When to Plant Cabbage in Kentucky
Published: April 24, 2026
Kentucky gardeners in Zone 6b have a 33-week growing season for cabbage (March 22 to November 10). Kentucky's spring and fall windows both work well for cabbage — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Kentucky based on your local frost calendar.
Cabbage Planting Dates for Kentucky
| Start seeds indoors | February 1–8 |
| Last frost (average) | March 22 |
| Transplant outdoors | March 1–11 |
| Expect first harvest | April 30 – June 9 |
| Fall crop start | August 18–28 |
| Fall harvest | October 17 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 10 |
Dates above assume Zone 6b, the most common zone in Kentucky. Gardeners in cooler Louisville (Zone 6b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Bowling Green (Zone 7a) 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 Kentucky's Climate
Kentucky's moderate Zone 6b climate is well-suited to cabbage with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your cabbage harvest significantly in Kentucky. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common cabbage pests to watch for in Kentucky 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 Kentucky
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | Dormant season |
| February | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
| March | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 45°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| April | First harvest window opens | Cabbage begins producing 60–100 days after transplant |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| September | — | Dormant season |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining cabbage; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Cabbage Growing Tips for Kentucky 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.
- •Kentucky's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Harvest when heads feel firm; leave the root ball in the ground and small secondary heads may form.
Companion Planting for Cabbage in Kentucky
In Kentucky's moderate 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 Kentucky
Top cities in Kentucky — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cabbage in Kentucky?
In Kentucky (Zone 6b), start cabbage seeds indoors around February 1–8 and transplant outdoors around March 1–11 — 3 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 22.
What is the last frost date in Kentucky?
Kentucky's average last frost date is March 22 in the state's most common Zone 6b. 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 Kentucky?
cabbage is a cool-season crop in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky?
For Kentucky's Zone 6b, consult a local nursery or extension office for cabbage variety recommendations.
When do I start cabbage seeds indoors in Kentucky?
Start cabbage seeds indoors in Kentucky around February 1–8, which is 7 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 22. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.