When to Plant Cabbage in Acadia Parish, LA
May in the garden — Acadia Parish, Louisiana
A quick May briefing for Acadia Parish, Louisiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Pick cabbage
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: 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.
Acadia Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 259 feet, Acadia Parish receives approximately 61.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°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.
Acadia Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Acadia Parish
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.5) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Acadia Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help 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 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 11.
Plant 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 | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Acadia Parish). 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 — Acadia Parish, LA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Direct Sow | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 12 |
| Harvest | April 16 | Apr 16 – Jun 11 |
| Fall Sowing | October 11 | Oct 11 – Oct 25 |
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 | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Acadia Parish
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Acadia Parish
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 12 in Acadia Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Acadia Parish 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 Acadia Parish reach 103°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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Acadia Parish, LA?
Acadia Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Acadia Parish, LA?
Acadia Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Acadia Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Acadia Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.