Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Learn how to care for cabbage along with its history and classification details.
Hardiness Zone: 1-10
Soil Type: Neutral
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Type: Vegetable
History: Cabbage was most likely domesticated somewhere in Europe in Ancient history before 1000 BC. Cabbage in the cuisine has been documented since Antiquity. It was described as a table luxury in the Roman Empire.
Cabbage is an exceptionally healthy food. It has an outstanding nutrient profile and is especially high in vitamins C and K. In addition, eating cabbage may even help lower the risk of certain diseases, improve digestion and combat inflammation.
How to Care for Cabbage
Common questions and details on how to care for cabbage.
How do I plant cabbage?
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
Before planting the seedlings outdoors, harden off the plants over the course of a week.
Transplant seedlings outdoors on a cloudy afternoon 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost date.
Plant seedlings 12 to 24 inches apart in rows, depending on the size of head desired.
When is the best time to plant?
Summer cabbages: sow from late February/early March (under cloches or similar cover) until early May; transplant in May/June.
Winter cabbages: sow in April/May; transplant in late June/July
Spring cabbages: sow in July/August; transplant in September/October.
How do I propagate cabbage?
Place the lettuce or cabbage bottom in the dish and add water to about halfway up the greens. Place in a part of your home that gets sunlight every day. You’ll need to add or replace the water every two or three days.
Can I grow cabbage in a pot?
Yes, you can grow cabbage in a pot.
How much should I water cabbage?
2 inches per square food per week.
How do I care for cabbage with fertilizer?
Cabbage prefers to be fertilized frequently.
When does cabbage bloom?
Cabbage will bloom in 30-60 days.
How do I know when cabbage is ripe?
Solid heads indicate when it is time for harvesting cabbage. When heads are firm all the way through when squeezed, the cabbage is ready for harvest.
When do I harvest cabbage?
You can harvest cabbage about 82 days after planting.
What is the best way to store cabbage?
Place cabbage in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Is a cabbage a fruit or a vegetable?
Cabbage is a vegetable.
Should I plant any companion plants?
Cabbages grow well with Brussels sprouts, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, and cauliflower.
What are the health benefits of the cabbage?
Cabbage helps to keep you regular, and it could help lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and control your blood sugar.
Mustardy Sausage and Halloumi Stir-fry
This is a delicious stir-fry recipe, perfect for your home grown cabbage.
An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than cabbage, concludes that it makes a better soup.
~H.L. Mencken