Cabbage is a cool-weather crop that can be successfully cultivated across Alabama, despite the state’s long, hot summers. The key to a successful harvest is precisely timing the planting schedule to allow the plants to mature before intense heat arrives or as the weather cools. Cabbage requires cool temperatures for head formation, so gardeners must align the crop’s 60-to-85-day maturity window with the state’s narrow windows of mild weather. This strategy ensures the development of firm, sweet heads, which is accomplished by adapting planting dates to specific microclimates.
Alabama’s Dual Cabbage Seasons
Alabama’s moderate climate allows for two distinct growing periods for cool-season vegetables like cabbage. The goal for the spring crop is to establish and harvest plants before daily temperatures consistently exceed 80–85°F, which can cause heads to split or plants to bolt prematurely. This requires starting plants very early, often 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date. Plants should be set out while the weather is still quite cool, as cabbage can tolerate a light frost.
The fall season is generally easier and more productive for cabbage, as plants mature during the shortening days of late autumn. Planting is timed to allow seedlings to establish themselves as high summer temperatures begin to break. The cooling nights of October and November intensify the cabbage’s natural sugars, resulting in a sweeter and denser harvest. This fall crop is planted in mid-to-late summer, allowing the heads to size up and firm up in mild conditions.
North vs. South: Adjusting Planting Dates by Zone
Alabama spans multiple USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, primarily 7b in the north and 8b to 9a along the Gulf Coast, requiring precise adjustments to planting schedules. North Alabama (Zone 7b) experiences a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost. Gardeners here should delay spring transplanting until early to mid-March. Fall seeds should be started indoors by mid-July to ensure a harvest before colder weather settles in.
Central Alabama (Zone 8a) serves as a general guide for planting dates. Spring transplants are typically set out in late February to early March. Fall planting involves starting seeds indoors around late July for an August transplant date. This timing allows plants to establish roots during the late summer heat and mature during the mild autumn.
The Gulf Coast region (Zones 8b and 9a) benefits from the mildest weather and the longest growing season. Gardeners here can set out spring transplants much earlier, often starting in late January or early February. This region also enjoys an extended fall harvest, with the potential to transplant as late as early October for a late winter harvest.
Optimal Planting Methods
For success in the Southern climate, planting cabbage using transplants rather than direct seeding is recommended. Transplants should be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the outdoor planting date. This allows the crop to bypass the vulnerable seedling phase when outdoor conditions can be too harsh. A transplant is ready when it has developed three to four true leaves and has been “hardened off” by gradually exposing it to outdoor conditions for about a week.
When setting plants into the garden, the transplant should be placed as deep as its original root ball, ensuring the soil is firmed gently around the base. Proper spacing is necessary for successful head formation, as overcrowding limits the plant’s ability to develop a dense head. Plants should be spaced a minimum of 12 to 15 inches apart; wider spacing, up to 18 inches, will result in larger heads. If direct seeding is chosen for the fall crop, seeds should be sown about one-half inch deep and thinned promptly to the necessary final spacing.
Cabbage Varieties for the Southern Climate
Selecting the correct cultivar is a primary factor in overcoming the challenges of Alabama’s heat and humidity. For the spring season, quick-maturing varieties are the best choice to avoid fast-approaching summer heat. Cultivars like ‘Golden Acre’ or ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ are ideal as they mature quickly (60 to 70 days), allowing them to form heads before bolting occurs.
For the fall crop, which has a longer growing window, varieties with proven heat tolerance are preferable since they must withstand residual summer heat during establishment. The hybrid ‘Bravo’ is a popular choice for its reliability and ability to resist splitting in warmer conditions. Another option is ‘Charleston Wakefield,’ an heirloom variety known for its heat tolerance and conical head shape. Including a Savoy type, such as ‘Savoy Ace,’ can also be beneficial, as these varieties often have better texture and flavor after a light fall frost.