Growing Cabbage

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S     S S S        
      T     T T T      
      P     P P P      

(Best months for growing Cabbage in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 41°F and 64°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 inches apart
  • Harvest in 11-15 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, thyme)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard, parsnip

Your comments and tips

25 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
It is not a good idea to replant cabbages in the same soil that you have just harvested cabbages from. The risk from soil-borne diseases and nutrient deficiencies would be the main problem. You would also be creating a continuous feast for insect pests. You would be better to have at least another crop in between, say pumpkins for autumn harvest, then replant cabbages after manuring the soil. This would reduce the insect pest problem as you would be growing them in the cooler months when there are not as many insects about. Zucchinis/courgettes would be another high yielding crop you could grow.
01 Apr 17, Kathi (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How well do Wombok cabbage (Chinese cabbage) grow in Sub tropical climate? Any special requirement?
04 Apr 17, Giovanni (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Chinese cabbage generally likes cooler conditions but can be planted in August and September in sub-tropical climates. Sow the seed directly into the ground and thin or transplant seedlings. Germination is fairly quick .
24 Mar 17, joel masola (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can i grow cabbage in the same farm apart together with Tomatoes and spinach
24 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
There is no reason why not. All the best with your vegetable growing!
21 Feb 17, Dorothy Geoffrey (Australia - temperate climate)
CAN I BUY RED CABBAGE SEEDS IN AUSTRALIA? BETTER STILL DOES ANYONE IN AUSTRALIA GROW THEM? Regards Dorothy Geoffrey
22 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Red cabbage seed is readily available from online or mail order seed companies. Search 'vegetable seeds' on the internet and you will find quite a number of seed companiees that advertise it. Trust this helps.
31 Jan 17, Kerry (Australia - temperate climate)
Can a drum cabbage be grown from sprouting core, the core has sent out roots not sure if I can put in garden, unfortunately sandy soil so do I need to add anything, I use liquid fertilizer on all my garden and I will not use any chemicals
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
A drum cabbage grown from a core will grow but will run up to flower and seed. The leaves can still be used as it grows and you can save the seed which germinaates very readily. yYou could use some of the seed for your next crop and put some on a tray of cotton wool and clip them with the scissors at 2 leaf stage to use as microgreens. Trust this helps
21 Jan 17, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Does anyone know where I can get pontoise cabbage seeds or seedlings? Thank you
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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