West Virginia planting calendar

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

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

Cabbage planting timetable for West Virginia

Stage	When in West Virginia	Anchor
Start seeds indoors	mid-March (March 14)	6 weeks before the last frost (late April)
Transplant outside	early April (April 4)	21 days before the last frost (late April)
First harvest (estimate)	late June (June 23)	~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 West Virginia's climate shifts the cabbage dates

West Virginia's last spring frost averages late April and first fall frost mid-October, which sets the whole planting clock. West Virginia is a mountain state where elevation drives the zone. River valleys are mild; the high Alleghenies are noticeably colder. 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 late April — a hard freeze can still set young plants back. In the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) the safe date runs a week or two later.

Regional variation within West Virginia

the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Ohio River valley near Huntington (zone 7a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

Charleston — USDA zone 6b
Huntington — USDA zone 7a
Morgantown — USDA zone 6b
Wheeling — USDA zone 6b

What else to plant in West 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 West Virginia?

In West Virginia (mostly USDA zone 6b), sow cabbage indoors around mid-March, transplant outdoors early April (before the last frost, late April), and harvest from late 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 West Virginia?

Most of West Virginia sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b, with the state spanning roughly 5b-7a from the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) to the Ohio River valley near Huntington (zone 7a). The last spring frost averages late April and the first fall frost mid-October.

Can you grow cabbage in West Virginia?

Yes. West Virginia'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 West Virginia?

the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Ohio River valley near Huntington (zone 7a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

What else can I plant in West 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.