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When to Plant Cabbage in Polk 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.

Polk County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 264 days.

At an elevation of 292 feet, Polk County receives approximately 63 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” 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.

Polk County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
264 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
264 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Polk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (148 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Feb 19 🍅 Harvest: Apr 23 – Jun 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 28 Transplant: Mar 4 🍅 Harvest: May 6 – Jul 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (140 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 25

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 700 gal / 100 sq ft
Cabbage needs ~1,760 GDD — county provides 5,808 GDD Excellent fit

Cabbage Planting Timeline โ€” Polk County, TX

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 โ€“ Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 18
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 11
Fall Sowing September 14 Sep 14 โ€“ Sep 28
Harvest May 6 May 6 โ€“ Jul 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

264 days

Growing Tips for Polk 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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in Polk County, TX?

Polk County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Polk County, TX?

Polk County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 23.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Polk County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Polk County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.