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When to plant Cabbage in Fernandina Beach, FL

Fernandina Beach gardeners should plant Cabbage between January 24 and February 14 in spring. With Fernandina Beach's Zone 9a climate (last frost February 14), Cabbage needs 60–100 days to mature — plant by August 23 for a full harvest. A second sowing from October 6 to October 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Fernandina Beach, FL

Cabbage

Cabbage is a versatile cool-season crop that forms dense, leafy heads in green, red, or savoy varieties. It is a staple for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and many global cuisines.

Fernandina Beach, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.

At an elevation of 408 feet, Nassau County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.

Fernandina Beach, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
290 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
290 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Fernandina Beach Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Nassau County's 290-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage

Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Nassau County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Fernandina Beach, FL

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors February 14 Feb 14 – Feb 28
Direct Sow January 24 Jan 24 – Feb 14
Harvest April 18 Apr 18 – Jun 13
Fall Sowing October 6 Oct 6 – Oct 20

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

290 days in Nassau County

Growing Tips for Fernandina Beach

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent heads from splitting.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Cabbage in Fernandina Beach, FL?

In Fernandina Beach, FL, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around February 14) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fernandina Beach, FL for Cabbage?

Fernandina Beach sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cabbage grow in Fernandina Beach's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Fernandina Beach's temperate climate. Fernandina Beach averages a 291-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 14 and first frost around December 1.

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Your Nassau County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nassau County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nassau County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.