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        
      T     T T T      
      P     P P P      

(Best months for growing Cabbage in USA - Zone 6b 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 5°C and 18°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 - 75 cm 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

Your comments and tips

15 Sep 16, Lee Patterson (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted five cabbage plants (my first ever) and they growing quite well. The outer leaves are spreading out. Do I have to tie them together or just leave them as is. Thank you.
24 Sep 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
No, do NOT tie the outer leaves together. Older leaves spreading out is their natural growth, and soon the 'drums' will form in the centre of the plant. We are now getting into warm weather which means your cabbages are likely to be attacked by the white Cabbage Butterfly OR grey Cabbage Moth or both. It is not the actual butterfly nor moth that do the damage but the caterpillars that emerge from the eggs that they lay - usually on the underside of the leaf. You will need to spray the plants or, better still, cover them with mosquito netting so that the butterfly/moth cannot sit on the leaves to lay their eggs. My cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli have already been attacked in Brisbane and I am spraying them. All the best. Bob
23 Sep 16, Narelle (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Lee, I had success with dwarf drum head cabbages recently (my first ever). I was very happy with the result. No need to tie leaves together, the outer leaves spread out and the centre formed by itself. I did need to spray with my home made garlic-chilli spray to keep grubs away. This worked a treat. Good luck with your cabbages.
18 Sep 16, Jennifer Gelloway (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I also grow cabbage but they are not growing well :( . i dont know what to do. But your article give so much information to me. Thanks.
24 Sep 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try some fertiliser - they respond well to fertiliser. Are they receiving enough water? Not too much, but enough to keep the soil moist. Are they in full sun, as they do best in full sun? All the best, Bob
13 Jun 16, (Australia - tropical climate)
What type of soil is best for cabbage when growing it in a garden bed?
18 Mar 16, bonginkosi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hi interested in plant cabbage in the eastern cape Bizana would like to start in beggining of may l have loem soil in my garden can you plz advice me what time of seed and fertilizer to be used in my soil
13 Dec 15, Andre (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I would like to plant cabbage in end of January. Is nuvoton good to be planted in january and at spacing between them and roughly how many can i plant per hectare
27 Oct 15, Gwyneth (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi,I live in Brisbane and i'm new to growing vegetables. This is the first time that I have grown Red cabbage , well any cabbage really, what I would appreciate knowing is, at what stage or how long does it take for the young cabbage to start forming the head.
18 Oct 15, Joseph Mavhetha (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What type of soil is suitable for cabage and how many times do you need to water it. And what chemical is used to stop bacteria from damaging it.
Showing 131 - 140 of 228 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Cabbage

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.