Alaska’s midnight sun provides intense summer light that can accelerate cabbage growth when planted at the right moment. Finding the best time to plant cabbage in alaska is crucial for a successful harvest in this unique climate. You need to work with the short growing season and the specific conditions of your region.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We will cover timing, variety selection, and care tips. Let’s get your cabbage patch started right.
Best Time To Plant Cabbage In Alaska
The short answer is that the best time to plant cabbage in Alaska is from mid-May to early June. This window works for most areas, especially Southcentral and Interior regions. However, the exact date depends on your local frost dates and soil temperature.
Cabbage is a cool-season crop. It can handle light frosts, but it needs consistent soil temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for seeds to germinate. For transplants, you want to wait until the soil is workable and not waterlogged.
Here is a simple breakdown by region:
- Southcentral Alaska (Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley): Plant transplants outdoors from mid-May to late May. Direct sow seeds in late May or early June.
- Interior Alaska (Fairbanks, Tanana Valley): Plant transplants from late May to early June. Direct sow seeds in early June.
- Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Ketchikan): You have a longer season. Plant transplants from early May to mid-May. Direct sow seeds in mid-May.
- Coastal areas (Homer, Kodiak): Wait until late May or early June. The soil warms up slower here.
Understanding Your Local Frost Dates
Your last spring frost date is your starting point. For cabbage, you can plant transplants about 2 to 3 weeks before that date. The plants are hardy and can survive a light freeze (down to about 28°F).
Check your local extension office or online frost date maps. In Anchorage, the average last frost is around May 15. In Fairbanks, it is often late May. In Juneau, it can be as early as April 30.
Do not rush. If a hard freeze (below 28°F) is forecasted, cover your young plants with row covers or old sheets. This simple step can save your crop.
Soil Temperature Matters
Seeds need soil at least 40°F to germinate, but 50°F to 70°F is ideal. Use a soil thermometer. Stick it 2 inches deep in the morning. If it reads below 40°F, wait a few more days.
Cold, wet soil can cause seeds to rot. This is a common problem in Alaska’s spring. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds. They warm up faster in the spring sun.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Most Alaskan gardeners start cabbage seeds indoors. This gives you a head start. You can control the environment and avoid late frosts.
- Timing: Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your planned transplant date. For a mid-May transplant, start seeds in early April.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots. Fill with a sterile seed-starting mix.
- Light: Cabbage needs strong light. Use grow lights or a sunny south-facing window. Keep lights 2-3 inches above the seedlings.
- Temperature: Keep the room around 60°F to 70°F. Cooler temps (55°F at night) produce stockier plants.
- Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting, start hardening off your seedlings. Place them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the time over a week.
Direct Sowing Seeds Outdoors
You can also sow seeds directly in the garden. This works best for quick-maturing varieties. The risk is that a late frost or cold snap can kill the seedlings.
- When: Wait until the soil is at least 45°F. In most of Alaska, this is late May or early June.
- Depth: Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds 2 inches apart in rows. Thin to 12-18 inches apart once they have 4 true leaves.
- Protection: Use row covers or cloches to protect young plants from cold and pests like cabbage root maggots.
Choosing The Right Cabbage Variety
Not all cabbage varieties do well in Alaska. You need types that mature quickly and can handle cool temperatures. Look for varieties with “days to maturity” of 60 to 80 days.
Early Maturing Varieties
These are your best bet for a reliable harvest. They grow fast and form heads before the first fall frost.
- Golden Acre: Matures in 60-65 days. Small, dense heads. Very reliable in short seasons.
- Early Jersey Wakefield: Matures in 65-70 days. Pointed heads. Good for cool soils.
- Stonehead: Matures in 65-70 days. Solid, round heads. Resistant to splitting.
- Farao: Matures in 60-65 days. Very early. Good for fresh eating.
Mid-Season Varieties
These take a bit longer but produce larger heads. They work well if you have a longer growing season or use transplants.
- Danish Ballhead: Matures in 75-80 days. Good for storage. Tolerates light frost.
- Red Acre: Matures in 75-80 days. Red cabbage. Adds color to the garden.
- Savoy King: Matures in 75-80 days. Crinkled leaves. Very cold tolerant.
Late Season Varieties
These are risky in most of Alaska unless you have a greenhouse or a very long season. They can be grown in Southeast Alaska or with extra protection.
- Late Flat Dutch: Matures in 90-100 days. Large, flat heads. Not recommended for short seasons.
- Storage No. 4: Matures in 90-100 days. Good for winter storage. Needs a long, cool fall.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Cabbage likes rich, well-drained soil. It is a heavy feeder. Prepare your bed a few weeks before planting.
