Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that offers a double harvest opportunity in Arkansas due to the state’s distinct climate transitions. Successfully growing this crop requires precise timing, as it thrives in mild temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting too late in the spring or too early in the fall exposes the plants to excessive heat, which can cause the head to develop poorly, become bitter, or trigger premature flowering (bolting). Arkansas gardeners can achieve two separate growing seasons, one for a late spring harvest and another for a late fall or early winter harvest, by planning around the regional frost dates. Establishing the plants while the weather is still cool but after the danger of a hard freeze has passed is key to maximizing production.
Spring Planting Schedule
Achieving a successful early summer harvest begins with starting seeds indoors well before the last expected spring frost. Seeds should be sown approximately six to eight weeks before the final average frost date for your region. For southern Arkansas, this indoor start may occur as early as late January, while northern gardeners may wait until mid-February.
The goal is to produce robust transplants that are four to six weeks old when ready for the garden. Before planting outside, seedlings must undergo a hardening-off period. This process gradually acclimates them to direct sun, wind, and cooler temperatures by moving the young plants outdoors for increasing durations over seven to ten days.
Transplants should be set out two to four weeks before the last average frost date, which generally falls between mid-March and mid-April. Hardy cabbage seedlings can tolerate a light frost, allowing them to establish a strong root system in the cool soil. This early timing ensures the heads mature before the intense heat of late spring arrives, which can halt growth or cause the heads to split.
Fall Planting Schedule
The fall planting schedule aims for harvest during the state’s mild autumn and early winter, often resulting in sweeter-tasting cabbage after a light frost. To determine the correct start date, count backward from the first expected hard frost (late October in the north, mid-November in the south). Since cabbage requires 60 to 100 days to reach maturity, starting 8 to 10 weeks prior to the first frost is necessary.
For most of Arkansas, seeds or transplants must be started between late July and mid-August to ensure the heads are ready before a killing freeze. Starting seeds during this period means they will germinate during the hottest part of the summer. Gardeners must provide adequate moisture and sometimes partial shade to prevent young seedlings from drying out or suffering heat stress.
While seedlings establish in the summer heat, the majority of head development happens as temperatures drop in the fall. This cool-weather growth gives fall-harvested cabbage its superior flavor and texture. Mature plants are quite cold-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 24 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods after proper hardening.
Site Preparation and Variety Selection
Successful cabbage cultivation depends heavily on soil quality, as the plant is a medium-to-heavy feeder requiring consistent nutrients. The planting site must receive full sunlight for at least six hours daily and feature well-draining soil to prevent root issues. Cabbage performs best in a slightly acidic soil pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.
Arkansas soils often contain heavy clay and benefit from significant amendments of organic matter, such as aged compost, to improve drainage and fertility. Because cabbage requires a steady supply of nutrients, incorporate a balanced fertilizer at planting. Then, side-dress with a nitrogen-rich formula when the plants are about four inches tall. Consistent soil moisture is necessary, as fluctuations can lead to bitterness or prevent the head from forming properly.
Variety Selection
Choosing the appropriate cultivar is important for success in both planting windows. For the spring crop, select early-maturing varieties, such as ‘Golden Acre’ or ‘Early Jersey Wakefield,’ which complete development quickly before summer heat. For the fall crop, varieties known for their heat tolerance during the initial growth phase, such as ‘Red Acre’ or ‘Savoy King,’ are recommended. These later-maturing varieties are also more robust and better suited for extended storage after harvest.