When To Plant Cabbage In Missouri

If you’re planning your garden in the Show-Me State, knowing exactly when to plant cabbage in Missouri is the first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial because cabbage thrives in cool weather, and Missouri’s variable climate can be tricky.

Plant too early, and a late freeze might damage your seedlings. Plant too late, and the summer heat can cause your plants to bolt or form poor heads. This guide will walk you through the ideal schedule for both spring and fall planting, along with tips to ensure your cabbage grows strong and healthy.

Missouri’s ideal planting schedule for cabbage revolves around two main growing seasons: spring and fall. The state spans USDA hardiness zones 5b to 7a, meaning frost dates and temperature swings vary from the northern plains to the southern bootheel. Your specific location will fine-tune your schedule.

Understanding Your Missouri Frost Dates

Your average last spring frost and first fall frost dates are the anchors of your planting calendar. Here’s a general breakdown:

Northern Missouri (Zones 5b-6a): Last spring frost around April 15-25. First fall frost around October 10-15.
Central Missouri (Zones 6a-6b): Last spring frost around April 10-20. First fall frost around October 15-20.
Southern Missouri (Zones 6b-7a): Last spring frost around April 1-10. First fall frost around October 20-30.

Always check local resources for the most accurate dates in your town. These dates are estimates, and weather can change from year to year.

Spring Planting Schedule

For a spring crop, the goal is to get cabbage established so it matures before the peak summer heat. Cabbage can handle a light frost, so you can get it in the ground early.

Start Seeds Indoors: Begin 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. For most of Missouri, this is between late February and mid-March. Use a seed-starting mix and provide plenty of light.
Harden Off Seedlings: About 2 weeks before transplanting, gradually acclimate your young plants to outdoor conditions. Set them outside for a few hours each day, increasing time and sun exposure.
Transplant Outdoors: Transplant your seedlings into the garden 2-4 weeks before your last frost date. The soil should be workable. This means late March to mid-April for most areas. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F once hardened off.

Fall Planting Schedule

Fall is often the best time to grow cabbage in Missouri. The cooling temperatures and fewer pests lead to sweeter, more tender heads. The schedule works backward from your first fall frost.

Calculate Your Timing: Most cabbage varieties need 70-100 days to mature from seed. For a fall harvest, you need to count back from your first fall frost date.
Direct Seed or Start Transplants: You have two options. You can direct sow seeds in the garden about 12-14 weeks before the first frost. Or, you can start seeds indoors in mid to late summer (around July) to give seedlings a break from the intense heat, then transplant them in August.
Transplant for Fall: Aim to set out your fall transplants about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. For central Missouri, this is typically early to mid-August. The summer heat can be hard on them, so provide some shade cloth protection for the first week or two.

Choosing the Right Cabbage Varieties

Selecting varieties suited to Missouri’s seasons improves your success. Look for days-to-maturity on the seed packet.

For Spring Planting: Choose fast-maturing varieties (around 60-80 days) like ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ or ‘Golden Acre’ to beat the heat. They are also more likley to resist bolting.
For Fall Planting: You can choose slower-maturing, larger storage types (80-110 days) like ‘Danish Ballhead’ or ‘Late Flat Dutch’. The long, cool fall allows them to develop fully.
All-Season Favorites: Reliable varieties like ‘Stonehead’ (resistant to splitting) and ‘Red Acre’ (for color) perform well in both seasons.

Step-by-Step Planting and Care Guide

Once your schedule is set, proper planting and care ensure healthy growth.

Site and Soil Preparation

Cabbage needs full sun (at least 6 hours) and fertile, well-draining soil. A week before planting, work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil test from your local MU Extension office can provide precise recommendations.

Planting Your Cabbage

Spacing: Space transplants 12-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Dwarf varieties can be closer; large storage types need more room.
Planting Depth: Set transplants slightly deeper than they grew in their pots, up to their first set of true leaves. This encourages a sturdier stem.
Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting. Cabbage needs consistent moisture, about 1-1.5 inches per week. Inconsistent watering can lead to split heads.

Ongoing Maintenance

Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures cool.
Fertilizing: Side-dress plants with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea when they begin to form heads. This gives them a nutrient boost for growth.
Pest and Disease Watch: Common Missouri pests include cabbage worms, loopers, and aphids. Check undersides of leaves regularly. Use floating row covers as a barrier or apply organic controls like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) as needed. Rotate your cabbage family crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Harvesting and Storage Tips

Your cabbage is ready when the head feels firm and solid when gently squeezed. For spring cabbage, harvest before the heat of summer sets in. Fall cabbage can often be left in the garden through several light frosts, which can improve its flavor.

Use a sharp knife to cut the head at the base. Leave the outer leaves and roots in place; sometimes you’ll get a few smaller secondary heads. Store unwashed heads in the refrigerator crisper for several weeks. For long-term storage, wrap heads in newspaper and place them in a cool, humid root cellar or similar environment where they can last for months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you plant cabbage in the summer in Missouri?

Direct summer planting is not advised due to extreme heat, which stresses plants and leads to poor head formation. However, starting seeds indoors in mid-summer for a fall transplant is the standard method for a fall crop.

What is the latest you can plant cabbage for a fall harvest?

You can plant fast-maturing varieties (around 60-70 days) up until about 10 weeks before your first hard frost. For central Missouri, this means a final transplant by very early September at the latest for a late fall harvest.

Should I start cabbage from seeds or buy transplants?

Both methods work. Starting from seed is more economical and offers greater variety choice. Buying transplants from a local nursery saves time and is convenient, especially for beginners. Ensure any transplants you buy are stocky and green, not leggy or yellowing.

Why are my cabbage plants not forming heads?

Several factors can prevent heading: extreme temperature swings (especially heat), insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, poor soil fertility, or inconsistent watering. Ensuring you follow the correct planting time and provide consistent care is key.

Following Missouri’s ideal planting schedule for cabbage sets you up for a rewarding harvest. By respecting the cool-weather nature of this crop and working with the states distinct seasons, you can enjoy homegrown cabbage from your garden for much of the year. Remember, keeping a simple garden journal with your planting dates and weather notes will help you refine your timing for even better results next season.