Virginia planting calendar

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

Virginia is mostly USDA zone 7b (range 5b-8a). Dates below are derived from cabbage's frost tolerance and Virginia's frost window — not generic national averages.

Cabbage planting timetable for Virginia

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

Virginia's last spring frost averages mid-April and first fall frost late October, which sets the whole planting clock. Virginia runs from cool mountains through the Piedmont to a mild Tidewater, giving a long, varied mid-Atlantic season. 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 western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) the safe date runs a week or two later.

Regional variation within Virginia

the western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Tidewater and Hampton Roads coast (zone 8a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

Virginia Beach — USDA zone 8a
Richmond — USDA zone 7b
Norfolk — USDA zone 8a
Arlington — USDA zone 7b
Roanoke — USDA zone 7a

What else to plant in Virginia 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 Virginia?

In Virginia (mostly USDA zone 7b), 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 Virginia?

Most of Virginia sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b, with the state spanning roughly 5b-8a from the western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) to the Tidewater and Hampton Roads coast (zone 8a). The last spring frost averages mid-April and the first fall frost late October.

Can you grow cabbage in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia's dominant zone 7b 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 Virginia?

the western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Tidewater and Hampton Roads coast (zone 8a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

What else can I plant in Virginia 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.