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When to plant Cabbage in Destin, FL

In Zone 9a (Destin), direct-sow Cabbage between February 21 and March 14 for spring, after the March 14 last-frost mark. A second sowing from September 21 to October 5 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Destin, FL

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.

Destin, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.

At an elevation of 396 feet, Okaloosa County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 92°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.

Destin, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
247 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
247 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Destin Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Okaloosa County's 247-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage

Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Okaloosa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Destin, FL

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 14
Harvest May 16 May 16 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing September 21 Sep 21 – Oct 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

247 days in Okaloosa County

Growing Tips for Destin

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Cabbage in Destin, FL?

In Destin, FL, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Destin, FL for Cabbage?

Destin sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cabbage grow in Destin's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Destin's temperate climate. Destin averages a 247-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 16.

🌱

Your Okaloosa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Okaloosa 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.

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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 Okaloosa County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.