- Location: Choose a spot with full sun. Cabbage needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil Test: Test your soil pH. Cabbage prefers a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Add lime if your soil is too acidic.
- Amendments: Mix in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Add a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) according to package directions.
- Raised Beds: Consider raised beds. They warm up faster and drain better. This is a big advantage in Alaska.
Planting Transplants Correctly
When your transplants are hardened off and the soil is ready, it is time to plant. Follow these steps for the best results.
- Water: Water your transplants well a few hours before planting.
- Dig Holes: Space holes 12-18 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. This gives plants room to grow.
- Depth: Plant the cabbage at the same depth it was in the pot. Do not bury the stem too deep.
- Firm In: Gently firm the soil around the roots. Water well after planting.
- Protect: Cover with row covers if frost is expected or to keep out cabbage flies.
Caring For Your Cabbage
Once your cabbage is in the ground, it needs consistent care. Alaskan summers can be dry or wet. Pay attention to your plants.
Watering
Cabbage needs steady moisture. Inconsistent watering can cause heads to split. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.
- Give about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
- Water at the base of the plant. Avoid wetting the leaves to reduce disease.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for best results.
Fertilizing
Cabbage is a heavy feeder. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer about 3 weeks after transplanting. Use fish emulsion or a balanced fertilizer.
- Apply a second side-dressing when heads start to form.
- Do not over-fertilize. Too much nitrogen can cause lush leaves but small heads.
Weeding
Keep the bed weed-free. Weeds compete for water and nutrients. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to suppress weeds and keep the soil cool.
Pest Control
Alaskan cabbage faces a few common pests. The most troublesome is the cabbage root maggot. Others include aphids and cabbage loopers.
- Cabbage Root Maggot: Use row covers from planting until harvest. This prevents the adult fly from laying eggs at the base of the plant.
- Aphids: Spray with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Cabbage Loopers: Handpick caterpillars. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if needed.
Harvesting Your Cabbage
Harvest time depends on the variety and when you planted. For most Alaskan gardeners, this is from late August to early October.
- Check for firmness: Squeeze the head. It should be firm and solid. Loose heads are not ready.
- Cut the head: Use a sharp knife to cut the stem at the base. Leave a few outer leaves attached for protection.
- Harvest before hard frost: Cabbage can handle light frosts, but a hard freeze (below 28°F) can damage the heads.
- Storage: Store cabbage in a cool, humid place (32°F to 40°F). It can last for several months in a root cellar or refrigerator.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors. Here are the most common ones when planting cabbage in Alaska.
- Planting too early: Cold, wet soil leads to rot. Wait for the soil to warm up.
- Planting too late: Late planting means heads may not form before the first fall frost.
- Not hardening off: Transplants need time to adjust to outdoor conditions. Skip this step and they may die.
- Overcrowding: Cabbage needs space. Crowded plants produce small heads.
- Ignoring pests: Row covers are essential. Do not wait until you see damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant cabbage in July in Alaska?
It is possible for very early maturing varieties like Golden Acre. However, it is risky. The heads may not fully form before the first frost. Stick to spring planting for best results.
What is the best month to plant cabbage in Alaska?
May is the best month for most regions. Mid-May to early June works well. Check your local frost dates for the exact timing.
Do I need to start cabbage indoors in Alaska?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Starting indoors gives you a 4-6 week head start. This ensures your cabbage has enough time to mature before fall.
How long does cabbage take to grow in Alaska?
Most varieties take 60 to 80 days from transplanting to harvest. Early varieties can be ready in 55-60 days. Late varieties may take 90 days or more.
Can cabbage survive frost in Alaska?
Yes, cabbage is very frost tolerant. Young plants can survive light frosts down to 28°F. Mature heads can handle temperatures down to 25°F for short periods. Hard freezes below 25°F can cause damage.
Final Tips For Success
Growing cabbage in Alaska is rewarding. The long summer days produce sweet, crisp heads. Here are a few final tips to ensure a great harvest.
- Use row covers from day one. They protect against frost and pests.
- Water consistently. Mulch helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Harvest promptly. Once heads are firm, cut them. Left too long, they may split.
- Try a fall crop. In warmer areas like Southeast, you can plant a second crop in July for a fall harvest.
- Experiment with different varieties. Some years favor early types, others mid-season. Keep notes for next year.
With the right timing and care, you can enjoy homegrown cabbage from your Alaskan garden. The midnight sun gives you a unique advantage. Use it wisely and you will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest.
Remember, the best time to plant cabbage in Alaska is when the soil is warm enough and the danger of hard frost has passed. For most of us, that means late May. Start your seeds indoors in early April. Harden them off carefully. Plant them out with protection. Then watch them grow under the endless summer sun.
Happy gardening in the Last Frontier. Your cabbage patch awaits.