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Growing Cabbage

(Brassica sp.)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    S P     P P P      

(Best months for planting Cabbage in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 41°F and 64°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-15 weeks.
  • Compatible with: Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, thyme)
  • Avoid growing with: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard, parsnip
  • Winter cabbage

Your comments and tips

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29 Aug 12, marie (Australia - temperate climate)
My cabbage has been going for about 12-13 weeks now. It has large outer leaves but the cabbage head has not started to form yet. Any suggestions as to why?
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08 Aug 12, Solly (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I plant cabbages throughout the year in the south of Johannesburg, almost near the vaal triangle & what are the proceedures & requirements? Gauteng, South Africa
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14 Apr 12, Faye (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What is the most likely cause of holes (something eating) in my cabbage leaves in early stage (nursery seedlings in ground 4wks now) of growth and what is the most 'natural' way of fixing problem? I am new to veggie gardening in northern tasmania - we are about 400m high and reasonably cool climate since planted (some very cold days). In a raised bed with well prepared soil - planted next to beet and baby round carrots.
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25 Mar 12, Paul Gilbert (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
Seedlings of early cultivars should be thinned to15 to 18 inches apart and late cultivars to 2 feet apart, once they form two true leaves. To avoid damaging the roots of remaining plants, snip extra plants off instead of pulling them out of the ground. Apply an organic fertilizer when plants are half grown
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12 Mar 12, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I also have had my cabbage leaves eaten by the hungry little blighters. I have cut the really damaged leaves off to assist with healthier growth to the ones remaining. Is that the right thing to do though?
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24 Mar 12, pierrot (Australia - temperate climate)
If you like to stay organic, spread some chili oil ( or tabasco ) mixed with water regularly
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26 Mar 12, Elina (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
Hello, thank you for your advice. Do you spread the tabasco mixture around the plants or on the plants themselves? Many thanks in advance!
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27 Nov 11, Rex (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I wonder if you can tell me if cabbages can resow themselves ? I have cabbages growing along my fence a long way away from my garden so don't know how they come to be there
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11 Nov 11, Barrie (Australia - temperate climate)
Why have my cabbages gone to seed before they were formed properly. Planted seedlings early October
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26 Jul 12, steven (Australia - temperate climate)
yes i had a similar problem and it mainly seemed to be when it was extra hot weather and thus water is lower because of evaporations .
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Post a question, comment or tip about Cabbage

Nikki, plant your cabbages out when they have developed past the first two leaves and are looking a bit sturdy: about 8-10cm tall. Good luck with your gardening.

- Liz


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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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