New Jersey · Garden vegetables

Cabbage season in New Jersey

Typically early June to late October, with peak mid-June through mid-October.

Hatched chalk = early and late shoulders; solid = peak.

At a glance

Early

From early June — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

mid-June through mid-October — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through late October — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 22 weeks end to end, shoulders included.

Cabbage

Look: Heads should look tight and glossy with crisp wrapper leaves and no yellowing or splitting at the base.
Feel: Squeeze it — a ready head feels rock-hard and heavy for its size, never spongy or loose.
Smell: The cut stem should smell clean and peppery; any sulfur whiff means the head is old.
Tip: Pick heads that still wear a few loose outer leaves — stripped-bare heads have often been tidied up to hide age.
Keeps: Fridge crisper in a loose bag — a hard head keeps a month or more.

Chasing the season?

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The whole national sweep · everything in season in New Jersey

Frequently asked questions

When is cabbage season in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the cabbage season typically runs early June to late October, with peak availability mid-June through mid-October. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own cabbage in New Jersey?

U-pick cabbage is rare — buy heads at fall farm stands and farmers markets instead. The best market weeks are mid-June through mid-October.

How long does cabbage season last in New Jersey?

about 22 weeks end to end — early June to late October. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.