How to Grow Cabbage

mediumGardening65-120 days10 steps

Safety Warnings

Avoid planting in the same location more than once every 3-4 years to reduce disease.

Hand-hoe — For weeding between plants in rows

Shovel — For severing roots to prevent head splitting

Cabbage Seeds — Early, midseason, or late varieties(1 oz per 2000 plants)

Cardboard Collars — Protective rings for base of plants(1 per plant)

Organic Matter — Compost or rich soil amendment(As needed for fertile soil)

Straw or Litter — Winter protection covering(As needed)

Prepare well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Tip: If soil is infested with clubroot, add lime to raise pH to 7.2.

Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost, keeping soil warm (75°F) for germination.

Tip: Provide direct sun to prevent plants from becoming leggy.

Transplant seedlings into the field; space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart.

Tip: Plants may be set in a slanting position if the subsoil is near the surface.

Maintain plentiful and consistent moisture throughout the growth cycle.

Tip: Water early in the day so foliage dries quickly to prevent purple blotch.

Cultivate thoroughly between rows and use a hand-hoe between plants until heads begin to form.

Tip: Regular cultivation helps save moisture and ensures continuous growth.

Protect plants from pests using cardboard collars around the base of each plant.

Tip: Eliminate weeds around the garden area to increase air circulation.

To prevent head splitting, use a shovel to sever roots on one side about 6 inches from the plant or twist the plant after heads firm.

Tip: Choosing split-resistant varieties also helps.

Harvest based on variety: early conical heads for summer use or late flat heads for autumn/winter storage.

Tip: Late varieties are better suited for making sauerkraut.

For winter storage, take up cabbages with roots intact and store in well-ventilated cellars.

Tip: If storing in heaps outdoors, place a layer of lime or salt on the ground first to deter slugs.

For seeds or winter heading, set roots downward in trenches and heap earth over the cabbages.

Tip: Add straw or litter as temperatures drop to protect the plant.

Plant early, midseason, and late varieties to spread out the harvest period.
Tender inner leaves can be damaged by heavy freezes even if outer leaves look fine.
Rake and destroy all fallen or diseased leaves in autumn to improve plant sanitation.

Synthesized from 5 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Cornell ExtensionView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →