How to Grow Cabbage

A cool-season brassica for the home garden across the warmer US.

Cabbage is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Cabbage is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the cabbage page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Copenhagen Market, Round, dependable early head (Baker Creek)
• Red Acre, Compact red cabbage (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 50 cm (20 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 6 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Cabbage moth. In humid regions, Clubroot, Black rot and Downy mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Cabbage is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant cabbage where you garden.

See also: Cabbage in the plant library →

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