Cabbage may not be the most glamorous vegetable, but it’s a gem in the kitchen with plenty of reasons to grow it. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, nurturing your cabbage patch and enjoying the delicious rewards is genuinely satisfying. We are excited to share the complete guide on how to grow cabbage.
Let’s Begin with the varieties.
Varieties of Cabbage
Your local grocery store’s produce aisle likely offers just four types of cabbage: green, red, or purple, savoy (the one with wavy leaves), and Napa cabbage. However, there are over 400 varieties of cabbage, and growing your own is the only way to experience many of them.
Cabbage Takes a Long Time to Grow
We suggest new gardeners avoid plants like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower due to their long maturity periods. Some cabbage varieties, especially red or purple, can take up to 180 days to form a full head—that’s half a year for just one plant! Instead, we suggest starting with Napa cabbage, which grows relatively quickly by cabbage standards, maturing in just 60 to 80 days. Unlike other types, Napa cabbage doesn’t need to form a tight head like Danish Ballhead cabbage.
Once you’ve mastered Napa cabbage, you can explore different varieties and see what thrives in your climate. Whether you prefer flatter or curlier leaves, green or red, smooth or savoy, you’ll soon discover that homegrown cabbage tastes far better than the lifeless store-bought options. Growing your produce always makes a difference, but especially with cabbage.
Now, let’s dive into how to grow cabbage and care for it.
When to Plant Cabbage
The best time to plant cabbage depends on your climate and growing variety.
Cabbage is typically a cool-season crop that thrives in mild temperatures, but it can be grown nearly year-round in regions with cooler summers.
When planning your cabbage planting, consider your local climate and weather patterns. Cabbage grows best in temperatures between 45°F and 75°F (7°C to 24°C), so avoid planting during the hottest summer months or the coldest winter periods.
Where to Plant Cabbage
When selecting a spot for your cabbage patch, choose a location with plenty of sunlight, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day. Cabbage thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
Cabbage requires well-drained, moisture-retentive, and fertile soil with a pH between 6 and 7.
Additionally, rotate your crops yearly to prevent soil depletion and minimize disease risk.
How to Grow Cabbage in the Garden
Now for the fun part! You can grow cabbage from either seeds or seedlings, depending on your preference and available time.
Here’s how to grow cabbage that is delicious and crispy:
- Sow cabbage seeds about ¼ inch deep in seed containers.
- Once the seedlings reach 4-6 inches tall, transplant them into your garden, thinning them to one proper set of leaves.
- Harden off the seedlings for a week before planting them outdoors.
- Transplant seedlings on a cloudy afternoon, 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost date.
- Plant seedlings in rows 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the desired head size. (Closer spacing yields smaller heads.)
- Mulch around the seedlings to retain moisture and stabilize soil temperature.
- Provide about two inches of water per square foot each week.
- If young plants are exposed to temperatures below 45°F for an extended period, they may bolt or form loose heads. Cover your plants if cold weather is expected.
How to Grow Cabbage in Containers
Select a large container 12-18 inches deep and 16-20 inches in diameter. Cabbage plants have extensive root systems, so providing enough space for root growth is crucial. Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil.
Fill the container with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Avoid using garden soil, as it can become compacted in containers and hinder root growth.
Plant cabbage seedlings or seeds in the container, following the spacing recommendations for the specific variety you’re growing. If starting from seeds, sow them evenly across the soil surface and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil. If transplanting seedlings, gently remove them from their nursery containers and plant them at the same depth they were growing.
Place the container in a sunny spot where the cabbage plants will get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Keep the soil moist but not soggy; cabbage plants prefer evenly moist soil. Water deeply whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Since container-grown plants rely on the nutrients in the potting mix, it’s important to fertilize your cabbage plants regularly.
Cabbage grown in containers will mature similarly to those grown in the ground. Harvest the cabbage heads when they reach a desirable size and feel firm to the touch.
How to Care for Cabbage Plants
Cabbage needs consistent watering, feeding, and monitoring to ensure healthy growth.
Watering
Water is crucial for all leafy greens, especially cabbage, which comprises about 92 percent water. Cabbage prefers consistently moist soil, but it shouldn’t be soggy. Water when the soil feels dry an inch or two down. Regular watering encourages new growth and prevents stress, which could cause the plant to bolt and go to seed early. I recommend using a drip line irrigation system on a timer to provide consistent water directly to the soil, avoiding the leaves.
Feeding
While nitrogen is typically crucial for growing leafy greens, forming a cabbage head requires a different approach. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, but to encourage your cabbage to form a compact head, focus on adding phosphorus to the soil.
