Cabbage
A productive, storage-friendly crop that works in both spring and fall. One head per plant, but a well-timed succession gives you cabbages across most of the cool season.
At a Glance
Season
Cool Season
Planting
Transplant
Days to Harvest
70–120 days from transplant
Difficulty
Easy
Summary
Cabbage is transplanted into the garden 3–4 weeks before last frost for spring, or started in summer for fall harvest. It forms a single head per plant and is ready when the head feels firm and solid. Heat causes splitting and poor flavor. Fall-harvested cabbage stores for months in a cool location. Choose variety days-to-maturity carefully to match your planting window.
Growing Conditions
Cabbage tolerates frost well once established and actually develops better flavor in cool weather. Ideal temperatures are 60°F–70°F. Heat above 80°F during heading causes poor quality and splitting. Full sun produces the best, most compact heads.
Cold climates: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Transplant 3–4 weeks before last frost. For fall, start in midsummer and transplant 8–10 weeks before first frost.
Warm climates: Fall and winter are the reliable seasons. Focus on shorter-season varieties for fall plantings.
Sowing & Planting
Start indoors ¼ inch deep. Transplant at 4–6 weeks old, spacing 18–24 inches apart depending on variety — larger varieties need more room. Firm soil around transplants well and water in thoroughly.
Care & Maintenance
Consistent watering is critical — irregular moisture after heads form causes splitting. Water deeply and evenly. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer when plants are established. Avoid excess nitrogen late in the season.
Common Problems
Splitting occurs when plants receive inconsistent moisture or sudden heavy rain after a dry period. Harvest promptly once heads are firm if rain is forecast. Cabbage worms are the primary pest — use Bt or row cover. Black rot causes V-shaped yellow lesions at leaf margins and is favored by warm, wet conditions. Choose resistant varieties and practice crop rotation.
Harvest
Press the head firmly — it should feel solid and dense with no give. Cut at the base with a sharp knife, leaving outer leaves attached for storage. If the stalk is left in the ground after harvest, it will often produce small secondary heads.
Harvested cabbage stores well — 3 to 6 months in a cool (32°F–40°F), humid location. Fall-harvested storage varieties keep longer than spring types.
Varieties
Early/short-season varieties (Golden Acre, Parel) mature in 60–70 days and suit spring plantings or short-season climates. Storage varieties (Danish Ballhead, Storage No. 4) mature in 100–120 days and keep for months. Red cabbage varieties are grown identically to green types. Savoy cabbage has crinkled leaves and a milder flavor — it’s more cold-tolerant than smooth-leafed types.
Companion Planting
Grows Well With
- onions
- garlic
- dill
- lettuce
Keep Away From
- tomatoes
- peppers
- strawberries
Uses & Preservation
Related Guides
Cabbage are a member of the brassica family.
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