When to Plant Cabbage in Maine
Start Seeds Indoors
Monday, March 9, 2026
Transplant outdoors: Monday, April 20, 2026
State
Maine
USDA Zones
3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a
Avg Last Frost
Monday, April 20, 2026
Cities Covered
458
Maine Planting Schedule by Zone
Maine spans 8 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Start Indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3b | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 |
| 4a | Friday, May 15, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 | Friday, May 15, 2026 |
| 4b | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |
| 5a | Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Sunday, March 29, 2026 | Sunday, May 10, 2026 |
| 5b | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Saturday, March 14, 2026 | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, March 9, 2026 | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
| 6b | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 |
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, February 27, 2026 | Friday, April 10, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Cabbage in Maine: Complete Guide
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Maine's last frost. Most Maine gardeners begin seeds indoors around Monday, March 9, 2026 and move transplants outside around Monday, April 20, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.
Because Maine stretches across 8 USDA hardiness zones (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 70 days to maturity, Cabbage needs the indoor head start that Maine's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.
Cabbage requires full sun to partial shade and regular (1-1.5 inches/week) moisture. Most of Maine receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Maine?
In Maine, start Cabbage seeds indoors around Monday, March 9, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, April 20, 2026 after your last frost. Maine spans zones 3b–7a, so dates shift by 1–4 weeks depending on where you live.
What is the last frost date in Maine?
Maine spans 8 USDA zones (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), so last frost dates vary by region. Clayton Lake, Estcourt Station (3b) sees frost until around Wednesday, May 20, 2026, while Matinicus (7a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Cabbage take to grow in Maine?
Cabbage takes about 70 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. Starting seeds indoors in Maine gives you a head start so plants are ready to go out after the last frost.
What USDA zones does Maine cover for Cabbage?
Maine includes zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Cabbage grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.