Louisiana’s humid subtropical weather creates a narrow window for cabbage that thrives in cooler conditions. Knowing the best time to plant cabbage in Louisiana is the difference between a crisp, sweet harvest and a bolted, bitter failure. This guide gives you the exact timing and steps for success.
Cabbage loves cool weather. It grows best when temperatures stay between 45°F and 75°F. In Louisiana, that means you have two main planting seasons: fall and early spring. The fall crop is usually easier and more reliable.
Best Time To Plant Cabbage In Louisiana
The absolute best time to plant cabbage in Louisiana is in the fall, specifically from mid-August to early October. This timing lets the cabbage mature during the cooler months of November and December. For a spring crop, plant from late January to early March.
Let’s break down the specifics for each region. Louisiana is big, and north Louisiana gets colder than south Louisiana. Your planting dates will shift depending on where you live.
Fall Planting Dates By Region
Fall is the prime season. The soil is warm, which helps seeds germinate fast. The air cools down as the plants grow, which is perfect for head formation.
- North Louisiana (Shreveport, Monroe, Ruston): Plant seeds indoors in late July. Transplant seedlings outdoors from mid-August to early September.
- Central Louisiana (Alexandria, Pineville): Start seeds indoors in early August. Move transplants to the garden from late August to mid-September.
- South Louisiana (Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette): Begin seeds indoors in mid-August. Set out transplants from early September to early October.
For direct seeding, plant seeds in the garden about 2 weeks earlier than the transplant dates. Cabbage seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, often in 4 to 7 days.
Spring Planting Dates By Region
Spring planting is trickier. You need to get the cabbage in early enough so it matures before the heat of May and June. If temperatures spike, cabbage will “bolt” (send up a flower stalk) and the head will split or taste bitter.
- North Louisiana: Plant seeds indoors in late December. Transplant outdoors from late January to mid-February.
- Central Louisiana: Start seeds indoors in early January. Move transplants to the garden from early February to late February.
- South Louisiana: Begin seeds indoors in mid-January. Set out transplants from mid-February to early March.
You can also direct seed spring cabbage in the garden about 4 weeks before your last expected frost date. In north Louisiana, that’s usually around mid-March. In south Louisiana, it’s around late February.
Why Fall Is Easier Than Spring
Fall planting has several advantages. The soil is warm, so seeds sprout fast. Pests like flea beetles and cabbage worms are less active in late summer and early fall. The cooling temperatures reduce the risk of bolting. Plus, a light frost can actually sweeten the cabbage flavor.
Spring planting fights against rising temperatures. You have to watch the weather closely. A sudden warm spell can ruin your crop. Fall is more forgiving.
How To Plant Cabbage For Best Results
Timing is only half the battle. You also need to plant correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Choose The Right Variety
Some cabbage varieties handle Louisiana’s heat better than others. For fall, choose varieties that mature in 70 to 90 days. For spring, pick early-maturing types that finish in 60 to 75 days.
- Good fall varieties: ‘Bravo’, ‘Blue Vantage’, ‘Savoy King’
- Good spring varieties: ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’, ‘Golden Acre’, ‘Stonehead’
- Heat-tolerant options: ‘Kaitlin’, ‘Tropic Giant’
Step 2: Start Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start. Use seed-starting mix in small pots or trays. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil moist and warm, around 70°F to 75°F. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge.
Harden off seedlings before transplanting. This means putting them outside for a few hours each day for a week. Start with shade, then gradually give them more sun.
Step 3: Prepare The Garden Bed
Cabbage needs full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Test your soil pH. Cabbage prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Add lime if your soil is too acidic.
Work in 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure. Add a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. Rake the bed smooth.
Step 4: Transplant Seedlings
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. Dig a hole deep enough to cover the stem up to the first set of true leaves. Water well after planting.
For fall planting, water deeply right after transplanting. The soil is warm and can dry out fast. For spring planting, be careful not to overwater if the soil is still cool and wet.
