Cabbage Growing Guides

All you need to know to grow successfully!

Plant Family:
Brassicaceae
Plant Type:
Annual

Square Foot Spacing:

1
Typical Season:
Cool season
Typical Zones Grown In:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Growing Difficulty:
Moderate

Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It is known for its round or oval-shaped head with smooth, tight leaves that are usually green, but can also be red or purple. Cabbage is a cool-season crop that is typically grown in the spring and fall. It is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked, and is commonly used in salads, coleslaw, soups, and stews.

Brief Growing Guide

  1. Choose a suitable location: Cabbage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and has fertile, loamy soil.
  2. Prepare the soil: Cabbage grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter, so amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Make sure the soil is free of rocks and debris.
  3. Plant the seeds or seedlings: Cabbage can be started from seeds or transplants. If planting seeds, sow them directly in the ground about 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to one plant every 12 inches once they reach a height of 2-3 inches. If using transplants, plant them at the same depth as they were in their containers, and space them 12-18 inches apart.
  4. Water and fertilize: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Cabbage requires a lot of nitrogen, so a side-dressing of compost or a balanced organic fertilizer can be applied midway through the growing season.
  5. Weed regularly: Cabbage is prone to weed competition, so keep the bed weed-free to avoid stunting its growth.
  6. Protect from pests: Cabbage is susceptible to a variety of pests, such as cabbage worms and aphids. To control pests organically, use floating row covers, handpick pests, or apply organic insecticides.
  7. Harvest: Cabbage is ready to harvest when the heads are firm and have reached the desired size. Cut the head off at the base of the plant, leaving any outer leaves intact for future growth. Cabbage leaves can also be harvested and used in salads or stir-fries.

Planting Guidelines

The following are general guides to follow. However, nothing is set in stone. Feel free to experiment!

How to Start:
Start Indoor, Direct Sow
When to Direct Sow:
July
When to Start Indoors:
March
Sprouting Time:
7-10 days

Ideal Temperature (C):

10-30
Depth:
4mm deep
Spacing (cm):
40-50cm
Row Spacing (cm):
60-90cm
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Maturity Time:
60-80 days
When To Harvest:
May, June, September, October
How to Harvest:
Havest when heads are firm and the interior is dense

Health Benefits

Growing your own food is one of the best things you can do for your health. Let’s check out some of the health benefits!

Is It Edible?
Yes
Edible Parts:
Leaves
Potential Health Benefits:
Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory , Digestive System, Heart Health, Blood Pressure

Tips to Growing Organically

Growing without the use of pesticides and herbicides is easier than you may think and it’s better for the environment!

Companion Plants:
Chamomile, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Sage
What Plants to Avoid:
Eggplant, Pepper, Potato, Tomato
Common Pests:
Flea beetle, cabbage worm, cutworm
Common Disease:
Club root
Bonus Grow Tips:
Not forming heads may be a sign of a Nirogen inmbalance in your soil

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