When to plant Cabbage in Hamilton County, FL
Plant Cabbage in Hamilton County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 11. Continue planting through March 4 for the spring crop. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Hamilton County, FL
What to do in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Hamilton County, Florida this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Basket week: cabbage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: 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.
Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 279 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. 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.
Hamilton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Cabbage 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 Hamilton County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–5.7) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Hamilton County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
Cabbage 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hamilton 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 — Hamilton County, FL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – Jul 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Hamilton County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Hamilton County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 04 in Hamilton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Hamilton 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 Hamilton County reach 93°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 Hamilton County, FL?
Hamilton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hamilton County, FL?
Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
When should I plant Cabbage in Hamilton County, FL?
In Hamilton County, FL, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hamilton County, FL for Cabbage?
Hamilton County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Hamilton County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.
Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton 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.