Cabbage Planting: Everything You Need to Know for a Bumper Crop
Are you looking for an edible plant to add to your garden? Cabbages are perfect for any garden and are even hardy during the winter months!
Not only that but there are so many cabbage varieties to choose from. Depending on your palette, you can choose between many different varieties to add to your garden and kitchen.
No matter if you start cabbages from seeds or you decide to transplant them, we have compiled an essential guide to growing, caring for, and harvesting your cabbages.
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Is Cabbage Easy to Grow?
If you’re looking for a hardy, versatile plant for your edible garden, cabbage is the way to go. Here are some of the benefits of growing cabbage:
In some climates, you can get a bumper crop of leafy heads all season (or all year)
There are multiple varieties of cabbage to grow
It’s relatively easy to start from seed
Some varieties can mature in just a couple of months
Cabbage pests and diseases are relatively easy to control by simple methods like crop rotation and adjusting the soil pH and watering schedule
You can try all kinds of cabbage recipes, like cabbage rolls!
Some types of cabbage can store for several months without requiring any preservation techniques (like canning or freezing)
If that wasn’t reason enough to consider growing cabbage in your garden, check out this video with some of the most tantalizing cabbage recipes out there:
How Long Does it Take for Cabbage to Grow?
Cabbage has many varieties and with those varieties comes some differences in maturation time. For example, starting cabbage from seed typically takes around 80-180 days before you can harvest it in its maturity. If you are waiting for the harvest with a cabbage that you transplanted, it can take up to 60-150 days, depending on the variety.
Before we dive into the specific varieties of cabbage, it is important to know the three primary types of cabbage that umbrella the different cabbages: green cabbage varieties, savoy cabbage varieties, and red cabbage varieties.
Now, take a look at this list of 10 cabbage varieties and their unique growing times.
Stovehead cabbage, 60 days to mature.
Green Boy, 75 days to mature.
Blue Ribbon, 76 days to mature.
Badger Ban Head, 98 days to mature.
Flat Dutch, 105 days to mature.
Savoy Ace, 80 days to mature.
Savoy King, 85 days to mature.
Red Ball, 70 days to mature.
Red Ribbon, 78 days to mature.
Ruby Perfection, 90 days to mature.
If you’d like to learn more about other cabbage varieties, check out this guide!
What is the Best Month to Plant Cabbage
Because most cabbage varieties are cold-weather greens, it is best to plant and transplant them during the spring months. In other words, cabbage prefers temperatures that are between 45-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cabbage is relatively hardy, so it can withstand short exposure to frost and relatively low temperatures, usually down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore, it is best to start seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring so that the soil will be easier to work by the time the seeds sprout and begin to grow. If you are transplanting your cabbage, it is best to transplant it 3-4 weeks before the last frost in spring.
Does Cabbage Need Full Sun?
Although cabbage plants prefer cooler temperatures, they still need access to full sun to grow strong and healthy.
In addition to needing full sun, you will need to also purchase nitrogen-rich fertilizer paired with compost for the well-draining soil. In order to grow cabbage to its full maturity within the timeframe of its associated variety, nitrogen-rich fertilizer or organic material is a must.
Remember that cabbage needs room to grow. In other words, do not plant the seeds or transplant the cabbage close together. You will need to plant the cabbages around 18-24 inches apart from one another depending on the variety.
That way, each cabbage will get an even amount of sunlight while having access to all the necessary nutrients it needs in the soil.
Can You Grow Cabbage from Seed?
You can grow cabbage from seed! It is best to start seeds while indoors, 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring.
Before sowing the seeds, heavily water the soil so the cabbage has a nice, moist environment to germinate.
In addition to housing your seeds in moist soil, the soil also needs to be warm, especially when you last sow the seeds. If you are starting seeds indoors, a heating pad under your cabbage seedlings is a must.
Cabbage seeds need to be sown ½ inch beneath the soil and about 1 inch apart from their neighbor. It will take about 4-6 weeks for the seeds to sprout. At that point, you can go ahead and transplant your growing cabbages outside if you started the seeds indoors.
If you have any leggy sprouts, make sure to plant them an inch deeper into the soil so the outer leaves and stem are more supported. Or you can throw out the leggy, thin sprouts. Because cabbages are considered hungry plants, you may want to select the healthiest sprouts to take up most of the nutrients in the soil.
What is the Best Way to Grow Cabbage?
