When to Plant Cabbage in Harris County, TX
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.
Harris County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.
At an elevation of 390 feet, Harris County receives approximately 67.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102°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.
Harris County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Harris County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Harris County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 09.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
Cabbage needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 9.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Harris County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Harris County, TX
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 9 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
293 days in Harris County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Harris County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 14 in Harris County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Harris County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Harris County reach 102°F — grow Cabbage as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Harris County, TX?
Harris County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harris County, TX?
Harris County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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