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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
18 Sep 16, Jennifer Gelloway (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I also grow cabbage but they are not growing well :( . i dont know what to do. But your article give so much information to me. Thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Sep 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try some fertiliser - they respond well to fertiliser. Are they receiving enough water? Not too much, but enough to keep the soil moist. Are they in full sun, as they do best in full sun? All the best, Bob
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Jun 16, (Australia - tropical climate)
What type of soil is best for cabbage when growing it in a garden bed?
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Mar 16, bonginkosi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hi interested in plant cabbage in the eastern cape Bizana would like to start in beggining of may l have loem soil in my garden can you plz advice me what time of seed and fertilizer to be used in my soil
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Dec 15, Andre (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I would like to plant cabbage in end of January. Is nuvoton good to be planted in january and at spacing between them and roughly how many can i plant per hectare
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Oct 15, Gwyneth (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi,I live in Brisbane and i'm new to growing vegetables. This is the first time that I have grown Red cabbage , well any cabbage really, what I would appreciate knowing is, at what stage or how long does it take for the young cabbage to start forming the head.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Oct 15, Joseph Mavhetha (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What type of soil is suitable for cabage and how many times do you need to water it. And what chemical is used to stop bacteria from damaging it.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Oct 15, Keith (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Early October 2015. I'm using 2 to 3 levels of shade cloth across all of my crops and adding ice to the water troughs in which my seedlings are struggling this spring. I think this is called "Global Warming". It was 34C in Pretoria today and the forecast is not promising.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 May 15, Hamilton Falange (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
How many times can we plant cabbage within a year? And what are the seasons. how much seed of cabbage per hector Thanks Regards
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Apr 15, Abdul (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Iam staying in the North West Province, Mahikeng Mmabatho area. I would like to know if I can plant cabbage now. The type of soil is clay. What type of fertilizer do I need to apply?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 131 - 140 of 225 comments
See comments for all plants

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.