Step 5: Care During The Season
Cabbage needs consistent moisture. Give it about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Use mulch to keep the soil cool and moist. Straw, pine straw, or shredded leaves work well.
Fertilize with a side dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like 21-0-0) about 3 weeks after transplanting. Apply about ½ cup per 10 feet of row. Water it in well.
Watch for pests. Cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles are common. Use row covers to protect young plants. Handpick worms or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for organic control.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even with perfect timing, mistakes can happen. Here are the most common problems Louisiana gardeners face.
- Planting too late in spring: If you wait until April, the heat will cause bolting. Heads will be small or non-existent.
- Planting too early in fall: If you plant in July, the heat can stunt seedlings or kill them. Wait until mid-August at least.
- Overcrowding: Cabbage needs space. Crowded plants produce small heads. Stick to the spacing guidelines.
- Inconsistent watering: Cabbage that dries out then gets soaked will split its head. Water evenly.
- Ignoring soil pH: Acidic soil can cause clubroot disease. Always test and amend your soil.
Harvesting Your Cabbage
Cabbage is ready to harvest when the head feels firm and solid. Squeeze it gently. If it gives a little, it needs more time. If it’s hard, it’s ready.
Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife. Leave the outer leaves and the stalk in the ground. Sometimes, small secondary heads will form from the stalk. You can harvest those later.
For fall cabbage, you can leave heads in the garden for several weeks if temperatures stay cool. A light frost improves flavor. But if a hard freeze is coming, harvest all heads and store them.
Store cabbage in the refrigerator. It will keep for 2 to 3 months if stored properly. Wrap heads in plastic or place them in a perforated bag. Keep the humidity high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant cabbage in Louisiana in the summer?
No. Summer temperatures in Louisiana are too hot for cabbage. The plant will bolt or fail to form a head. Stick to fall and spring planting.
What is the last frost date for cabbage in Louisiana?
Cabbage can tolerate light frost. The last frost date varies by region. In north Louisiana, it’s around March 15. In south Louisiana, it’s around February 20. You can plant 4 weeks before these dates.
How long does cabbage take to grow in Louisiana?
Most cabbage varieties take 60 to 90 days from transplanting to harvest. Fall crops may take a bit longer because of cooler weather. Spring crops mature faster.
Do I need to fertilize cabbage in Louisiana soil?
Yes. Louisiana soils are often low in nitrogen. Cabbage is a heavy feeder. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and a nitrogen side dressing later.
Can I grow cabbage in containers in Louisiana?
Yes. Use a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Fill with rich potting soil. Keep the container in full sun and water daily in warm weather.
Regional Tips For Louisiana Gardeners
Louisiana’s weather is not uniform. Here are specific tips for different areas.
North Louisiana
You have colder winters. This means your spring window is shorter. Plant spring cabbage as early as possible. Use row covers to protect from late frosts. For fall, you can plant a bit earlier than the south because your first frost comes sooner.
South Louisiana
Your growing season is longer. You can plant fall cabbage later, into early October. Spring planting can start earlier, in late January. But watch for warm spells in February and March. Be ready to shade plants if temperatures spike.
Coastal Areas
Near the coast, the soil may be sandy. Add lots of organic matter to retain moisture. Salt spray can be a problem. Plant cabbage in a protected spot. Use windbreaks if needed.
Final Thoughts On Timing
Getting the best time to plant cabbage in Louisiana right is your first step to a great harvest. Fall planting from mid-August to early October is your safest bet. Spring planting from late January to early March works if you are careful.
Watch the weather. Use a soil thermometer. Cabbage seeds germinate best when soil is at least 45°F. Transplants handle cooler air but need protection from hard freezes.
With the right timing and a little care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown cabbage from your Louisiana garden. The flavor is worth the effort. Start planning your planting dates now.
Remember, every garden is a little different. Keep a garden journal. Write down when you planted and how the crop turned out. Over a few seasons, you’ll dial in the perfect timing for your specific spot.
Happy gardening in Louisiana. Your cabbage patch awaits.