When to plant Cabbage in Osprey, FL
Cabbage planted in Osprey between January 13 and February 3 matures in 60–100 days — well before the December 22 first frost. A second sowing from October 27 to November 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Osprey, FL
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Collect cabbage at their peak
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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.
Osprey, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 322 days.
At an elevation of 67 feet, Sarasota County receives approximately 58.8 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.
Osprey Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 Osprey
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 Sarasota 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 (1.5%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 27.
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 5.3" | 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 Sarasota 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 — Osprey, 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 27 | Oct 27 – Nov 10 |
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 10a
📆 Growing Season
322 days in Sarasota County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Osprey
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 03 in Sarasota County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sarasota 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
When should I plant Cabbage in Osprey, FL?
In Osprey, FL, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around February 3) and before the first frost (around December 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Osprey, FL for Cabbage?
Osprey sits in USDA Zone 10a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Osprey's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Osprey's temperate climate. Osprey averages a 323-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 3 and first frost around December 22.
Your Sarasota County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sarasota County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.