Arkansas gardeners benefit from a long fall season that supports excellent cabbage growth. Knowing the best time to plant cabbage in arkansas is key to getting a big harvest. Cabbage loves cool weather, so timing matters a lot in the Natural State.
You can plant cabbage for both spring and fall crops here. But the fall planting often gives you better results. The weather is more stable, and pests are less of a problem. Let’s break down exactly when to put those seeds or transplants in the ground.
Best Time To Plant Cabbage In Arkansas
The best time to plant cabbage in arkansas depends on your specific location within the state. Arkansas has three main growing zones: north, central, and south. Each zone has slightly different frost dates.
For a fall crop, you want to plant cabbage so it matures during cool weather. Cabbage tastes sweeter after a light frost. Aim for a harvest date after the first frost but before a hard freeze.
Here is a simple breakdown by region:
- Northern Arkansas (Zones 6a-6b): Plant fall cabbage from July 15 to August 1. Spring planting is from March 15 to April 1.
- Central Arkansas (Zones 7a-7b): Plant fall cabbage from August 1 to August 15. Spring planting is from March 1 to March 15.
- Southern Arkansas (Zones 8a-8b): Plant fall cabbage from August 15 to September 1. Spring planting is from February 15 to March 1.
These dates are guidelines. Always check your local frost dates. You can find this information from your county extension office. They have the most accurate data for your area.
Why Fall Planting Works Best
Fall cabbage planting has several advantages over spring planting. The soil is warm from summer, so seeds germinate fast. The days are getting shorter and cooler, which cabbage loves.
Spring planting can be tricky. If you plant too early, a late freeze can kill your seedlings. If you plant too late, the heat of summer will make the cabbage bolt or form loose heads. Fall planting avoids most of these problems.
Another big plus is fewer pests. Cabbage worms and aphids are less active in late summer and fall. You will spend less time dealing with bugs. That means more time enjoying your garden.
Spring Planting Window
If you want a spring harvest, you need to start seeds indoors. Cabbage takes 70 to 100 days to mature. You want to transplant seedlings outdoors about 4 weeks before your last expected frost.
For northern Arkansas, that means starting seeds indoors around February 1. For central Arkansas, start around January 15. For southern Arkansas, start around January 1. Use a seed-starting mix and keep the soil moist.
Harden off your seedlings before planting them outside. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Put them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time. This reduces transplant shock.
When you transplant, space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Rows should be 2 to 3 feet apart. Cabbage needs room to grow big heads. Water them well after planting.
Fall Planting Window
For fall cabbage, you can direct seed or use transplants. Direct seeding is easier and cheaper. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the soil. Water them gently to avoid washing them away.
Thin seedlings to 12 to 18 inches apart once they have a few true leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist. Cabbage needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.
Fall cabbage often tastes better than spring cabbage. The cool nights increase the sugar content. You can harvest it after a light frost for the sweetest flavor. Just make sure to harvest before a hard freeze below 25°F.
Soil Preparation For Cabbage
Cabbage grows best in rich, well-draining soil. Before planting, test your soil pH. Cabbage prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. You can get a test kit from a garden center or send a sample to your extension office.
If your soil is too acidic, add lime. If it is too alkaline, add sulfur. Adjust the pH several weeks before planting. This gives the amendments time to work.
Work plenty of organic matter into the soil. Compost, aged manure, or leaf mold are great choices. Add about 2 to 3 inches of organic matter and till it in to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
Cabbage is a heavy feeder. It needs lots of nitrogen for leaf growth. Before planting, mix in a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Follow the package directions for the amount. You can also use a slow-release organic fertilizer.
Fertilizing Schedule
After planting, side-dress your cabbage with fertilizer. This means applying fertilizer along the sides of the plants. Do this when the plants are about 6 inches tall. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like 21-0-0 or blood meal.
Apply about 1/2 cup of fertilizer per 10 feet of row. Water it in well. Repeat this side-dressing every 3 to 4 weeks. Stop fertilizing about 2 weeks before harvest. This prevents the heads from splitting.
If you use a liquid fertilizer, apply it every 2 weeks. Fish emulsion or seaweed extract work well. Follow the label instructions for mixing. Over-fertilizing can cause lush growth that attracts pests.
Choosing The Right Cabbage Variety
Not all cabbage varieties grow well in Arkansas. You need to choose types that can handle our weather. Some varieties are better for spring, and others for fall.
For spring planting, choose early-maturing varieties. They will form heads before the heat arrives. Good choices include ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’, ‘Golden Acre’, and ‘Stonehead’. These mature in 60 to 70 days.
For fall planting, you can use mid-season or late varieties. They have more time to develop in the cool weather. Try ‘Red Acre’, ‘Savoy King’, or ‘Brunswick’. These mature in 70 to 100 days.
Savoy cabbage has crinkled leaves and a milder flavor. It is very cold-tolerant. Red cabbage adds color to your garden and salads. Both types grow well in Arkansas fall conditions.
Seed Vs. Transplants
You can start cabbage from seed or buy transplants. Seeds are cheaper and give you more variety choices. Transplants save time and are easier for beginners.
