Cabbage is a nutrient-rich, cool-season vegetable that thrives with proper spacing, regular watering, and pest management. Whether you want to grow crisp green cabbage, red cabbage, or savoy cabbage, this leafy vegetable is easy to cultivate in gardens, raised beds, and containers.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant, care for, and harvest cabbage successfully for a homegrown supply of this versatile crop.
1. Choosing the Right Cabbage Variety
Cabbage comes in different sizes, colors, and textures, so choosing the right variety depends on your climate and cooking preferences.
Best Cabbage Varieties for Home Gardens
Green Cabbage (Traditional, Crunchy, Mild Flavor)
Golden Acre – Early-maturing, small compact heads. Stonehead – Disease-resistant, excellent for slaws. Copenhagen Market – Classic variety, dense heads.
Red Cabbage (Vibrant Color, Rich in Antioxidants) Red Express – Small, early-maturing, great for salads. Ruby Perfection – Deep red, stores well. Mammoth Red Rock – Large heads, crisp texture.
Savoy Cabbage (Tender, Wrinkled Leaves, Milder Taste) Savoy King – Heat-tolerant, flavorful. Winter King – Cold-hardy, great for soups.
Mini Cabbage (Compact, Perfect for Containers) Gonzales – Small, fast-growing heads. Tiara – Sweet and tender, great for single servings.
Tip: If you have limited space, grow mini cabbage or early-maturing varieties for a quicker harvest.
2. Preparing the Soil for Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of nutrients.
Ideal Soil Conditions for Cabbage
pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). Loamy, high in organic matter to support deep roots. Moist but well-draining to prevent root rot.
How to Improve Soil for Cabbage
Mix in compost or aged manure before planting. Add bone meal or rock phosphate to boost root strength. Use mulch (straw, leaves, or grass clippings) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Tip: Rotate cabbage crops each season to prevent soil diseases like clubroot.
3. Planting Cabbage the Right Way
When to Plant Cabbage
- Spring planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
- Fall planting: Sow seeds 10-12 weeks before the first frost for a cool-season harvest.
- Succession planting: Sow new cabbage every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
How to Plant Cabbage Seeds & Seedlings
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed trays or directly in the garden. Transplant seedlings when they have 4-6 true leaves. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow room for head formation.
Avoid overcrowding – Cabbage needs airflow to prevent fungal diseases.
Tip: If growing in containers, use pots at least 12 inches deep for proper root development.
4. Watering Cabbage Correctly
Cabbage needs consistent moisture to grow large, firm heads.
How Often to Water Cabbage
Water deeply 2-3 times per week (1-1.5 inches per week). Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to avoid wetting leaves.
Signs of Overwatering:
- Yellowing leaves
- Root rot
Signs of Underwatering:
- Small, loose heads
- Wilting leaves
Tip: Mulch around cabbage plants to retain moisture and reduce watering needs.
5. Fertilizing Cabbage for Maximum Growth
Cabbage is a heavy feeder, meaning it needs regular nutrients throughout its growing cycle.
Best Fertilizers for Cabbage
Compost or aged manure – Provides organic nutrients. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer (10-5-5) – Encourages leafy growth. Bone meal or fish emulsion – Supports root and head development.
When to Fertilize Cabbage
At planting: Mix compost into the soil. After 3-4 weeks: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. When heads start forming: Switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer for better head development.
Avoid excessive nitrogen once heads start forming—this leads to loose, leafy growth instead of firm heads.
6. Preventing Cabbage Pests and Diseases
Cabbage is vulnerable to common garden pests and fungal diseases, but proper care can prevent major issues.
Common Cabbage Pests & Natural Solutions
| Pest | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Cabbage Worms  | Holes in leaves, eaten stems | Use row covers, hand-pick caterpillars |
Aphids  | Sticky residue, curled leaves | Spray neem oil or soapy water |
| Cutworms | Seedlings cut at soil level | Place collars around stems |
| Cabbage Loopers | Large holes in leaves | Use BT spray (organic caterpillar control) |
Common Cabbage Diseases & Prevention
| Disease | Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Clubroot | Swollen, deformed roots | Rotate crops, maintain proper soil pH |
| Black Rot | Yellowing, V-shaped leaf spots | Remove infected plants, improve airflow |
| Downy Mildew | White mold on leaves | Water in the morning, avoid overcrowding |
Tip: Companion plant cabbage with thyme, dill, or marigolds to deter pests naturally.
7. Harvesting and Storing Cabbage
When to Harvest Cabbage
Cabbage is ready 60-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Heads should be firm and dense, with a diameter of 4-8 inches. Harvest before extreme heat to prevent bolting (flowering).
How to Harvest Cabbage Properly
Use a sharp knife to cut heads at the base, leaving outer leaves for protection. Leave the root system in the ground—small side heads may form. Harvest in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t wait too long—overripe cabbage splits and becomes bitter.
Storing Cabbage for Freshness
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 weeks. Keep in a root cellar (32-40°F) for long-term storage. Ferment cabbage into sauerkraut for preservation.
Tip: Remove damaged outer leaves before storing for longer shelf life.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage is a hardy, productive vegetable that thrives with proper watering, fertilization, and pest control. By choosing the right variety, maintaining healthy soil, and harvesting at the right time, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown cabbage for salads, stir-fries, and fermented dishes.
Start growing your own cabbage today and enjoy crisp, flavorful harvests straight from your garden!
