Cabbage: Spacing, Yield & Planting Dates
Plant count & yield calculator
Pre-filled for this crop — adjust bed size or pick a different vegetable.
Enter bed size to count plants.
Your result
—
Show the math & assumptions
Assumptions and formulas will appear here once you calculate.
Seed starting dates
Pre-filled last frost — change the date to rebuild the full crop schedule. For Cabbage with this frost date : start indoors ~Mar 4, transplant ~Apr 8 .
Pick a last frost date for the schedule.
Your result
—
Show the math & assumptions
Assumptions and formulas will appear here once you calculate.
About cabbage
Cabbage stores exceptionally well and provides the base for sauerkraut, coleslaw, and stir-fries, making it a cornerstone of self-sufficient kitchen gardens.
Spacing & yield
Cabbage wants 18×24 inches and about 3 lb per plant at ~85 days to maturity.
Growing tips
- Choose early, mid, and late varieties for a staggered harvest over several months.
- Water deeply and consistently to prevent heads from cracking during rapid growth.
- Hill soil slightly around the base to support heavy heads.
- Apply Bt or hand-pick cabbage worms regularly.
Common mistakes
- Inconsistent watering after head formation starts, causing the head to split.
- Growing only one variety and getting the entire harvest at once rather than staging it.
Harvest & storage
Cut heads at the base when firm and full, roughly 85 days from transplant.
Store whole heads in a root cellar or refrigerator for 3-5 months at 32-40 F.
Companion planting
Good neighbors for cabbage: dill, onions, celery, potatoes, chamomile. Avoid planting beside: strawberries, tomatoes, grapes.
Planting calendar
Start indoors about 6 weeks before last frost, then transplant 1 weeks before frost. Use the seed-starting calculator above with your real county frost date — the April 15 default is only a worked example (zone 6 style).
Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.
Frequently asked questions
- How much space does cabbage need?
- Plant 18 inches apart within rows 24 inches apart; larger storage varieties benefit from the full spacing.
- How heavy is a home-grown cabbage head?
- A typical garden head weighs about 3 lb, though large storage varieties can exceed 5 lb.
- How long does cabbage take to mature?
- Count roughly 85 days from transplant for standard varieties; early types can be ready in 65-70 days.