A detailed guide on growing cabbage at home. Contains information about sun requirements, spacing, notes, planting, feeding and more!
Soil
What soil is good for Cabbage?
Rich, deep soil, with plenty of well rotted compost mixed in.
Position
How much sun does Cabbage need?
Full sun, however will tolerate partial sun.
Frost Tolerant
Is Cabbage frost tolerant?
Tolerates light frost.
Spacing
How much space does Cabbage need?
Around 40-50cm apart
Planting
When should I plant Cabbage?
Cabbage is a cool season crop that is usually planted in autumn, depending on your climate.
Seeds can be sown in late summer and seedlings transplanted in autumn. Seeds can also be sown in autumn.
If transplanting, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.
Feeding
What do I feed Cabbage?
Apply an organic fertiliser throughout the season.
Harvesting
When can I harvest Cabbage?
Harvest when the plant has formed a central head that is a suitable size.
Pests
What pests does Cabbage get?
Aphids, Slug, Snail, Cabbage Moth, Cabbage White Butterfly, Diamondback Moth, Flea Beetle, Cabbage Root Fly, Cutworm, Armyworm, Cabbage Looper, Cutworm, Cabbage Worm, Thrips, Root Knot Nematode, 28 Spotted Ladybug
Diseases
What diseases does Cabbage get?
Alternaria Leaf Spot, Black Rot, Club Root, Downy Mildew, Anthracnose, Watery Soft Rot, Bacterial Soft Rot, Black Leg, Damping-off, Powdery Mildew, Sclerotinia Stem Rot, Ringspot
Notes
Is there anything else I need to know about Cabbage?
Cabbage plants will only produce one head. Once harvested, you can remove the plant from the ground.
Troubleshooting
How do I troubleshoot my growing problems?
Protect seedlings from pests at the time of planting.
Use fine mesh or exclusion netting to prevent white butterflies from laying eggs on the underside of leaves, caterpillars can be detrimental to this plant. Slugs and Snails are also a large problem for Cabbage plants. See the Pests Guide for control methods.