When to Plant Cabbage in Mecklenburg County, NC
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.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 913 feet, Mecklenburg County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Mecklenburg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Mecklenburg County, NC
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
218 days
Growing Tips for Mecklenburg County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Mecklenburg County, NC?
Mecklenburg County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mecklenburg County, NC?
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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