When to Plant Cabbage in California
Published: April 24, 2026
California gardeners in Zone 9b enjoy an extended 50-week growing season for cabbage. Cool-season crops like cabbage do best in fall, winter, and early spring in California — the hot summers bolt these plants before they can be harvested. This guide gives exact dates for California based on your local frost calendar.
Cabbage Planting Dates for California
| Start seeds indoors | November 27–December 4 |
| Last frost (average) | January 15 |
| Transplant outdoors | December 25–January 4 |
| Expect first harvest | February 23 – April 4 |
| Fall crop start | October 8–18 |
| Fall harvest | December 7 |
| First fall frost (average) | December 31 |
Dates above assume Zone 9b, the most common zone in California. Gardeners in cooler Santa Rosa (Zone 6b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer San Francisco (Zone 10b) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
⚠ Start cabbage indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Transplant 2–4 weeks before last frost. Very frost tolerant — withstands temperatures as low as 20°F. Also plant in late summer for fall harvest.
Growing Cabbage in California's Climate
California's warm Zone 9b climate makes cabbage a fall, winter, and early spring crop rather than a summer one. The cool-season window runs roughly October through April in California — plant outside this window and the cabbage will bolt (send up a flower stalk and turn bitter) before it produces a harvestable crop.
Succession planting stretches the cabbage harvest window. Sow small amounts every two weeks from October through February — you will have staggered harvests rather than a single wave to process all at once. Bolt-resistant varieties extend the usable window an extra three to four weeks into warming weather.
Common cabbage pests to watch for in California include Cabbage Worm and Cabbage Looper. The first line of defense is companion planting: Onion and Dill planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Cabbage Garden Calendar for California
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| February | First harvest window opens | Cabbage begins producing 60–100 days after transplant |
| March | — | Off-season |
| April | — | Off-season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Off-season |
| July | — | Off-season |
| August | — | Off-season |
| September | — | Off-season |
| October | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| November | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
| December | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 45°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
Cabbage Growing Tips for California Gardeners
- •Space plants 18 inches apart — crowding reduces head size and promotes fungal disease.
- •Side-dress with nitrogen 3–4 weeks after transplanting to support rapid leaf formation.
- •California's cool-season cabbage plants best in October, November, and December for winter and early spring harvest. Spring plantings bolt before producing a harvestable crop.
- •Harvest when heads feel firm; leave the root ball in the ground and small secondary heads may form.
Companion Planting for Cabbage in California
In California's warm climate, planting cabbage with Onion and Dill helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Tomato and Strawberry, which inhibit cabbage growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full cabbage companion planting guide for the complete list.
Cabbage Planting Dates by City in California
Top cities in California — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cabbage in California?
In California (Zone 9b), start cabbage seeds indoors around November 27–December 4 and transplant outdoors around December 25–January 4 — 3 weeks before the state's average last frost of January 15.
What is the last frost date in California?
California's average last frost date is January 15 in the state's most common Zone 9b. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow cabbage year-round in California?
cabbage is a cool-season crop in California, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What cabbage varieties grow best in California?
For California's Zone 9b, consult a local nursery or extension office for cabbage variety recommendations.
When do I start cabbage seeds indoors in California?
Start cabbage seeds indoors in California around November 27–December 4, which is 7 weeks before the state's average last frost of January 15. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.