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When to Plant Cabbage in McLennan County, TX

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.

McLennan County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 1,643 feet, McLennan County receives approximately 66 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.

McLennan County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

McLennan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.9-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In McLennan County's 245-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage

Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 6.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in McLennan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cabbage Planting Timeline β€” McLennan County, TX

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 21
Harvest May 16 May 16 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 – Sep 19

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April β€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–100 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

245 days in McLennan County

Growing Tips for McLennan County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in McLennan County, TX?

McLennan County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McLennan County, TX?

McLennan County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help McLennan County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for McLennan County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.