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Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can easily be grown in your own garden. To grow cabbage, start by preparing the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost or organic matter. Plant the cabbage seedlings in rows with enough space between them for proper growth. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Protect the cabbage from pests by using organic pest control methods or covering the plants with netting. Harvest the cabbage when the heads have reached their desired size. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh and delicious cabbage.
If you want to grow cabbage (​Brassica oleracea​ var. ​Capitata​) in your vegetable garden, you’ll be cultivating a vegetable with an interesting history. Julius Caesar and his army carried cabbage with them during their invasion of Britain, presumably as a food source. Cabbage has been a dietary staple for many cultures over the years.
As a cool-season biennial grown as an annual crop, cabbage produces a rounded head consisting of edible leaves. Cabbage heads come in various sizes and colors depending on the cultivar. Although some people dislike the smell of cabbage, this vegetable offers many nutritional benefits. For example, only 1/2 cup of cooked cabbage contains 25 milligrams of vitamin C, which is the same amount found in a medium tangerine.
Popular Uses of Cabbage
Cabbage is most commonly used to make coleslaw, which consists of fresh, shredded cabbage leaves. The term “cole” refers to cabbage as a variety of cole crop (from the Latin “caulis” for stem or stalk). Cauliflower (​Brassica oleracea​ var. ​Botrytis​) and kale (​Brassica oleracea​ var. ​Acephala​) are other cole crops that belong to the same genus and species as cabbage (​Brassica oleracea​).
Cabbage is also commonly used in stir-fry dishes, and fermented cabbage leaves are used to make sauerkraut and kimchi. Stuffed cabbage leaves and shredded cabbage added to soups are other tasty ways to enjoy this vegetable.
Types of Cabbage to Grow
Cabbage is a variety of ​Brassica oleracea​, and there are many cultivars (cultivated varieties) to choose from. ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ and ‘Copenhagen Market’ are two popular green cabbage cultivars that are ready to harvest in less than 100 days. Red cabbage cultivars include ‘Red Head’ and ‘Ruby Ball Hybrid,’ which take more than 100 days to mature. Red cabbage adds color and a slightly peppery taste to salads and slaws, but it can turn an unappetizing bluish-gray color when cooked with vinegar or other acidic ingredients.
Savoy cabbage has crinkled leaves and a distinctive flavor. Unlike other types of cabbage, Savoy cabbage does not have a pungent odor. Some popular Savoy cabbage cultivars include ‘Savoy King,’ ‘Savoy Queen,’ and ‘Savoy Ace.’
Growing Cabbage
Plant Profile: Cabbage
The common name for Brassica oleracea var. Capitata is cabbage. It can be planted in the spring or fall in USDA zones 2-11 as an annual. Cabbage needs full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. Signs of a healthy plant are firm, unblemished leaves in cool weather. Signs of a problem include stunted plant growth, wilted or pitted leaves in hot weather.
To start cabbage from seed, it’s best to transplant seedlings in the spring instead of sowing seeds directly in the garden. This is because the cold soil may inhibit germination for direct-sown seeds. If sowing cabbage seeds in the spring, start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area and transplant the seedlings to the garden a couple of weeks before the last frost date. If sowing cabbage seeds directly in the garden, direct-seed them four weeks before the last spring frost date.
If sowing cabbage seeds in the fall, start the seeds indoors the first week in July and transplant seedlings to the garden six weeks later. If sowing cabbage seeds directly in the garden, direct-seed them the first couple of weeks in July. When growing cabbage from seed, sow the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seeds germinate.
When starting cabbage from a seedling, make sure to examine purchased seedlings. If they’re older and already forming a head, they won’t transplant well. When transplanting cabbage seedlings, plant them only as deep as they were growing in their container. Avoid planting cabbage in low-lying areas where the water doesn’t drain well. Space young plants 12 to 18 inches apart within rows that are spaced 24 inches apart.
Cabbage can be grown as an annual in USDA zones 2 through 11. It tolerates some frost but may be damaged by a hard freeze. Most mature cabbage plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 18 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When deciding whether to plant cabbage in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall harvest, consider the growing season and weather conditions for this cool-weather crop. Use the guidelines for starting cabbage from seeds or seedlings to tailor your planting times.
Recommendations on Soil, Sunlight, and Water
For optimal results, grow cabbage in loose and fertile soil. In case the soil in your garden is heavy, like hard clay, mix compost or other organic matter with a spade or rototiller to a minimum depth of 6 inches. You may also cultivate cabbage in a raised bed, which provides good drainage. The ideal pH of the soil should fall between 6.0 and 6.8.
Full sun is necessary for cabbage growth, at least for six to eight hours every day. Although cabbage can tolerate partial shade, it is prone to legginess, which hampers full head development without adequate sunlight.
When there is insufficient rainfall, give cabbage plants one inch of water per week. Since these plants have shallow roots, apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around them to maintain the soil’s coolness and moisture.
Avoid fertilizers with excessive nitrogen. Instead, use a starter fertilizer with a higher phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio (15-30-15, 16-32-16, or an organic equivalent) when planting cabbage. Apply this fertilizer only if the soil test indicates a need for phosphorus.
Instructions for Harvesting Cabbage
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Harvest windows for different cabbage cultivars vary, generally falling within 60 to 80 days after transplanting to the garden. Check the number of days before harvest for your specific cultivar to estimate the right time. Once the heads become firm and tightly filled, it’s time to harvest them.
