When To Plant Cabbage In Nc

If you’re planning your North Carolina vegetable garden, knowing when to plant cabbage in NC 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 problems.

Planting at the right moment means your cabbage will grow during cool weather, which it loves. This leads to crisp, sweet heads instead of bitter or bolted plants. Let’s break down the schedule for our different regions.

North Carolina has three distinct growing regions: the mountains, the piedmont, and the coastal plain. Each has its own ideal planting window. Cabbage can handle a light frost, which actually improves its flavor, but it struggles in summer heat.

Understanding Your Growing Region

Our state’s varying elevation and weather create three main zones. Your planting dates depend on which one you call home.

Coastal Plain: This eastern region has milder winters and earlier springs. You have a long fall growing season but hotter summers.
Piedmont: The central plateau experiences all four seasons distinctly. Frost dates are key here for timing.
Mountains: Western NC has the shortest growing season and coolest summers. Frost comes early and stays late.

Spring Planting Dates by Region

For a spring harvest, you start cabbage early so it matures before the heat of July. Using transplants is most common for spring.

Coastal Plain: Plant transplants outdoors from mid-February to late March.
Piedmont: Plant transplants outdoors from early March to early April.
Mountains: Plant transplants outdoors from early April to mid-May.

A tip for spring: choose varieties labeled as “early” or “mid-season” to ensure they mature quickly.

Fall Planting Dates by Region

Fall is often the best time for cabbage in NC. The heads mature in cool weather, which makes them sweeter. You can start from seed or transplants.

Mountains: Start seeds indoors in early to mid-July. Transplant outdoors in mid-August.
Piedmont: Start seeds indoors in late July. Transplant outdoors in late August.
Coastal Plain: Start seeds indoors in early to mid-August. Transplant outdoors in early September.

For fall planting, look for varieties that are know for good storage or are labeled as “late-season.”

Using Transplants vs. Direct Seed

You have two options for starting your cabbage. Each has its place in the garden calendar.

Starting with Transplants

This is the most reliable method, especially for beginners. You get a head start on the season.

Purchase healthy transplants from a local nursery, or start your own indoors 6-8 weeks before your outdoor planting date.
Choose stocky plants with 4-6 true leaves. Avoid any that are already tall and leggy.
Harden them off for a week before planting. This means exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few more hours each day.

Direct Seeding in the Garden

This works well for fall crops, as the soil is warm and seeds germinate quickly.

Prepare a fine, smooth seedbed in full sun.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and about 3 inches apart.
Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to their final spacing of 12-24 inches apart.

Keep the seedbed consistently moist until the seedlings are well established.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to give your cabbage the best possible start, no matter when you plant.

Choose the Right Spot: Cabbage needs at least 6 hours of full sun daily. The soil should drain well.
Prepare the Soil: Work in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure. Cabbage are heavy feeders and prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Plant Correctly: Dig a hole slightly larger than the transplant’s root ball. Set the plant so the lowest leaves are just above the soil surface. Don’t bury the stem.
Space Them Out: Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. Good air flow prevents disease.
Water and Mulch: Water deeply immediately after planting. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch like straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Essential Care for Healthy Cabbage

Consistent care is the secret to solid, dense heads. Pay attention to water, food, and pests.

Watering and Fertilizing

Cabbage needs steady moisture. Fluctuations can cause heads to split or not form properly.

Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week, more during dry spells.
Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are about halfway grown.
A layer of mulch is crucial to maintain even soil moisture and temperature.

Common Pests and Problems

Several pests love cabbage as much as we do. Catching them early is key.

Cabbage Worms/Loopers: Look for green caterpillars and holes in leaves. Handpick them or use an organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray.
Aphids: Small clusters of bugs on undersides of leaves. A strong spray of water often knocks them off.
Flea Beetles: Tiny black beetles that make small holes in seedlings. Use row covers to protect young plants.
Bolting: This is when the plant sends up a flower stalk, usually caused by planting too late in spring or a sudden warm spell. The best prevention is correct timing.

Harvesting and Storing Your Crop

Harvest time is the best reward. You’ll know your cabbage is ready when the head feels firm and solid when you gently squeeze it.

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 cold, humid place like a refrigerator or root cellar. They can last for several weeks to months.

Some varieties, like ‘January King’, are specifically bred for excellent winter storage.

Recommended Cabbage Varieties for NC

Choosing a variety suited to our climate improves your chances of success. Here are some reliable performers.

Early Jersey Wakefield: An early, conical-shaped heirloom great for spring planting.
Golden Acre: A reliable round, green cabbage that produces solid heads.
Red Express: A fast-maturing red variety perfect for fall gardens.
Savoy King: Has beautiful, crinkled leaves that are very tender and sweet.
Late Flat Dutch: A large, flat-headed variety excelent for fall harvest and storage.

FAQ: Planting Cabbage in North Carolina

Can I plant cabbage in the summer in NC?

It is not recommended. Cabbage is a cool-season crop and will bolt (go to seed) or develop poorly in our summer heat. Stick to spring and fall schedules.

What is the latest I can plant cabbage for fall?

You should aim to get transplants in the ground by early September in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, and by late August in the Mountains. This gives them enough time to mature before a hard freeze.

How do I protect my cabbage from frost?

Young transplants can be covered with a row cover or cloche if an unexpected hard frost is forecast. Mature cabbage plants can actually tolerate frost quite well, and it often improves their flavor.

Why are my cabbage heads not forming?

This can be caused by several factors: planting too late so it gets to hot, inconsistent watering, insufficient sunlight, or a lack of nutrients in the soil. Make sure you’re meeting all their basic care requirements.

Can I grow cabbage in containers?

Yes, you can. Choose a compact or dwarf variety and use a large pot (at least 12 inches deep and wide) with good drainage. Container plants need more frequent watering and fertilizing.

Getting the timing right for when to plant cabbage in NC makes all the difference. By following the regional schedules and providing consistent care, you’ll be able to enjoy homegrown cabbage from your own garden. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting a perfect, crisp head that you nurtured from a small plant.