Growing Cabbage

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S S S           S S S
T T T T T           T T
P P P P           P P P

(Best months for growing Cabbage in South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4 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 11-15 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, thyme)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard, parsnip
  • Cabbage
  • Winter cabbage

There are many varieties of cabbage.

Those which stand winter weather usually have darker leaves and a stronger flavour, e.g. Savoy.

Red cabbage is grown in a similar way to green varieties.

In temperate climates ff you plant a selection of types you can have cabbage growing all year round.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Cabbage

Young spring cabbage can be chopped and added to salad greens.
Steaming preserves the goodness and flavour of cabbage.
Can also be used in stir-fry.
Red cabbage chopped and cooked with brown sugar, red wine, onions, vinegar and stock is served with boiled bacon or pork.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
02 Mar 20, Anele (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
How to plant cabbage in year round production
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02 Mar 20, anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
In semi arid you can't by the guide here,. If you really want to try ,buy a very good shade house and try.
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23 Feb 20, Rsshied (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Good day. I am growing cabbages,i planted it from the tray that i got form Stodels. I planted it in 1 December 2019 and its heads are looking very small. What should i feed the cabbages with. Thank you.
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24 Feb 20, Another gardener (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If planted 1st DEC then they are about 12 weeks old. It says 11-15 weeks. It would depend what kind of cabbage you planted. A small kind or large variety. I grew red cabbage that are suppose to grow to 2-3kg but only grew to the size of small rock melon. You need some nitrogen fertiliser. N is for leaf growth, P for root development and K is for flowering and fruit growth. You should apply these before you plant generally. Too much N and you will have too much leaf. A handful of general fertiliser will cover about 1 square meter. Or place about 2 tablespoons of general fertiliser in 9 l of water and let it sit for a few hours, give a good stir and apply to the plants. It may be a bit late to do too much with your cabbage. Give it a go though.
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25 Jan 19, Micahael (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Good day. I have planted cabbage last year in January 2018. Instead of the veg growing into a big bulb (ball like shape) on the ground, it grew upright on a stock. Looking on pictures i can see that it is supposed to grow like a big ball on the ground and not vertically up. What is the reason for that or did does it has to do with the type of seed i bought from the store, as there a different name on the seed packages. Thanks
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30 Apr 19, Eric Jones (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You've probably got them in loose soil. The plants need firm soil. After planting the seedlings, firm the soil around them with your feet.
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27 Nov 18, Biki Baraedi (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Best summer rain cabbage variety that I can grow in Botswana
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31 Oct 18, Siyabulela Phanle (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Good morning I would like to be advised my aim is to plant cabbages Potatoes and Spinach but I'm am not quiet sure about the suitable time for them or good season to plant them please help. regards Phandle
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31 Oct 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Use the Vegetables and Herbs tab to find the vegetables, then set your zone at the top of the page - e.g (South Africa- Dry summer sub-tropical climate) . The months for planting are shown in the little coloured boxes at the top. e.g. P for plant or sow seed
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23 Aug 18, Adam (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi! Can you please provide us with contacts of those who can help blacks emerging farmers. Planting cabbages is not an issue but market it is. If companies like tiger brand can come on board to help us we can be like those who are in cash crops farming knowing where to supply. Thank you (Gardenate is NOT a farming advisory service, so this is a one-off posting)
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Can you plant cabbage with garlic?

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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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