As stated previously, cabbage is considered a “hungry” plant. In other words, planting cabbage takes up a lot of nutrients and organic material in the soil. There are some methods of cabbage growing that are more effective than others. Let’s take a look at the best way to grow cabbage.
When Should You Start Cabbage Seeds Indoors?
When you start cabbage seeds indoors, you have more control over the temperature, quality of soil, watering, and overall growth of the seedlings. You are not subject to letting your fragile cabbage seedlings be affected by outdoor conditions out of your control.
Depending on what climate you live in, you will typically want to start the cabbage seeds around 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring. If you live in mild-winter conditions, the best time to start your cabbage seeds would be during late summer which is about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Summer provides the seeds with the warmer weather they need to properly germinate and, eventually, sprout.
Even though you can start seeds indoors about anytime during the year, it is best to start cabbage seeds 4-8 weeks before the spring frost so you can enjoy a late winter or spring harvest.
How Close Together Can You Plant Cabbage?
Depending on the variety, you will want to plant cabbage about 18-24 inches away from each other. This encourages the cabbage to get an even amount of sunlight, watering, and nutrients without crowding its neighbor.
If you are starting from seed, you can sow the seedling about an inch away from each other. If you are transplanting the cabbage, that is where you will need a bit more room (about 18-24 inches). When the cabbage reaches about 3-4 inches is when you will want to transplant them in your garden.
Other Tips for the Biggest Cabbage Heads
Before you even start planting your cabbage, it is important to administer a layer (2-3 inches) of compost or organic potting mix for your cabbage to have the right amount of nutrients. After that, turn the fertilizer or compost about 12 inches deep.
The soil pH should also be around 6.5 to 6.8. Therefore, you might want to think about purchasing a soil reader to keep an eye on the acidity of the soil.
Additionally, you will want to harvest the cabbage head before warmer temperatures rise since cabbages prefer cooler temperatures.
Cottonseed meal will also enhance leafy growth within your cabbages as will a healthy amount of nitrogen blood meal. If you live in a climate that dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you might want to place black plastic or garden fabric over the soil in order to preserve the nutrients and warmth that the cabbage needs.
If you’d like to know more about cabbage planting tips, check out this link.
Caring for Cabbage Plants
Because cabbages thrive on organic material, you will want to purchase a few additional items to help your cabbage thrive. The cottonseed meal or nitrogen-rich blood meal are fantastic additions to your garden library to promote leaf growth for your cabbages.
Additionally, it will be worthwhile to feed the garden bed with a seaweed feed within the first two weeks of planting your cabbage. Mulch is great for preserving that warmth, moisture, and nutrients as well.
When watering cabbage, they need about 1 inch to 1 ½ inch of water per week paired with full exposure to sunlight. It is okay for the cabbage to be exposed to a little bit of shade, but they do like a lot of sunlight.
What Can You Not Plant with Red Cabbage?
Red cabbage, specifically, has a lot of great companion plants alongside some not-so-great companion plants. First, let’s take a look at good companion plants for red cabbage.
Celery is a great companion plant because the smell of the vegetable helps ward off pests from destroying your garden.
Some atomic herbs and flowers (like chamomile, mint, or coriander) add to the flavor of the cabbage in addition to attracting fantastic pollinators.
Kale or Brussel sprouts are also great companions because they require most of the same care and requirements as the cabbage.
Now, let’s take a look at some plants to avoid as companion plants to cabbage.
Drought-tolerant plants do not require as much watering as cabbage and will die if they are planted near cabbage due to overwatering.
Tomatoes require just as much, if not more, nutrients as cabbage and will dominate the cabbage for nutrients.
Corn provides too much shade over cabbages. This will stunt the growth of the cabbage and will make them incapable of harvest.
When Can I Harvest a Cabbage Head?
Whereas most other plants are stunted or die due to frost, cabbage actually gains a lot of flavor and nutrients! When you harvest cabbage after a frost, it will add so much flavor to the dishes you put it into.
Before you set off to harvest the heads of your cabbages, make sure the head is firm. If the head is fully formed and firm, you can cut the base with a sharp, clean knife. If you want a second harvest, cut high on the plant while leaving as many outer leaves as possible.
If you planted cabbage from seed, harvest the head 80-180 after you have planted it. If you transplanted the cabbage, harvest the head around 65-105 days after you transplanted it.
