We love growing cabbage for our spicy Mexican Coleslaw / Cabbage Coleslaw recipe! Brunswick Cabbage is great to grow this time of year, as it can stay growing in the garden with cold temps long after the peppers and tomatoes can... and it's great
Cabbage can typically withstand temperatures down to the mid-to-low 20s°F before it begins to freeze, but its exact freezing point depends on the variety and how it has been preconditioned by weather. A light frost (28–32°F) is generally not damaging, and the plant may even benefit from it, but for temperatures consistently below 25°F, protection such as row covers or a layer of straw is recommended.
Light frost (28–32°F):
Cabbage typically can tolerate these temps without significant damage. In fact, a light frost can actually improve flavor by increasing sugar content in the leaves!
Moderate freeze (20–25°F):
Most cabbages can survive a moderate freeze, though some outer leaves may be damaged. It's best to protect the plants with a row cover at these lower temps.
Hard freezes (below 20°F):
While some extremely hardy varieties of cole crops like kale and collards can withstand temps as low as 0°F, most cabbage heads will be severely damaged or killed by prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F, so protect them or harvest them.
Protection:
To protect cabbage from freezing, you can use row covers, low tunnels with frost cloth or green house film, or even a layer of straw or tree leaves. In some cases, large leaves from previously harvested cabbage can also be used for protection.
Got cabbage? It's easy to grow!
Grow our hardy Cabbage Brunswick Seeds »
If you love salsa, you'll love Cabbage Salsa! Spicy and full of flavor and a lot of crunch, it goes great with tortilla chips or on tacos.
