Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Biennial
Days to Maturity
90 (Spring/Summer), 90 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Hardy

Cabbages are very hardy and can be frost tolerant.

Crops
Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool, Short days

Fast growing or stressed cabbages tend to split and bolt; cutting into the root system will slow growth and prevent splitting. Provide transplants with cutworm shield collars.

Cabbage prefers rich, fertile soil. Water heavily from planting to head formation, then water moderately to prevent splitting. Cabbage is a hardy crop that grows best in cool spring and fall temperatures.

Outdoor Growing Temp
40°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
45°F

Cabbage doesn’t do well in hot weather, as it causes excessive transpiration from the large leaves. It really needs cool weather and short days to head up satisfactorily.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)

Fun sun or partial shade in warm climates

Water
Moderate

Cabbages need a regular water supply to grow well, so keep the soil evenly moist. Heads may split if a heavy rain follows a long dry spell without irrigation.

Feeder
Heavy

Cabbages are hungry plants and must have rich soil if they are to produce well. They prefer heavy soil with lots of organic matter to retain moisture and lots of available nutrients (especially potassium and phosphorus). They don't need a lot of nitrogen however, as this can lead to sappy growth that isn't very hardy. Early varieties require a higher soil fertility than mid or late-season varieties.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, Partial shade
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

Cabbage does quite well in containers, so long as they are big enough. The ideal container for cabbage is at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter. In order to prevent root damage, make sure your container drains well. This can be done by lining the bottom of your container with a layer of small stones, or by placing holes in the bottom to ensure drainage of excess moisture. Maintain regular watering and keep the soil moist but not soaked. When your cabbage forms a head, gradually decrease watering to keep your heads from splitting.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Light green
Fruit Size
5.0 - 12.0"
Plant Height
8.0 - 12.0"
Plant Diameter
12.0 - 24.0"
Hardiness Zone
2-10
Disease Resistance
-
Taste Profile

Sweet and crunchy.

Rotation Group
Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens