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When to Plant Cabbage in Wharton 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.

Wharton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.

At an elevation of 207 feet, Wharton County receives approximately 64.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.

Wharton County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
292 days
Last Spring Frost February 17
292 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Wharton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (176 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 8 Transplant: Feb 5 🍅 Harvest: Apr 9 – Jun 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (173 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 20 Transplant: Feb 17 🍅 Harvest: Apr 21 – Jun 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (165 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 9

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 185 gal / 100 sq ft
Cabbage needs ~1,880 GDD — county provides 6,885 GDD Excellent fit

Cabbage Planting Timeline โ€” Wharton County, TX

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 20 Jan 20 โ€“ Feb 3
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 โ€“ Mar 3
Direct Sow January 27 Jan 27 โ€“ Feb 17
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 โ€“ Oct 25
Harvest April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ Jun 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

Growing Season

292 days

Growing Tips for Wharton 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 Wharton County, TX?

Wharton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wharton County, TX?

Wharton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wharton County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Wharton County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.