Kentucky planting calendar

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

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

Cabbage planting timetable for Kentucky

Stage	When in Kentucky	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 Kentucky's climate shifts the cabbage dates

Kentucky's last spring frost averages mid-April and first fall frost mid-October, which sets the whole planting clock. Kentucky has a mild four-season climate with a long, humid summer and a winter that rarely tests hardy perennials. 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 eastern Appalachian highlands (zone 6a) the safe date runs a week or two later.

Regional variation within Kentucky

the eastern Appalachian highlands (zone 6a) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Ohio River valley around Louisville (zone 7b) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

Louisville — USDA zone 7a
Lexington — USDA zone 6b
Bowling Green — USDA zone 7a
Covington — USDA zone 6b

What else to plant in Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

In Kentucky (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 Kentucky?

Most of Kentucky sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b, with the state spanning roughly 6a-7b from the eastern Appalachian highlands (zone 6a) to the Ohio River valley around Louisville (zone 7b). The last spring frost averages mid-April and the first fall frost mid-October.

Can you grow cabbage in Kentucky?

Yes. Kentucky'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 Kentucky?

the eastern Appalachian highlands (zone 6a) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Ohio River valley around Louisville (zone 7b) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

What else can I plant in Kentucky 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.