Once you have completed the harvest, make sure to dig up the root to prevent any soil diseases from being passed on to next year.
Here is a link to more information regarding cabbage harvesting.
How to Preserve and Use Cabbage Plants for Later Use
Looking to preserve your cabbage for later? The freezer is the easiest (and best) way to preserve your cabbage.
You will have to cut the cabbage into wedges or you can shred it. After you have cut or shredded your cabbage, you must blanch, drain, and properly seal the inner and outer leaves in a freezer bag. Make sure that you get all the air out of that freezer bag in order to help the cabbage last longer in the freezer. When freezing your cabbage, it can last up to 6 months.
Another way of preserving your cabbage is fermentation.
When you ferment your cabbage, the result is absolutely delicious. You can make so many recipes when you choose fermentation. However, fermenting does take up a lot of space within your home. You will need a large barrel with a spigot, salt, wood slats, and a stone.
Remove the cores of the cabbages (yes, you can ferment whole heads!), then pack them with salt and weigh them down with the wood slats and the stone. Finally, cover the cabbages with the lid. Feel free to add other spices or herbs to your liking!
Of course, there are also some cabbage varieties you can grow that hold up without being preserved. You might need to stash them in a root cellar but varieties like the ones listed below last several months:
Danish Bullhead
Blue Vantage
SuperStar
Brunswick
Blue Lagoon
Bobcat
Green Express
How Do I Save Cabbage Seeds for Next Year?
Cabbage seeds can be preserved for the next year! And, if correctly done, they can be viable for several years.
You’ll need a cool, dark, dry location and an air-tight container to keep the extra humidity and moisture out.
Can You Grow Cabbage in the Winter?
You can definitely grow cabbage in winter! Remember, cabbage gets most of its flavor from the cooler temperatures.
However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t need cold protection.
If you live in especially cold climates, you will want a greenhouse or cold frame to ensure proper protection for your young plants in particular.
If you don’t live in super cold climates, you still might want to purchase a row tunnel or garden fabric to place over your young plants.
Common Cabbage Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, there are a lot of pests and diseases that come from your cabbage. Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of common pests and diseases as well as how to prevent them.
Cabbage Loopers: These pests are worm-like and can be hand picked off from your cabbage plant. You can also spray insecticidal soap to prevent them from returning to the entire plant.
Cabbage Worms: Similar to cabbage loopers, you can handpick cabbage worms off your plant or spray an insecticidal soap.
Black Rot (Blackleg): Black Rot is a fungal disease that leaves plants wilted and yellowed. You can remedy this by watering with compost tea.
Clubroot: Clubroot is also a fungal disease that leaves plants wilted and yellowing. You can water with compost tea or treat it with hot water.
Cabbage root maggots: Cabbage root maggots are common pests, too. Fortunately, you can avoid them by rotating your crops. This means don't plant seeds for cabbage where other similar plants were grown in the past. Don't grow cabbage where you grew other brassicas, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or of course, anywhere you were growing cabbage before.
If any diseases strike your garden and kill your plants, dispose of the plants in the trash. Don't compost them. You should only compost healthy plants so you don't run the risk of reinfecting your garden in the future.
Here is a helpful video with some of the best ways to protect your cabbage:
Although cabbages require a little more attention in regard to nutrients, watering, and pest/disease control, this leafy green is a valuable addition to your garden.
Cabbage plants are fantastic for your garden, but you do need to keep an eye out for them and administer additional care. If you’re thinking of growing cabbage from seeds or transplanting them, make sure to purchase the organic material required to keep them green and thriving.
If you would prefer to plant seeds, you can definitely start cabbage seeds indoors. If you’re thinking of transplanting cabbage, cabbage growing is a fulfilling process.
How Should Cabbage Be Planted?
The short answer - in large amounts, everywhere! Cabbage is an excellent plant to grow that has its place in just about every backyard garden.
Now’s the fun part: Decide which variety of cabbage you want to grow!
Want to get the best and most delicious cabbage heads? Planting cabbage is easier than ever - especially if you plan ahead.
To get the best idea of when and where to grow cabbage and other plants in your vegetable garden, you may want to invest in this garden planning worksheet. It's a great way to get ahead of the curve this gardening season!
Do you grow cabbage in your garden? What tips do you have for the healthiest cabbage seedlings and the most bountiful cabbage harvest?
Want to learn more about farming? Be sure to check out these articles!
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