Cabbage – Growing Guide

Overview

• Name: Cabbage
• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata
• Plant Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Native to: Europe and Mediterranean areas

Description

Cabbage is a biennial vegetable grown as an annual. Its has a short stem bearing rosettes of tightly packed, waxy leaves that wrap around a round, compact head or “heart” consisting of multiple layers of thick, sturdy leaves that grow in a tightly packed formation. These heads typically reach a diameter of 15-25 cm (6-10 in) vary in weight from 0.5 to 3.6 kg (1-8 lbs), depending on the variety. Mature plants can reach heights of about 30-45 cm (12-18 in) and spreads of around 60-75 cm (24-30 in). Cabbages vary in size from small to large, with the smaller varieties tending to be more tender and sweet. The colour of cabbage heads can range from green and red to purple, depending on the type.

Interesting Facts

• Cabbage has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and was brought to Europe from Asia by Celtic nomads.
• It was one of the first plants to be cultivated in the Americas after European contact.
• Ancient Egyptians ate cabbage before large meals to reduce the effects of wine.
• Cabbage leaves were historically used as a poultice to treat wounds and inflammation.
• China is the world’s leading cabbage producer, contributing to over half of the global output. India, Russia, and South Korea also rank among the top producers.
• Cabbage is a rich source of vitamins C and K and contains beneficial antioxidants.
• Red cabbage has more vitamin C than green cabbage.
• During World War II, people were encouraged to grow cabbages in “victory gardens” as part of the war effort due to their nutritional value.

Basic Growing Information

• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Water Requirements: Medium
• Soil Types and Properties: Fertile, well-draining, moisture-retentive loamy soil rich in organic matter
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
• Pot Size for Container Growing: Minimum of 30 cm (12 in) deep and wide

Planting

Cabbage is a cool-season crop that thrives in cool weather and moist conditions, with an optimal growing temperatures range between 10-24°C (50-75°F). When temperatures exceed 24°C (75°F), it causes the cabbage heads to bolt, meaning they will prematurely form seed stalks, and the plant will go to seed instead of forming edible heads.

• Best Time to Plant:
  • Climates with freezing winters: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date; transplant outdoors in early spring.
  • Climates with milder winters: Plant in late summer for an autumn fall or winter harvest.

Note: Check gardening calendars for the best planting times in your location.

• Spacing: 45-60 cm (18-24 in) between plants and 60-75 cm (24-30 in) between rows
• Seed Sowing Method: Sow seeds directly into ground, or sow seeds into seed tray and then transplant seedlings
• Seed Sowing Depth: 0.5-1 cm (¼-½ in) deep
• Time to Harvest: 8-15 weeks when planted from seed, depending on the variety
• Mature Height/Spread: Approximately 30-45 cm (12-18 in) tall and 60-75 cm (24-30 in) wide
• Grown From: Seeds

To start cabbage seeds indoors, sow them in a seed tray or container filled with high-quality seed-starting or potting mix. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist and the temperature is kept around 18°C (65°F). The seeds usually germinate within 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings reach approximately 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) in height, they are ready to be transplanted into the garden.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering Tips: Cabbages require consistent moisture. Water regularly, especially during the early stages of growth, to keep the soil from drying out. Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture.
• Fertilisation: Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser early in the growth stage every two weeks
• Pruning: Remove outer leaves if they become damaged, and remove yellowing leaves to prevent disease spread.
• Support: Generally not required

Growing Difficulty

• Moderate Difficulty

Growing Tips

• Protect young plants from cold with cloches or fleece in early spring.
• Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases.

• For additional information on growing cabbages, see article – Why Are My Cabbages Not Forming Heads?

Companion Plants

• Good companion plants include: Beets, onions, and potatoes
• Avoid planting near: Strawberries and tomatoes

Common Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles
  • Prevention: Use row covers, apply organic pesticides.
• Diseases: Clubroot, black rot
  • Prevention: Rotate crops, ensure good drainage, apply fungicides if necessary.

Harvesting

• Harvest Time: Cabbage is ready to harvest when the head is firm and reaches a size typical for its variety, look for firmness and tightness of the head as well as the size and color of the leaves.
• Harvesting Tips: To harvest the cabbage, slice the head off at the base using a sharp knife. Take care during this process to avoid damaging the plant and surrounding cabbages.
• Storage: After harvesting, wash cabbages and stored them in a cool, dry place until they’re ready to be used.

Propagation

• Produce New Plants From: Seeds

Culinary Uses

• Cabbage is an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be incorporated into numerous dishes. It can be consumed raw, cooked, or fermented. The leaves possess a smooth and somewhat waxy texture, with a mild bitterness. Upon cooking, the cabbage becomes softer and more delicate, yet it maintains its unique flavor and texture.
• In its raw form, cabbage is used in salads, and excels in dishes such as coleslaw, where it provides a crisp texture and a fresh taste. It is also a staple in fermented foods, when it is preserved to make sauerkraut.
• In cooking, cabbage can be boiled, steamed, sautéed, or roasted. It lends itself well to a range of dishes including soups, stews, and stir-fries, where its flavour complements other ingredients.

In conclusion, Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that is both nutritious and rewarding to grow. With a bit of care and attention, it can yield delicious heads that enrich your garden and table with flavor and health benefits.

Please feel free to add any growing tips in the comments below, and also include your climate/hardiness zone if it’s helpful.