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

29 Aug 19, anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Most plants can be sown in the tropics, you just have a narrow time to plant - so the crop grows in the cooler time of the year. Try Boondie Seeds they have some red varieties.
26 Aug 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Eurobodalla and would like to grow Savoy Cabbage from seed - can I plant now, or is it too late....Mike
26 Aug 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It's probably a bit late to start Savoy as it prefers cold weather. Check the info under the cabbage tab /Australia Temperate zone
24 Aug 19, D, Daireaire (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello nice people I am mad about cabbage and would like to grow it all year round. Can you advise me which varieties to grow for each season please? Thankyou
26 Aug 19, Anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Generally people who live in different climate zones can not grow most things all year round. Reason most plants need a certain season - temp range - to grow. Things like too hot, or too cold, windy, chance of severe storms etc these all affect the chances of producing a good crop. Things like tomatoes, corn, egg plant caps need warm weather. Cold weather - cabbage broccoli, some lettuce etc.
20 Jun 21, Agri (Australia - tropical climate)
Sometimes, you can tweak these constraints and create ur own micro climate. Go for the cabbages.
25 Jun 19, Graham platt (Australia - temperate climate)
HI,,is it ok too cut off low leaves from my red cabbage while growing,,,,,thanks.
04 Apr 19, danny (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
to keep pests off my cabbage or other vegs. I cut long strips off old spouting bend over to make cover and then cover with strawberry netting , works real good cheers Danny
02 May 19, Glen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Danny, can you explain in a bit more detail please? Cabbages and Broccoli I planted last year were a total disaster, I would love to find a good method to grow them Cheers Glen
03 May 19, Greeb thumb (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Look on the internet on ways to protect crops with netting.
Showing 71 - 80 of 228 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Cabbage

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.