Minnesota planting calendar

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

Minnesota is mostly USDA zone 4b (range 3a-5a). Dates below are derived from cabbage's frost tolerance and Minnesota's frost window — not generic national averages.

Cabbage planting timetable for Minnesota

Stage	When in Minnesota	Anchor
Start seeds indoors	early April (April 3)	6 weeks before the last frost (mid-May)
Transplant outside	late April (April 24)	21 days before the last frost (mid-May)
First harvest (estimate)	mid-July (July 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 Minnesota's climate shifts the cabbage dates

Minnesota's last spring frost averages mid-May and first fall frost late September, which sets the whole planting clock. Minnesota is one of the coldest states in the contiguous US. Cold-hardy varieties and a compressed season define gardening here. 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-May — a hard freeze can still set young plants back. In the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) the safe date runs a week or two later.

Regional variation within Minnesota

the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Twin Cities metro and far south (zone 5a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

Minneapolis — USDA zone 5a
Saint Paul — USDA zone 5a
Duluth — USDA zone 4b
Rochester — USDA zone 4b

What else to plant in Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

In Minnesota (mostly USDA zone 4b), sow cabbage indoors around early April, transplant outdoors late April (before the last frost, mid-May), and harvest from mid-July. 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 Minnesota?

Most of Minnesota sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b, with the state spanning roughly 3a-5a from the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) to the Twin Cities metro and far south (zone 5a). The last spring frost averages mid-May and the first fall frost late September.

Can you grow cabbage in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota's dominant zone 4b 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 Minnesota?

the far north near International Falls (zone 3a) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Twin Cities metro and far south (zone 5a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

What else can I plant in Minnesota 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.