When to plant Cabbage in Ochopee,
Ochopee gardeners should plant Cabbage between December 22 and January 12 in spring. With Ochopee's Zone 10b climate (last frost January 1), Cabbage needs 100 days to mature — plant by September 22 for a full harvest. A second sowing from February 18 to March 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Ochopee, FL
Ochopee, FL gardeners: here's your June plan
Each item below is timed to Ochopee, FL's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
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Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
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Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
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.
Ochopee, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 93 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Collier County receives approximately 61.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 85°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.
Ochopee Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil Compatibility in Ochopee
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Collier 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 (1.3%). 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.
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 30 sq ft. In Collier County's 93-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
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 | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Collier 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 — Ochopee, FL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 15 | Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Direct Sow | December 22 | Dec 22 – Jan 12 |
| Harvest | March 16 | Mar 16 – May 11 |
| Fall Sowing | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Fall Sowing |
| March | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
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 10b
📆 Growing Season
93 days in Collier County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Ochopee
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after January 12 in Collier County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Collier County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Ochopee, ?
In Ochopee, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ochopee, for Cabbage?
Ochopee sits in USDA Zone 10b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Ochopee's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Ochopee's temperate climate. Ochopee averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Collier County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Collier County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.