure the planting area has good drainage to prevent root rot.
2. Planting Transplants or Seeds
If using transplants:
* Harden off seedlings for a week before planting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
* Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. Wider spacing allows for bigger heads.
* Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their container.
If direct seeding:
* Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
* Thin seedlings to the proper spacing (12-24 inches) once they have a few true leaves. The thinned seedlings can be used in salads!
3. Essential Care for Growing Cabbage
Consistent care is the secret to solid, well-formed heads.
* Watering: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Use a soaker hose or water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Inconsistent watering can cause heads to split.
* Fertilizing: Side-dress plants with a balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer when they are about halfway to maturity. This gives them a needed boost.
* Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures even.
Pest Watch: Scout regularly for cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, and aphids. Handpick them or use an organic control like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Row covers installed right after planting are an excellent barrier.
Common Problems and Solutions in Georgia
Even with perfect timing, you might face a few challenges.
* Bolting: If your cabbage sends up a flower stalk, it’s usually due to a sudden warm spell in spring or planting too late. Solution: Stick to the recommended planting dates and choose bolt-resistant varieties for spring.
* Split Heads: This happens after a heavy rain or excessive watering when heads are mature. Solution: You can twist the plant slightly to break some roots and slow uptake, or harvest promptly.
* Pest Pressure: Cabbage worms and loopers are common. Solution: Check the undersides of leaves for eggs. Row covers are the most effective prevention. If pests appear, Bt is a safe and effective organic spray.
* Disease: Black rot and clubroot can be issues. Solution: Practice crop rotation (don’t plant cabbage where other brassicas grew for 3-4 years) and choose disease-resistant varieties. Ensure good soil drainage.
Harvesting and Storing Your Georgia Cabbage
Your cabbage is ready when the head feels firm and solid when you squeeze it. Don’t wait to long, as over-mature heads are prone to splitting.
* Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the base of the plant.
* Leave the outer leaves and roots in the garden to compost.
* For storage, keep the unwashed heads in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper drawer. They can last for several weeks.
* Some varieties, like ‘Danish Ballhead,’ are excellent for long-term storage in a root cellar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you grow cabbage in Georgia year-round?
No, cabbage is a cool-season crop. It cannot tolerate Georgia’s summer heat. The two main seasons are spring and fall, with fall generally being the most productive.
What is the latest you can plant cabbage in Georgia?
For a fall crop, aim to have transplants in the ground by early October in South Georgia and by mid-August in North Georgia. This ensures they mature before a hard freeze.
Can I plant cabbage in July in Georgia?
In North Georgia, yes—July is the ideal time to start seeds indoors for a fall transplant. In Central and South Georgia, it’s often to hot; wait until August or September to plant transplants outside.
Does cabbage need full sun in Georgia?
Yes, cabbage requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to develop dense, properly formed heads.
How long does cabbage take to grow?
This varies by variety. Early varieties can mature in 60-70 days from transplanting, while late storage varieties may need 85-110 days or more. Always check the seed packet.
Getting your planting times correct is the most important factor for growing cabbage in Georgia. By following these regional schedules and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting your own fresh, flavorful cabbage. Remember, a little planning in the cool season leads to a bountiful harvest for your kitchen table.