Kansas planting calendar

When to plant cabbage in Kansas — sow, transplant & harvest dates

Kansas is mostly USDA zone 6b (range 5b-7a). Dates below are derived from cabbage's frost tolerance and Kansas's frost window — not generic national averages.

Cabbage planting timetable for Kansas

Stage	When in Kansas	Anchor
Start seeds indoors	early March (March 4)	6 weeks before the last frost (mid-April)
Transplant outside	late March (March 25)	21 days before the last frost (mid-April)
First harvest (estimate)	mid-June (June 13)	~80 days from transplant

Dates are state-wide averages for the dominant zone. Local microclimates — elevation, urban heat, coastal moderation — can shift the window by 1-2 weeks. Use the frost-date calculator for a date tuned to your town.

Why Kansas's climate shifts the cabbage dates

Kansas's last spring frost averages mid-April and first fall frost late October, which sets the whole planting clock. Kansas has a long, hot, often windy continental season. Heat and drought stress matter as much as the winter low across the state. Sow early — cabbage bolt once daytime temperatures hold above 24 °C, so the earlier they go in, the longer the harvest.

Cabbage is one of the hardier brassicas, tolerating temperatures down to around −7 °C (20 °F) once established; light frost actually improves flavour. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last spring frost and transplant 3–4 weeks before last frost. Spacing affects head size — 30 cm (12 in) produces smaller, tender heads; 60 cm (24 in) allows large storage types. Heads will split if left in the field after maturing or after rain following drought stress. For fall crops, count back from first expected autumn frost — most varieties need 70–120 days.

Frost-risk note

Don't plant before mid-April — a hard freeze can still set young plants back. In the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) the safe date runs a week or two later.

Regional variation within Kansas

the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the south-central plains around Wichita (zone 7a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

Wichita — USDA zone 7a
Kansas City — USDA zone 6b
Topeka — USDA zone 6b
Overland Park — USDA zone 6b

What else to plant in Kansas around then

The same early window suits peas, lettuce, spinach, and onion sets.

Quick-grow guide

Sun: Full sun — 6+ hours direct.
Soil temperature for germination: 7–29 °C (45–85 °F).
Spacing: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) between plants.
Days to harvest: ~80 days from planting out.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to plant cabbage in Kansas?

In Kansas (mostly USDA zone 6b), sow cabbage indoors around early March, transplant outdoors late March (before the last frost, mid-April), and harvest from mid-June. Cabbage are cold-hardy — they tolerate frost and actively prefer cool weather, so they go in well before the last spring frost and bolt in summer heat.

What USDA zone is Kansas?

Most of Kansas sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b, with the state spanning roughly 5b-7a from the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) to the south-central plains around Wichita (zone 7a). The last spring frost averages mid-April and the first fall frost late October.

Can you grow cabbage in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas's dominant zone 6b supports cabbage — the key is timing. Cabbage are cold-hardy — they tolerate frost and actively prefer cool weather, so they go in well before the last spring frost and bolt in summer heat.

Does the planting date change across Kansas?

the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the south-central plains around Wichita (zone 7a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

What else can I plant in Kansas around the same time?

The same early window suits peas, lettuce, spinach, and onion sets.

Source and methodology

State zone spans from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023); frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online. Hot-state two-season timing cross-checked against the UF/IFAS Florida Gardening Calendar and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension planting calendar. Curated by the Growli editorial team.