When to Plant Cabbage in Bloomington, IN
Published: April 24, 2026
Cabbage Planting Dates for Bloomington, IN
| Start seeds indoors | February 9–16 |
| Last frost (average) | March 30 |
| Transplant outdoors | March 9–19 |
| Minimum soil temperature | 45°F |
| Expect first harvest | May 8 – June 17 |
| Fall crop planting | August 9–19 |
| Fall crop harvest | October 8 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 1 |
⚠ 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.
Best Cabbage Varieties for Bloomington, IN
Consult a Bloomington-area nursery or your state extension office for cabbage varieties proven in Zone 6a.
Growing Cabbage in Bloomington
Bloomington sits in Zone 6a, with an average last frost of March 30 and first fall frost around November 1 — giving a 216-day frost-free growing season. Cool-season crops like cabbage benefit from Bloomington's cooler spring and fall windows, when temperatures stay in the 55–75°F sweet spot that produces the best flavor and least bolting.
Bloomington's moderate climate supports cabbage on the standard transplant calendar with minimal special accommodation. Succession planting — sowing fresh seeds or setting new transplants every 2–3 weeks through spring — stretches the harvest window and gives you a backup crop if pests hit the first planting.
Bloomington's clay-loam soils are productive but benefit from annual compost amendment — 2 to 3 inches worked in before planting improves drainage and nutrient availability for cabbage. Consistent watering (1.5 inches per week) paired with organic mulch maintains the even moisture that clay-loam holds well. Avoid working wet soil in spring, which causes severe compaction in clay-loam blends.
Cabbage Calendar for Bloomington
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| February | Start seeds indoors under grow lights |
| March | Transplant outdoors into warm soil |
| May | Expect first harvest window to open |
| August | Start fall crop — transplants or direct sow |
| November | First fall frost — harvest remaining, end of outdoor season |
Cabbage Tips for Bloomington 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.
- •Succession plant cabbage in Bloomington every 2–3 weeks through spring to extend the harvest window into summer.
Common Cabbage Pests in Bloomington
- •Cabbage Worm — peaks July in Zone 6a (active May–September); green caterpillars on brassicas; apply Bt spray or use row covers.
- •Cabbage Looper — peaks July in Zone 6a (active May–September); loop-walking green caterpillars; Bt spray works well.
- •Aphid — peaks July in Zone 6a (active May–September); monitor closely during peak season and treat early.
Check plants every 2–3 days during peak season — early intervention prevents most infestations from becoming serious.
What to Plant with Cabbage in Bloomington
In Bloomington's moderate climate, Onion and Dill are the most beneficial plants to grow alongside cabbage. Onion deters carrot fly, aphids, and several root-zone pests through sulfur compounds. Keep cabbage away from Tomato — it competes for nutrients or shares pest pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cabbage in Bloomington, IN?
In Bloomington (Zone 6a), start cabbage seeds indoors around February 9–16 and transplant outdoors around March 9–19. The city's average last frost of March 30 is the anchor date — count 7 weeks back for seed starting and 3 weeks back for transplanting.
What zone is Bloomington, IN for cabbage growing?
Bloomington is USDA Zone 6a. For cabbage, this means a frost-free growing season of roughly 31 weeks running from March 30 to November 1. Cool-season crops like cabbage thrive in this zone with both spring and fall planting windows available.
When is cabbage harvest season in Bloomington?
Expect the first cabbage harvest in Bloomington around May 8, with harvest continuing through June 17. This is based on 60–100 days from transplant or direct sow. A fall crop planted August 9–19 adds a second harvest around October 8.
How long does it take to grow cabbage in Bloomington, IN?
From transplant or direct sow to first harvest, cabbage takes 60–100 days in Bloomington's climate. Based on a typical planting date of March 9–19, expect your first harvest around May 8. Bloomington's Zone 6a transition-zone climate produces maturity times right in the middle of the stated range.
What soil does cabbage need in Bloomington?
Bloomington's clay-loam soil is productive for cabbage but benefits from annual compost amendment. Work 2–3 inches of compost into the top 10 inches before planting. Avoid working wet soil in spring — clay-loam compacts badly when wet. Consistent watering paired with organic mulch maintains the even moisture these soils hold well.