UK sowing calendar
When to sow cabbage in the UK
Cabbage sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Feb-Apr (summer types) |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Mar-May; Jul-Aug (spring types) |
| Harvest | All year (by type) |
Timing depends on type: sow summer cabbage late winter-mid spring (Feb-Apr, harvest Jul-Sep), winter cabbage late spring/early summer, and spring cabbage in Jul-Aug for harvests the following mid-spring. Sow small batches to avoid gluts, firm the soil to prevent loose heads, and net against caterpillars and pigeons.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for cabbage.
Keep going
When to sow cabbage in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow cabbage in the UK?
Sow cabbage under cover Feb-Apr (summer types), then outdoors mar-may; jul-aug (spring types). Timing depends on type: sow summer cabbage late winter-mid spring (Feb-Apr, harvest Jul-Sep), winter cabbage late spring/early summer, and spring cabbage in Jul-Aug for harvests the following mid-spring. Sow small batches to avoid gluts, firm the soil to prevent loose heads, and net against caterpillars and pigeons.
Can you sow cabbage outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant cabbage outdoors mar-may; jul-aug (spring types). Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is cabbage ready to harvest in the UK?
Cabbage is typically harvested All year (by type) in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow cabbage?
It depends on the month and your region. Cabbage has a UK outdoor window of mar-may; jul-aug (spring types); northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.