If you use transplants, choose stocky, healthy plants. Avoid tall, leggy ones. Look for plants with dark green leaves and no yellowing. Check for pests like aphids before buying.
Transplants should have 4 to 6 true leaves. Plant them at the same depth they were in the pot. Water them immediately after planting. Give them some shade for a day or two if the weather is hot.
Watering And Mulching
Consistent watering is critical for cabbage. The soil should stay evenly moist but not waterlogged. Dry spells can cause the heads to crack or become tough.
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water at the base. This keeps the leaves dry and reduces disease.
Mulch around your cabbage plants. Use straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer. Mulch keeps the soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds.
Weeds compete with cabbage for water and nutrients. Pull them by hand or use a hoe carefully. Cabbage roots are shallow, so be gentle. Mulch helps a lot with weed control.
Pest And Disease Management
Cabbage has several common pests in Arkansas. The most troublesome are cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. You need to watch for them regularly.
Cabbage worms are green caterpillars that eat leaves. You can pick them off by hand. Use row covers to keep butterflies from laying eggs. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is an organic spray that kills them.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap. They often cluster on the undersides of leaves. Spray them off with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soap works well too.
Flea beetles are tiny jumping beetles that make small holes in leaves. They are most active in spring. Use row covers to protect young plants. Diatomaceous earth can help control them.
Common Diseases
Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that causes swollen roots. It is more common in acidic soil. Keep your soil pH above 6.5 to prevent it. Rotate your cabbage family crops every 3 to 4 years.
Black rot causes yellow V-shaped lesions on leaf edges. It spreads in wet weather. Use disease-free seeds and transplants. Avoid overhead watering. Remove infected plants immediately.
Downy mildew appears as fuzzy gray growth on leaf undersides. It thrives in cool, wet conditions. Space plants for good air circulation. Water at the base of plants. Fungicides can help if applied early.
Harvesting Cabbage
Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm and solid. Squeeze them gently. They should feel dense, not spongy. The head size depends on the variety. Some are small, others can be huge.
Cut the head off at the base with a sharp knife. Leave a few outer leaves attached. This helps protect the head during storage. You can leave the stem and roots in the ground. Sometimes, small side heads will grow from the stump.
Harvest in the morning when the heads are crisp. If a hard freeze is coming, harvest all mature heads. Cabbage can survive light frosts, but not hard freezes below 25°F.
For the best flavor, harvest after a light frost. The cold converts starches to sugars. This makes the cabbage sweeter. But don’t wait too long. Over-mature heads can split open.
Storing Fresh Cabbage
Fresh cabbage stores well in the refrigerator. Wrap it in a plastic bag or damp paper towel. It will keep for 2 to 3 weeks. Do not wash it before storing. Wash it just before using.
You can also store cabbage in a root cellar or cool basement. Keep it at 32°F to 40°F with high humidity. It can last for several months this way. Remove any damaged outer leaves before storing.
Cabbage can be fermented into sauerkraut or kimchi. This is a great way to preserve a big harvest. Fermented cabbage keeps for months in the refrigerator. It is also very healthy.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many new gardeners make mistakes with cabbage. Here are the most common ones to avoid:
- Planting too late for spring: Cabbage needs cool weather to form heads. If you plant too late, the heat will ruin your crop.
- Planting too early for fall: If you plant fall cabbage too early, the heat can stress the plants. Wait until the recommended window for your zone.
- Overcrowding: Cabbage needs space. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and water. Heads will be small or not form at all.
- Inconsistent watering: Letting the soil dry out then flooding it causes heads to crack. Keep the soil evenly moist.
- Ignoring pests: Check your plants weekly for pests. Early action prevents big problems. Don’t wait until the damage is severe.
- Not rotating crops: Planting cabbage in the same spot year after year builds up diseases. Rotate with non-brassica crops like beans or tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant cabbage in the summer in Arkansas?
Summer is too hot for cabbage in Arkansas. The heat causes bolting and poor head formation. Stick to spring and fall planting windows.
How long does cabbage take to grow in Arkansas?
Most cabbage varieties take 70 to 100 days from transplant to harvest. From seed, add about 4 to 6 weeks for seedling growth.
What is the best cabbage variety for Arkansas fall planting?
‘Brunswick’ and ‘Red Acre’ are excellent choices for fall. They are cold-tolerant and produce well in Arkansas conditions.
Should I use seeds or transplants for fall cabbage?
Both work fine. Seeds are cheaper and give more variety. Transplants are easier and save time. Direct seeding is common for fall crops.
How do I protect cabbage from frost in Arkansas?
Light frosts are beneficial for flavor. For hard freezes, cover plants with row covers or old blankets. Remove covers during the day if temperatures rise.
Growing cabbage in Arkansas is rewarding when you get the timing right. The key is to plant for the fall season. Your cabbage will thank you with sweet, crisp heads. Just follow these guidelines, and you will have a great harvest.
Remember to check your local extension office for specific dates. They have the most accurate info for your county. Soil preparation and consistent care are just as important as planting time. With a little effort, you can enjoy homegrown cabbage from your garden.
Start planning your fall cabbage planting now. Mark your calendar for the right window in your zone. Get your soil ready and choose your varieties. You will be glad you did when you taste that first sweet head.