Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that forms its dense head best when temperatures remain consistently mild, ideally between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Cultivating this crop successfully in Louisiana presents a challenge because the state experiences a long, intense period of high heat and humidity. Therefore, timing the planting schedule to avoid the summer months is the most important factor for a successful harvest.
Louisiana’s Dual Planting Seasons
Louisiana’s climate allows for two distinct windows to grow cabbage, bookending the intense summer heat. The first targets a winter harvest, requiring plants to be established in the late summer or early fall to mature during the coolest part of the year. The second season aims for a late spring harvest, requiring planting during the late winter or very early spring, capitalizing on the period between the last expected frost and the onset of high summer temperatures. The goal is to ensure the cabbage head matures before sustained heat rises above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause the heads to fail or bolt prematurely.
Regional Timing Differences
The specific planting dates depend on whether you are gardening in the northern or southern half of the state, corresponding to different USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. North Louisiana primarily falls into Zone 8a, while South Louisiana and the Gulf Coast areas are in the warmer Zones 8b and 9. This difference affects the timing of both the first and last expected frost dates.
For a fall-to-winter crop in the northern parishes (Zone 8a), transplants should be set out from late September through October. This allows plants to establish roots while the soil is still warm. Gardeners in the southern parishes (Zone 8b-9) can begin setting out transplants slightly later, often throughout October and well into November, taking advantage of the extended frost-free period.
For the spring crop, the timing is reversed, with the south planting earlier to beat the approaching summer heat. Southern Louisiana gardeners (Zone 8b-9) can safely transplant young cabbage plants as early as mid-January to early February. In North Louisiana (Zone 8a), it is safer to wait until late February or early March to set out transplants, allowing them to mature before the typical arrival of sustained heat in late May and June. Using transplants started indoors about six weeks prior is the most reliable method for timing the crop accurately.
Selecting Cabbage Varieties for the Southern Climate
Due to the persistent warmth and humidity, selecting the right cultivar is necessary for success in the Louisiana climate. Standard northern varieties may struggle or fail to produce a firm head when exposed to the region’s long growing season. Gardeners should focus on types specifically bred for heat tolerance and resistance to common Southern diseases like Fusarium yellows.
Savoy types, easily recognizable by their crinkled leaves, are often recommended for their ability to handle warmer conditions compared to smooth-leaf varieties. Cultivars such as ‘Famosa’ and ‘Clarissa’ are excellent Savoy options. For green cabbage, early-maturing hybrids are preferred for the spring crop, as they complete their head formation before the heat becomes too intense.
Varieties like ‘Fast Vantage’ and ‘Emblem’ are known for their heat-tolerant traits and quick maturation. Heirloom varieties like ‘Flat Dutch’ are also noted for their resilience in warmer climates. Look for descriptions that specify an early or mid-season maturity and explicitly mention tolerance to heat, humidity, or resistance to local fungal issues.
Essential Planting Techniques and Soil Prep
Cabbage requires a planting site that receives full sun (six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day) and a well-drained soil structure. The heavy clay soils common in parts of Louisiana must be amended extensively with organic material, such as compost or aged manure, to improve drainage and aeration. Since cabbage plants have a shallow root system, waterlogged soil can quickly lead to root rot.
The ideal soil pH for cabbage ranges between 6.0 and 7.5; testing the garden plot beforehand is recommended, as the crop is sensitive to highly acidic conditions. Before planting, incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil based on the results of a soil test. This provides the necessary nutrients for initial establishment and rapid growth.
When setting out transplants, proper spacing is necessary to ensure the heads develop fully. For smaller head sizes, plants can be spaced about 12 inches apart, but for large heads, 18 to 24 inches between plants is better. Transplants should be planted at the same depth they were growing in their containers, and the soil should be firmed gently around the base. Immediately after planting, a thorough watering helps settle the soil and minimizes transplant shock.