Cabbage (Summer) Growing Guide

Brassica oleracea

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●

Soil

Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in prior to planting.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes. Tolerates moderate frost, but damaged by hard freezes.

Feeding

Drench every two weeks with an organic liquid fertilizer.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 7" (50cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 5" (45cm) with 1' 9" (55cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow indoors in early spring, or set out purchased seedlings.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Try growing different varieties from seed to explore differences in leaf color (such as red cabbage) and type (smooth-leaf or savoy).

Harvesting

Cut heads when they reach the size you prefer.

Troubleshooting

Heavy summer rains following dry weather can cause heads to split. Watch for green imported cabbageworms, the larvae of the cabbage white butterfly. Exclude the adults with row covers.