When to Plant Cabbage in Orange County, FL
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.
Orange County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 494 feet, Orange County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
Orange County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 Orange County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Orange 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 (1.6%). 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 Sep 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 26.
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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Orange 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 — Orange County, FL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 6 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Direct Sow | January 13 | Jan 13 – Feb 3 |
| Harvest | April 7 | Apr 7 – Jun 2 |
| Fall Sowing | October 26 | Oct 26 – Nov 9 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Orange County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Orange County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 03 in Orange County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Orange 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 Orange County reach 99°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 Orange County, FL?
Orange County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 3. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orange County, FL?
Orange County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and first fall frost is December 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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