When to Plant Cabbage in Wise County, TX
Wise County, Texas gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick cabbage
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Wise County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 3,288 feet, Wise County receives approximately 53.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Wise County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Wise County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (46% clay) in Wise County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help 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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wise 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 — Wise County, TX
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Wise County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Wise County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 25 in Wise County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Wise County's clay soil (46% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Wise County reach 92°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 Wise County, TX?
Wise County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wise County, TX?
Wise County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Wise County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wise County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.