When to Plant Cabbage in Eau Claire, WI
Published: April 24, 2026
Cabbage Planting Dates for Eau Claire, WI
| Start seeds indoors | February 25–March 4 |
| Last frost (average) | April 15 |
| Transplant outdoors | March 25–April 4 |
| Minimum soil temperature | 45°F |
| Expect first harvest | May 24 – July 3 |
| Fall crop planting | July 23–August 2 |
| Fall crop harvest | September 21 |
| First fall frost (average) | October 15 |
⚠ 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 Eau Claire, WI
Consult a Eau Claire-area nursery or your state extension office for cabbage varieties proven in Zone 5a.
Growing Cabbage in Eau Claire
Eau Claire sits in Zone 5a, with an average last frost of April 15 and first fall frost around October 15 — giving a 183-day frost-free growing season. Cool-season crops like cabbage benefit from Eau Claire's cooler spring and fall windows, when temperatures stay in the 55–75°F sweet spot that produces the best flavor and least bolting.
Eau Claire's cooler summers are close to ideal for cabbage. The same conditions that limit tomato and pepper yields benefit cool-season crops — slower bolting, sweeter flavor, and longer harvest windows. The fall cabbage crop in Eau Claire is often more productive than the spring crop.
Eau Claire'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 Eau Claire
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| February | Start seeds indoors under grow lights |
| April | Last frost — harden off seedlings outdoors |
| March | Transplant outdoors into warm soil |
| May | Expect first harvest window to open |
| July | Start fall crop — transplants or direct sow |
| October | First fall frost — harvest remaining, end of outdoor season |
Cabbage Tips for Eau Claire 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.
- •Fall plantings in Eau Claire often out-produce spring plantings — cooler temperatures slow bolting and concentrate flavor. Light frost can actually improve the taste of cabbage.
Common Cabbage Pests in Eau Claire
- •Cabbage Worm — peaks July in Zone 5a (active June–August); green caterpillars on brassicas; apply Bt spray or use row covers.
- •Cabbage Looper — peaks July in Zone 5a (active June–August); loop-walking green caterpillars; Bt spray works well.
- •Aphid — peaks July in Zone 5a (active June–August); 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 Eau Claire
In Eau Claire's cold 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. In short-season gardens, interplanting companions at transplant time maximizes each bed's productive weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cabbage in Eau Claire, WI?
In Eau Claire (Zone 5a), start cabbage seeds indoors around February 25–March 4 and transplant outdoors around March 25–April 4. The city's average last frost of April 15 is the anchor date — count 7 weeks back for seed starting and 3 weeks back for transplanting.
What zone is Eau Claire, WI for cabbage growing?
Eau Claire is USDA Zone 5a. For cabbage, this means a frost-free growing season of roughly 26 weeks running from April 15 to October 15. Cool-season crops like cabbage thrive in this zone with both spring and fall planting windows available.
When is cabbage harvest season in Eau Claire?
Expect the first cabbage harvest in Eau Claire around May 24, with harvest continuing through July 3. This is based on 60–100 days from transplant or direct sow. A fall crop planted July 23–August 2 adds a second harvest around September 21.
How long does it take to grow cabbage in Eau Claire, WI?
From transplant or direct sow to first harvest, cabbage takes 60–100 days in Eau Claire's climate. Based on a typical planting date of March 25–April 4, expect your first harvest around May 24. Eau Claire's cooler Zone 5a climate often lands at the slower end of this range — cooler nights slow fruit development.
What soil does cabbage need in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire'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.