When to Plant Cabbage in Leon County, TX
Leon County, Texas gardeners: here's your May plan
A quick May briefing for Leon County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
It's harvest week for cabbage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in 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.
Leon County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.
At an elevation of 226 feet, Leon County receives approximately 72.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Leon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
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 Leon County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Leon County 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 low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 05.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 11.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 11.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 9.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Leon 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 — Leon County, TX
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 16 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jul 6 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
250 days in Leon County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Leon County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 09 in Leon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Leon 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 Leon County reach 91°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 Leon County, TX?
Leon County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Leon County, TX?
Leon County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Leon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Leon County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.