Harvesting cabbage is simple; use a sharp knife to cut the head just above the point where the outer leaves are joined to the stem. Don’t allow cut cabbage to stay in the sun as it could lose weight and blister. Cold storage in a refrigerator or even colder storage in a root cellar helps maintain cabbage’s firmness and freshness. At 34 degrees and 98 percent humidity, cabbage can remain fresh for up to five months.
Common Pests and Other Problems
The primary insect pests of cabbage are cabbage webworms, cabbage loopers, cabbage maggots, and aphids. Aphids prick cabbage leaves and feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to cup and curl. In a worst-case scenario, an aphid infestation can kill cabbage plants. The best remedy for aphids is early detection and control. Insects can be removed from plants by directing a stream of water from a garden hose, or plants can be sprayed with insecticidal soap.
Cabbage worms and cabbage loopers are the larval (caterpillar) stage of moths of different species. These persistent pests sometimes eat holes in cabbage leaves and weaken plants with their feeding. If there is no infestation of caterpillars, manually remove these pests. You can also control them by using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is the active ingredient in many brand-name products. Although Bt is an organic control, it is necessary to follow all label recommendations.
Cabbage maggots are the larval stage of a fly. Flies lay their eggs at the base of cabbage plants where the stem meets the ground. When larvae hatch, they burrow into the soil and feed on cabbage roots.
During the growing season, covering cabbage plants with a floating row cover can help protect them from pests when moths and flies lay eggs on cabbage plants that hatch into destructive caterpillars and maggots.
If you leave cabbage too long before harvesting, the heads will split and the taste will diminish. Head splitting, or head cracking, can also occur when the cabbage is almost mature and there is heavy rain or excessive irrigation after a drought. The heads grow quickly in response to the water, causing them to crack. If you live in an area with inconsistent rainfall, look for a cultivar that is resistant to cracking.
Common Diseases
The most damaging disease on cabbage is typically black rot, which usually occurs during warm, moist weather. This bacterial disease (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) is spread through infected cabbage seeds or transplants, and is identified by dark V-shaped lesions on the leaves. If your cabbage plants have black rot disease, there is no cure, and you’ll need to remove the plants from your garden.
When purchasing cabbage transplants, look for a tag that certifies they are disease-free. At the end of each growing season, remove all plant debris, as it can harbor disease pathogens over winter and reinfect the following year’s crops. Crop rotation can also help prevent disease. Do not plant cabbage or any other cole crop in the same garden spot for at least three to five years.
FAQ
1. How do I start growing cabbage?
To start growing cabbage, you will need to prepare a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Cabbage can be grown from seeds or seedlings. If you choose to start from seeds, sow them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Once the seedlings are about 4-6 inches tall, you can transplant them to your garden. If you prefer seedlings, purchase healthy ones from a nursery and transplant them to your garden. Make sure to water the cabbage plants regularly and provide them with sufficient nutrients for healthy growth.
2. How often should I water cabbage plants?
Cabbage plants need regular watering to thrive. It is recommended to water them deeply at least once a week, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water. However, the frequency of watering may vary depending on the weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist. It is important to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. Regularly check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
3. What are some common pests and diseases that affect cabbage?
Cabbage can be susceptible to various pests and diseases. Common pests include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. To control these pests, you can use organic insecticides or introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. Some common diseases that affect cabbage are clubroot, black rot, and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, practice crop rotation, provide proper spacing between plants for good air circulation, and maintain proper soil pH and fertility. Regularly inspect your cabbage plants for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action to prevent their spread.
4. When is the best time to harvest cabbage?
The best time to harvest cabbage depends on the variety you are growing and your desired size. Generally, cabbage can be harvested when the heads feel firm and have reached their desired size. This is usually around 70-90 days after transplanting seedlings or 90-120 days after sowing seeds. To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the head of cabbage just above the soil level. It is important to harvest cabbage before it bolts or becomes too mature, as this can affect its taste and texture.
5. Can cabbage be grown in containers?
Yes, cabbage can be grown in containers, making it a suitable option for those with limited garden space. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the cabbage plant’s root system. Fill the container with well-drained potting soil and plant the cabbage seedlings or seeds according to the instructions. Place the container in a sunny spot and water the cabbage regularly. Ensure the container has proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. Regularly fertilize the cabbage plants to provide them with necessary nutrients.
6. How can I prevent cabbage from splitting?
Cabbage splitting occurs when the head of cabbage cracks open, usually due to inconsistent watering or sudden changes in temperature. To prevent splitting, ensure consistent and regular watering, particularly during dry periods. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture in the soil. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing the cabbage plants, as excessive nitrogen can contribute to splitting. Harvesting cabbage at the appropriate time before it becomes too mature can also prevent splitting. Inspect the heads regularly and harvest any cabbage that shows signs of splitting.
7. Can I grow cabbage in the winter?
Cabbage is a cool-season crop that can tolerate frost and can be grown in winter in some regions. However, it is important to choose the appropriate cabbage varieties that are specifically bred for winter growing. These varieties are often labeled as “winter cabbage” or “cold-hardy cabbage.” Start the seeds indoors in late summer and transplant the seedlings to your garden around late fall. Provide the cabbage plants with some protection, such as row covers or cold frames, to shield them from extreme cold and frost. Regularly monitor the temperature and provide additional insulation if needed.