When To Plant Cabbage In Zone 7b

If you’re gardening in zone 7b, knowing when to plant cabbage is the key to a great harvest. Getting the timing right means you’ll have crisp, fresh heads from your own backyard.

This climate offers a long growing season with distinct seasons, which is perfect for cabbage. You can actually plant it twice a year for a continuous supply. Let’s break down the schedule so you can plan your garden perfectly.

The optimal timing for planting cabbage in zone 7b revolves around two main seasons: spring and fall. Cabbage is a cool-season crop, so it thrives in the milder temperatures of these periods and can even handle a light frost.

Spring Planting Schedule

For a spring harvest, you need to start early. Cabbage seedlings can go into the ground well before your last frost date.

Start Seeds Indoors: Begin 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. In zone 7b, the average last frost is around mid-April. This means you should start your seeds indoors between late February and early March.
Transplant Outdoors: Transplant your sturdy seedlings into the garden 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. This is typically from late March to early April. The cool soil and air will help them establish without bolting.
Direct Sowing Option: You can also sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, but starting indoors gives you a more reliable head start.

Fall Planting Schedule

Fall is often the best time for cabbage in zone 7b. The heads mature in cool weather, which improves their flavor and texture.

Calculate Backwards: Figure out your first average fall frost date. For zone 7b, this is usually in late October to early November.
Start Seeds for Fall: Count back 12-14 weeks from that first frost date to start seeds indoors. This lands you in mid-to-late July. It’s crucial to start these seeds indoors because outdoor soil in July is too hot for good germination.
Transplant in Late Summer: Transplant those seedlings into the garden in late August to early September, when the worst of the summer heat has passed. They’ll grow quickly as days cool.

Using a Planting Calendar

Here’s a simple at-a-glance calendar for zone 7b:

Late February – Early March: Start spring seeds indoors.
Late March – Early April: Transplant spring seedlings.
Mid-July: Start fall seeds indoors.
Late August – Early September: Transplant fall seedlings.
October – November: Harvest fall cabbage, often after a light frost for sweeter taste.

Why Timing is So Critical

Planting at the wrong time leads to common problems. If you plant spring cabbage too late, it matures in summer heat. This causes it to bolt, or send up a flower stalk, making the head bitter and inedible. The leaves may also become tough.

For fall cabbage, starting too late means the plants won’t have enough time to form a solid head before winter’s hard freeze arrives. They might just produce loose leaves instead of a tight head.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Cabbage are heavy feeders. They need rich soil to produce those large, dense heads. A few weeks before planting, amend your garden bed with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. You can also mix in a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer according to package directions.

The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0. Good drainage is essential to prevent rot, but the soil should also retain moisture. Adding organic matter helps with both.

Spacing and Sun Requirements

Give your cabbage room to grow. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 24 to 36 inches apart. Dwarf varieties can be closer, but good air circulation prevents disease. Cabbage needs full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. More sun is better for strong growth.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Harden Off Seedlings: Always harden off indoor-started seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for longer periods each day.
Plant on a Cloudy Day: If possible, transplant on a cloudy afternoon or in the evening to reduce transplant shock from the sun.
Dig Proper Holes: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling.
Plant at the Right Depth: Set the plant in the hole so the lowest leaves are just above the soil surface. You can bury part of the stem, but don’t cover the growing point.
Water Thoroughly: Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Caring for Your Cabbage Plants

Consistent care after planting ensures healthy heads. The two most important things are water and pest control.

Watering: Cabbage needs consistent moisture. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or watering. Use a soaker hose or water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Inconsistent watering can cause heads to split.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil cool.
Fertilizing: Side-dress plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when they are about halfway to maturity (when heads start to form). This gives them a boost for final growth.

Managing Common Pests

Cabbage worms, loopers, and aphids love cabbage. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. For caterpillars, hand-pick them or use an organic control like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Row covers installed right after transplanting are the most effective prevention, creating a physical barrier against pests.

Harvesting Your Cabbage

Heads are ready when they feel firm and solid when you gently squeeze them. For spring cabbage, harvest before the heat of summer. For fall cabbage, you can often leave them in the garden through several light frosts, which makes them taste even better.

Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the base of the plant. If you leave the outer leaves and roots intact, some varieties may produce smaller secondary heads, giving you a bonus crop.

Recommended Varieties for Zone 7b

Choosing the right variety can make your gardening even more succesful. Here are some reliable choices:

Early Jersey Wakefield: A pointed, early heirloom great for spring planting.
Golden Acre: A reliable round, green cabbage that produces solid heads.
Red Express: A fast-maturing red cabbage perfect for fall harvests.
Savoy King: A crinkled, savoy-type with excellent cold tolerance for fall.
January King: A very hardy, beautiful variety ideal for late fall harvests and winter storage.

FAQs: Planting Cabbage in Zone 7

Can I plant cabbage in July in zone 7b?

Yes, but only as a fall crop. In July, you start seeds indoors for transplanting in late summer. Do not plant seeds or seedlings directly in the hot July garden soil.

What is the latest date to plant cabbage in zone 7b?

For a fall crop, you should transplant seedlings by early to mid-September at the latest. This gives them enough time to mature before severe winter weather.

Does cabbage come back every year?

No, cabbage is a biennial but is grown as an annual. It produces a head in its first season. If left in the ground, it will flower and set seed the second year, but the head itself is gone.

How do I protect my fall cabbage from an early freeze?

Cabbage can handle light frosts. For an early hard freeze, cover plants with a frost blanket or even an old bedsheet. Mulching heavily around the base also helps protect the roots.

Why are my cabbage heads small and loose?

This is usually caused by to much shade, overcrowding, insufficient nutrients, or inconsistent watering. Ensure they get full sun, are properly spaced, and receive regular water and fertilizer.

Following this schedule for when to plant cabbage in zone 7b sets you up for success. With two chances to grow it each year, you can enjoy this versatile vegetable from your garden for many months. Just remember the golden rule: keep it cool. Start your seeds on time, prepare the soil well, and stay on top of watering and pests. Your reward will be a plentiful harvest of homegrown cabbage that’s perfect for slaws, soups, and fresh eating.