When to Plant Cabbage in Hawaii
Published: April 24, 2026
Hawaii gardeners in Zone 12a have essentially year-round growing for cabbage. Cool-season crops like cabbage are best planted in the cooler winter months (October through February) — summer heat prevents these plants from heading or forming a harvestable crop. This guide gives exact dates for Hawaii based on your local frost calendar.
Cabbage Planting Dates for Hawaii
| Start seeds indoors | Year-round (avoid peak summer heat) |
| Last frost (average) | Frost-free |
| Transplant outdoors | Year-round (October–March is primary window) |
| Expect first harvest | 45–120 days after planting |
| Fall crop start | October |
| Fall harvest | January–March |
| First fall frost (average) | Frost-free |
⚠ 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 Hawaii's Climate
Hawaii's tropical climate gives cabbage year-round potential, but not all months are equal. Wet season (May through October in most of Hawaii) brings disease pressure that can destroy a cabbage crop within days if fungal conditions align. Dry season (November through April) is the primary productive window.
Soil drainage matters more in tropical climates than almost anywhere else. Raised beds or heavily amended beds with 50% compost content drain rainfall quickly and keep cabbage roots oxygenated during heavy storms. Flat beds in native clay soil often fail the first wet season.
Common cabbage pests to watch for in Hawaii 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 Hawaii
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | First harvests | Early transplants reach harvest size |
| February | Main harvest month | Peak production month in tropical climate |
| March | Continue harvests | Last window for new plantings before wet season |
| April | Finish harvests | Wet season approaching — harvest ripe crops |
| May ← | Clear beds | Disease pressure rises with wet season; warm-season ornamentals now |
| June | — | |
| July | — | |
| August | — | |
| September | — | |
| October | Prime planting window opens | Direct sow or transplant cabbage; dry season begins |
| November | Main planting month | Peak planting window for best harvests |
| December | Continue successions | Plant every 2–3 weeks for staggered harvest |
Cabbage Growing Tips for Hawaii 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.
- •Hawaii's tropical climate favors planting cabbage in dry season (October through April). Wet season plantings are destroyed by fungal disease within weeks.
- •Harvest when heads feel firm; leave the root ball in the ground and small secondary heads may form.
Companion Planting for Cabbage in Hawaii
In Hawaii's tropical 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 Hawaii
Top cities in Hawaii — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cabbage in Hawaii?
In Hawaii (Zone 12a), start cabbage seeds indoors around Year-round (avoid peak summer heat) and transplant outdoors around Year-round (October–March is primary window) — 3 weeks before the state's average last frost of Frost-free.
What is the last frost date in Hawaii?
Hawaii's average last frost date is Frost-free in the state's most common Zone 12a. 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 Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii's frost-free climate supports year-round cabbage growing. October through March is the primary productive window; summer heat and wet-season fungal pressure limit what you can grow June through September.
What cabbage varieties grow best in Hawaii?
For Hawaii's Zone 12a, consult a local nursery or extension office for cabbage variety recommendations.
When do I start cabbage seeds indoors in Hawaii?
Start cabbage seeds indoors in Hawaii around Year-round (avoid peak summer heat), which is 7 weeks before the state's average last frost of Frost-free. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.