Traditionally, cabbage seeds were planted on St. Patrick’s Day in northern zones. Old-time farmers believed that to make them grow well, you needed to plant them while wearing your nightclothes! Here’s our Cabbage Growing Guide with instructions on how to plant and grow this hardy, leafy vegetable—which is packed with vitamins. No PJs required!
About Cabbage
Mark Twain once said, “Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.” In fact, cabbage is no longer viewed so poorly. We now know that this hardy vegetable is antioxidant- and nutrient-rich, and a great addition to any garden! See 5 reasons to eat cabbage.
That said, note that cabbage can be challenging to grow for the beginner gardener if you don’t have the right conditions; it only likes cool temperatures and it can be a magnet for some types of garden pests. Rotating the cabbage crop every few years avoids buildup of soilborne diseases.
Follow our guide to plant a successful crop in the spring (and/or fall) and we’ll help you provide the diligent care that cabbage needs.
Reader Comments
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hi, this is Betty, I grow
hi, this is Betty, I grow some cabbage in my garden, but these days it's so cold here, and we even welcomed the first snow this year, and it's 21F at night. After that, I found the back of the leaves, there is a crack along the main leaf vein, do you have any idea about it? and what's the possible reason for it? Looking forward to your reply.
Betty
Worm damage on leaves?
I have three types of cabbages and millions of little fat black worms. I want to move cabbages into large pots. Can I cut off all damaged leaves? PokCho in terrible shape. NOTHING STOPPING WORMS
black worms
You have cabbage worms. Moving the plants would surely bring their demise; transplanting is somewhat traumatic at any time. You can learn more here https://www.almanac.com/pest/cabbage-worms and here https://www.almanac.com/news/gardening/gardening-advice/protect-your-gar...
We hope this helps!
Cabbage might not be good
I live in NC and my cabbage looks like it’s wilting in the heat it’s been over 90 degrees for the last 2 or 3 weeks I was trying to see if they were going to get bigger but I think I may be too late to pick them now and they are getting holes in them
Cabbage
Hi there!! This is the first time I have grown cabbage and I planted "consul" cabbage. The plant is quite large and I am just wondering do I need to cut off the larger bottom leaves to promote more head growth?? Thank you in advance!!
remove leaves?
You are advised not to remove the leaves: they provide protection in storage. Read the commentary above for more information about achieving a successful harvest.
Hi, I like your post really I
Hi, I like your post really I have read first-time Thanks for sharing keep up the good work.
farmer
You are good farmers, I like it, let's me try
Why Cabbage and Tomatoes are not compatible, dislike each other
Hi This is Zeynel from Turkey,
I wonder why Cabbage and Tomatoes are not compatible.
It writes incompatibly in all documents, but I could not see the reason anywhere.
Thanks
Cabbage article
I have been gardening for over 65 years and I found your article informative and thoroughly
enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in a clear concise manner; I enjoy reading the Almanac and your articles are always informative and thought provoking.
Happy gardening!
problem with cabbages
Hi I have grown cabbages but they are not forming heads and some form very small heads and bolts quickly. am in Swaziland and we receive temperatures between 15 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius. please help
Appreciation
Thanks for the eye opening . Looking forward to guides for a humble start.
cabbage nursing,transplanting,harvesting and storaging.
Remarkable practical knowledge and a mile read expertise in crop farming.thanks in advance and continue the spirit of farming education.
Planting
When is the best time to plant cabbage and watermelons in uae (united Arab emirates)
Cabbage
My temperatures are about to go mid 90's. Should I go ahead and cut at a smaller size. Leave the plant to see what happens. Too early for these temps even in oklahoma. Dont want to waste them
Bolting Cabbage
Yes, if hot temps are expected in your area, it would be a good idea to go ahead and cut the cabbage earlier than usual. Once they’ve bolted, it’s already too late, so better to be safe and harvest early!
WARM temps
Grandson received a plant in May from school...obviously should have been in the Fall. It is a large head or some type like that(?) growing well, just starting to form head. Temps up to mid 90's. keeping it in the shade as much as possible. any other tips to keep it healthy? have thought of bringing it inside but then no sun. Right now gets morning sun mainly and some peek through until about noon. assume it will be another 40-60 days before it is finished growing. no bolting seen :) Thank you!
Cabbage in summertime
Cabbage is indeed a cool-weather crop usually transplanted after summer heat has passed. Your instinct about shade are correct. You’ll want some kind of shade netting to keep both the soil and air cooler as well as keep the cabbage from being scorched. For best results, suspend the shade netting several inches above the cabbage letting it rest on some kind of frame.If you haven’t done so already, put mulch on the soil to keep it cool. Of course, water to keep the soil from drying out. Cabbage gets thirsty. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll know it’s not your fault! Hot weather is tough on some plants, just like people!
cabbage
I love planting
how to start commercial cabbage production
I leave in the temperate region of Africa and want to start cabbage production in a large scale so i need a kind of lecture on how to start so that i can succeed.
Cabbage
Try contacting your "Local or Gov. Department of Agriculture" you can get their contact info @ the Dept. Agriculture website; you could also research other crops; Carrots might be good; being Carrots Greens are edible as well as the Carrot Root;;)AR;;
Help to grow cabbage in Liberia
I want to grow cabbage on a large scale but don't have the financial means to do that.
growing cabbages in south west cameroon
i need you help
Selling cabbages to supermarkets
I would like to know what are the requirements for me to sell vagitables(cabbages) to large interprise supermarkets
cabbage production
I want to grow cabbages for cormecial purpose anyone to help me
Commercial cabbage production
Greetings.
I want to become a commercial farmer of cabbages, i need to know on how to start farming. Please assist with the procedure and provide with messures to control the diseases.
Cabbage farmer
How to grow cabbage, best chemical to used to keep away bats ,worm and diseases in jamaica wi.
cabbage
I am trying a new to me cabbage. It is mini cabbage from Bonnie plants....
Supposed to grow about 6-7' heads. I always used DE to keep the bugs away. Seems to work for me. Must reapply after heavy rains. I will plant two in my garden tower to see if it works.
Protecting cabbage
You might try planting dill near your cabbage. It protects by attracting beneficial wasps that kill cabbageworms and other pests. Learn more about dill here: http://www.almanac.com/plant/dill and beneficial wasps and other insects here: http://www.almanac.com/blog/gardening/gardening/beneficial-insects-garden
when to harvest cabbage
I have some large cabbage that could be harvested now, but I would like to leave them for New Years. Now it is supposed to get below freezing, Will that ruin the cabbage? We had a few frost that did nor bother it.
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