Cabbage is a rewarding, cool-season vegetable that performs well in Kentucky’s climate, often allowing for two separate harvests each year. Successful growth depends on timing the planting to avoid the intense heat of midsummer, which can cause the heads to split or the plant to bolt. Understanding regional frost patterns and preparing the garden site appropriately ensures a steady supply of this crisp vegetable through precise scheduling of spring and fall plantings.
Timing Spring Cabbage Crops
The spring crop must mature before summer heat arrives, requiring seeds to be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost. Since the last average spring frost in Kentucky ranges from early April (west) to early May (east), indoor sowing generally falls between late January and early March.
The goal is to transplant robust seedlings into the garden beds once the soil is workable. Cabbage plants are frost-tolerant and can be safely moved outside before the last frost, typically starting around March 15th in Western Kentucky and extending to April 1st in the East. Before permanent planting, seedlings must be “hardened off” by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over seven to ten days to prevent shock.
Timing Fall Cabbage Crops
The fall crop is often easier to grow because plants develop during summer and mature in the cooling temperatures of autumn, which improves flavor and texture. To calculate the correct planting time, count backward from the average first fall frost date (mid-October to early November).
This calculation involves adding the variety’s days to maturity (usually 60 to 90 days) plus an extra four weeks to account for slower growth in the heat. This timing requires direct-seeding or transplanting between July 1st (Western Kentucky) and August 1st (Eastern Kentucky). Starting seeds outdoors during July requires extra attention to watering to prevent drying out during germination.
Essential Site Preparation and Soil Needs
Cabbage plants are heavy feeders and require a prepared site to produce large, firm heads. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to fuel rapid growth. The soil must be well-drained and loamy, as cabbage suffers quickly from root rot in waterlogged conditions.
The optimal soil pH for cabbage is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 6.8), which maximizes nutrient uptake and prevents common diseases. A soil test determines if amendments like lime are needed to adjust the pH before planting. Cabbage requires high levels of nitrogen and potassium.
Before setting out transplants, amend the soil deeply with well-rotted compost or manure for slow-release organic nutrients. If using a synthetic product, incorporate a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, into the planting bed. Subsequent fertilization will be necessary after the plants are established to support dense head formation.
Ongoing Care and Harvesting
Consistent moisture is required for producing high-quality cabbage heads; dry periods stress the plants and can cause heads to split upon subsequent watering. Aim to provide about one inch of water per week through rain or supplemental irrigation, ensuring deep penetration. Once established, apply a side dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer every three to four weeks until the heads begin to form.
Kentucky gardens are often challenged by common pests, primarily the larvae of the imported cabbageworm and the cabbage looper, which chew holes in the leaves. An organic control is applying a product containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring soil bacterium toxic only to caterpillars when ingested. Flea beetles also threaten young transplants and can be managed by covering rows with lightweight, fine-mesh row covers immediately after planting.
The cabbage head is ready for harvest when it feels firm and has reached the size appropriate for the variety planted. Do not wait too long, as overly mature heads can split, making them unusable. To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the stem just below the lowest head leaves, leaving the outer leaves and root system in place.