Cabbage Growing Made Easy: From Seed to Harvest

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that thrives in cool weather. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, cabbage is an excellent crop for home gardens. Whether you're growing it for fresh coleslaw, fermented sauerkraut, or hearty soups, cabbage is a rewarding plant that offers a bountiful harvest when properly cared for.

This guide will take you through how to germinate cabbage seeds, care for young plants, and ensure a healthy harvest.

Step 1: Choosing Your Cabbage Variety

There are several different types of cabbage, each with unique characteristics:

Summer vs. Winter Cabbages

• Summer Cabbages: Faster-growing, typically harvested from early summer to autumn. These varieties, like Greyhound and Hispi, have softer leaves and a sweeter taste. They require steady moisture and regular feeding for optimal growth.

• Winter Cabbages: Hardy and slow-growing, designed to withstand frost and mature in late autumn or winter. Varieties such as January King and Winter Jewel develop a firmer texture and deeper flavor after exposure to cold temperatures. They benefit from a well-prepared, nutrient-rich soil before planting. There are several different types of cabbage, each with unique characteristics:

• Green Cabbage: The most common variety with smooth, tightly packed leaves (e.g., Golden Acre, Copenhagen Market).

• Red Cabbage: Deep purple leaves, great for salads and pickling (e.g., Red Express, Mammoth Red Rock).

• Savoy Cabbage: Crinkled leaves with a milder flavor (e.g., Winter King, Savoy Perfection).

• Napa Cabbage: A Chinese variety with tender, elongated leaves (e.g., Michihili, Wong Bok).
  

For cooler climates like Ireland, cold-hardy varieties are best for extended growing seasons.

Step 2: How to Germinate Cabbage Seeds

Cabbage seeds are easy to germinate with the right conditions.

Best Conditions for Germination:

• Temperature: 10–20°C (50–70°F) for optimal germination.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with good moisture retention.

• Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
  

Starting Indoors (Recommended for Early Crops)

• Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost.

• Use seed trays with moist, well-draining soil.

• Sow seeds 1 cm (1/2 inch) deep.

• Maintain temperatures around 15–20°C (60–70°F).

• Germination occurs in 5–10 days.
  

Direct Sowing (For Warmer Seasons)

• Sow seeds 1 cm (1/2 inch) deep and 30 cm (12 inches) apart.

• Keep soil evenly moist.

• Thin seedlings once they develop 2–3 true leaves.
  

Step 3: Transplanting Cabbage Seedlings

Once seedlings have 4–6 true leaves, they are ready for transplanting.

• Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days.

• Transplant into well-prepared soil 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart.

• Space rows 60 cm (24 inches) apart for proper airflow.
  

Step 4: Caring for Cabbage Plants

Cabbage plants require consistent moisture, nutrients, and pest control.

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.

• Water at the base of plants to prevent fungal diseases.
  

Feeding:

• Enrich soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every few weeks.
  

Mulching & Weed Control:

• Apply a layer of straw, grass clippings or other mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  

Protection from Pests:

• Use row covers to prevent cabbage moths and aphids.

• Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.

• Apply organic neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
  

Step 5: Harvesting Cabbage

Cabbage is ready to harvest when heads feel firm and solid to the touch.

• Harvest Time: 70–120 days from seed, depending on the variety.

• How to Harvest: Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife.

• Storage: Store fresh cabbage in a cool, humid place for several weeks.
  

To encourage a second harvest, leave the outer leaves and cut just above the root, allowing smaller heads to form.

Step 6: Extending Your Cabbage Harvest

• Succession Planting: Sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks for continuous crops.

• Cold Frame or Greenhouse Growing: Protect plants in winter for an extended season.

• Late Season Protection: Use mulch and row covers to shield from frost.
  

Common Problems & Solutions

• Bolting: Keep plants cool and provide consistent watering.

• Yellow Leaves: Check for overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

• Pests (cabbage worms, slugs): Use companion planting and natural deterrents like marigolds and nasturtiums.
  

Best Companion Plants for Cabbage

• Carrots & Onions: Deter common pests.

• Dill & Chamomile: Improve growth and flavor.

• Lettuce & Spinach: Utilize space between cabbage rows.

• Marigolds & Nasturtiums: Repel cabbage moths and aphids.
  

Conclusion

Growing cabbage from seed is a straightforward and rewarding process that provides a nutritious, homegrown crop throughout the year. With proper care, succession planting, and pest management, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh cabbage for months.

Happy growing!