When to plant Cabbage in Lowell, FL
Aim to plant Cabbage in Lowell on or after January 25; the window stays open through February 15. Lowell's 290-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 6 to October 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Lowell, FL
Top priorities for Marion County, Florida gardeners in June
Your Marion County, Florida garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Start harvesting cabbage
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Lowell, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 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.
Lowell Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
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 Lowell
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Marion 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 Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Marion 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 — Lowell, FL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Direct Sow | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 15 |
| Harvest | April 19 | Apr 19 – Jun 14 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
289 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Lowell
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 15 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Marion 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 Marion 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 Lowell, FL?
In Lowell, FL, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around February 15) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lowell, FL for Cabbage?
Lowell sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Lowell's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Lowell's temperate climate. Lowell averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 15 and first frost around December 1.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion 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.