When to plant Cabbage in Arcadia,
Aim to plant Cabbage in Arcadia on or after January 11; the window stays open through February 1. Arcadia's 323-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 25 to November 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Arcadia, FL
Arcadia, FL gardeners: here's your June plan
Welcome to June in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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.
Arcadia, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 1 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 322 days.
At an elevation of 214 feet, DeSoto County receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°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.
Arcadia Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6
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 Arcadia
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.0) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in DeSoto 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 (1.7%). 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 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 25.
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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in DeSoto 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 — Arcadia, FL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 4 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Direct Sow | January 11 | Jan 11 – Feb 1 |
| Harvest | April 5 | Apr 5 – May 31 |
| Fall Sowing | October 25 | Oct 25 – Nov 8 |
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 | — |
| 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
322 days in DeSoto County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Arcadia
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 01 in DeSoto County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in DeSoto 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 DeSoto County reach 97°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
When should I plant Cabbage in Arcadia, ?
In Arcadia, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around February 1) and before the first frost (around December 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Arcadia, for Cabbage?
Arcadia sits in USDA Zone 9b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Arcadia's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Arcadia's temperate climate. Arcadia averages a 323-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 1 and first frost around December 20.
Your DeSoto County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeSoto County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.