When to Plant Cabbage in Louisiana
Published: April 24, 2026
Louisiana gardeners in Zone 8b enjoy an extended 45-week growing season for cabbage. Cool-season crops like cabbage do best in fall, winter, and early spring in Louisiana — the hot summers bolt these plants before they can be harvested. This guide gives exact dates for Louisiana based on your local frost calendar.
Cabbage Planting Dates for Louisiana
| Start seeds indoors | December 14–21 |
| Last frost (average) | February 1 |
| Transplant outdoors | January 11–21 |
| Expect first harvest | March 12 – April 21 |
| Fall crop start | September 22–October 2 |
| Fall harvest | November 21 |
| First fall frost (average) | December 15 |
Dates above assume Zone 8b, the most common zone in Louisiana. Gardeners in cooler New Orleans (Zone 8b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Shreveport (Zone 8a) 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 Louisiana's Climate
Louisiana's warm Zone 8b 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 Louisiana — 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 45°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| February | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| March | First harvest window opens | Cabbage begins producing 60–100 days after transplant |
| April | — | Off-season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Off-season |
| July | — | Off-season |
| August | — | Off-season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Off-season |
| November | — | Off-season |
| December | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
Cabbage Growing Tips for Louisiana 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.
- •Louisiana'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 Louisiana
In Louisiana'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 Louisiana
Top cities in Louisiana — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cabbage in Louisiana?
In Louisiana (Zone 8b), start cabbage seeds indoors around December 14–21 and transplant outdoors around January 11–21 — 3 weeks before the state's average last frost of February 1.
What is the last frost date in Louisiana?
Louisiana's average last frost date is February 1 in the state's most common Zone 8b. 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 Louisiana?
cabbage is a cool-season crop in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana?
For Louisiana's Zone 8b, consult a local nursery or extension office for cabbage variety recommendations.
When do I start cabbage seeds indoors in Louisiana?
Start cabbage seeds indoors in Louisiana around December 14–21, which is 7 weeks before the state's average last frost of February 1. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.