In This Article
| Common Name | Cabbage |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brassica oleracea var. capitata |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Plant Type | Leafy vegetable |
| Planting Season | Early spring or late summer |
| Growth Time | 80-180 days, depending on variety |
| Preferred Climate | Cool season; ideal temperatures between 60-65°F |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, rich in organic matter, pH 6.0-7.5 |
| Companion Plants | Beets, onions, potatoes; avoid strawberries, tomatoes |
| Frost Tolerance | High; withstands light frost |
| Harvest Time | When heads are firm, around 80-180 days |
| Edible Parts | Leaves |
Types of Cabbage
 |
| variety of cabbages |
- Green Cabbage: The most used of the versatile ones in salads, slaws, and stir-fries; it has a mild flavor. It has compact, round heads with a crunchy texture.
- Red Cabbage: Leaves are bright purple in color and have a slight peppery taste. It holds its color very well and is ideal for fresh salads and pickling.
- Savoy Cabbage: It has tender, crinkled leaves with a mild flavor. For this sweet characteristic, it is best used in wraps, stuffed cabbage, and very light cooking. Its leaves' texture introduces aesthetics into foods.
- Napa Cabbage: With much softer leaves and heads, this variety has sweeter flavor profiles and could find great applications in Asian cuisines. It would do great in stir-fries, kimchi, and light salads.
- Early and Late Season Varieties: Early varieties speed to maturity to help gardeners in areas with a short growing season. Late-season cabbages are robust and hold very well in storage for fall and winter use.
Ideal Conditions for Cabbage Growth
Cabbage is a cool-weather crop and favors temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. Set it out in the garden after temperatures have stabilized a bit; planting in early spring or fall will see the best return. In very warm areas, the shade cloth protects the plants from the strong, midday sun, which causes bolting and bitterness in the leaves. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sun a day to set compact heads. Where sunlight is particularly strong, some afternoon shade can keep cabbage cool and improve its flavor.
Soil Preparation
Cabbage is a heavy feeder; therefore, soil preparation is quite essential. The ideal soil should be well-drained, ranging from loamy to sandy, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Testing your soil with the use of a simple kit or through a professional service will help make sure it's within this range. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure. Cabbage needs high nitrogen so you can work in an organic, nitrogen-rich amendment or a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Once planted, add a layer of mulch around each plant to retain moisture and control the temperature of the soil.
How to Plant Cabbage
Sow cabbage seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost for a spring planting, or directly in the garden in late summer for a fall harvest. Seedlings should be 3-4 inches tall at transplant time when the soil outside is workable. Transplant them 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart to allow heads to fully form without crowding. If direct sowing the seeds, they will need to be thinned as they grow, spacing 1 strong seedling per spot.
Watering and Moisture Control
For cabbage, consistent moisture without waterlogging is important. Try to water the soil and not the leaves. Many diseases will be cut down by preventing them from getting to your head. A soaker hose or drip irrigation works really well for this and maintains a constant amount of moisture without overwatering. Cabbage needs about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Of course, if you receive enough rainfall in your area, you won't need to supplement as much. Look at the soil; it should be moist, not soggy.
Fertilizing for Healthier Cabbage Heads
Cabbage demands the input of a proper balanced nutritional supply for its correct growth and head formation. It demands the transplant application coupled with a dose of 10-10-10 fertilizer two weeks after planting has taken place; similar, after a month when an increase in nitrogen to push growth on leaves should have occurred. Organic components used are compost and some preparations on blood meal. Additional supplementation throughout the growing season might also be added side dressings of compost, very minimal work to end with superior yield.
Growing Cabbage in Containers
Cabbage is also grown in containers, thus giving the gardeners with limited space a chance to grow. Start with a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide, as cabbage needs ample room for root development to support the growth of the plant. Put a good potting mix in the container, adding organic matter to it, and let it have drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. Place the container in the sun but it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Water the container quite often. However, the cabbage in a container would be very prone to root rot. So, it is essential to have the earth moistened and never drowned at any moment. Provide with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks, and monitor for pests since these can affect containerized plants much earlier than other types of plants.
Pests and Diseases Control
This plant is susceptible to infestation by the following: aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. It is worthwhile to mention that row covers can prevent young plants from those pests, while companion planting of garlic, onions, or marigold will repel injurious insects. Besides, each plant should be examined with care to handpick the potential pests. Overhead watering should not be done because this will promote fungal diseases like mildew and rot when humidity is high. In order to avoid the likelihood of diseases, crops should be rotated every year and any infected plant should be pulled out from the garden right away.
Harvesting and Storing Cabbage
Harvest cabbage when the head feels hard and has attained the preferred size. Harvesting can be done by cutting the head off the stalk using a sharp knife but leaving some of the loose outer leaves surrounding the inner head for protection. Some cabbage varieties will produce a number of smaller secondary heads following the removal of the primary head, and these will extend your harvest. Store cabbage by placing unwashed heads in a cool, dry place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator. If cabbage is properly stored, it will keep for several weeks, although it is advisable to check periodically for wilting or decaying.
FAQs
How long does cabbage take to grow from seed to harvest?
Most cabbages take anywhere from 70 days to 120 days, seed to harvest, depending on the variety. Early-season varieties can mature in as few as 70 days. The late-season varieties are far superior for storage and take 120 days. A very good barometer of maturity is regular checking of the heads for firmness.
Can cabbage be grown in hot climates?
Prefers cooler temperatures, bolts, and becomes bitter if heat is too long. Fall or early spring planting is best in warmer regions. Shade cloth can also be applied to block intense sunshine and burning of the plants.
How do I prevent pests such as cabbage worms from damaging my plants?
Floating row covers can effectively exclude pests like cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids. The method of companion planting also works very well using strong-smelling herbs. Such herbs to ward off such pests include rosemary, thyme, or garlic. Regular inspection of the plant for any pest damage will let you take early action by using organic pest control methods.
What do I do if my cabbage heads split?
The plants may further be affected by a splitting of the head in case, after a period of dryness, the head is subjected to too much water and a consequent too-quick growth. Regular watering can prevent plant splitting, where overwatering after periods of dryness should never be carried out. Prompt harvesting of mature heads can help the plants avoid splitting.
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