Botanical illustration of cabbage

Field guide

When to plant cabbage in USDA Zones 11–13

In USDA Zones 11–13, the planner’s broad outdoor planting window for cabbage runs from October to January. Cabbage takes 70–100 days from planting to first harvest.

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Planting calendar for USDA Zones 11–13

Spring planting
October to January
Fall planting
Not recommended
Days to harvest
70–100 days
Water needs
high

What USDA Zones 11–13 do—and do not—tell you

These zones span average annual extreme minimum temperatures of roughly 40°F to 70°F. That is useful climate context, but it does not determine your exact frost dates. Check a local forecast or county Extension calendar before planting tender crops.

How to know when to harvest

  • Head is firm and solid when squeezed
  • Head has reached expected size for the variety (softball to basketball)
  • Don't wait too long — heads split in heavy rain or heat

Want a plan that accounts for your crops, growing method, equipment, and plant conditions? Open the free planner for a daily crop checklist and adaptive harvest forecast.

About this field guide

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