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 5a 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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
22 Jan 14, Creynauw van Zyl (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
All farmers in and around Africa can always contact Hishtil SA. They are the best and most professional seedling nersery. Contact details: 015 395 4034 My number if you have any questions about Hishtil SA: +27719035312
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29 Jul 13, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can I plant cabbage now, in brits area?
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21 May 13, Talifhani (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Which cabbage can stands a hot summer season in Limpopo province
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15 Apr 13, Germaine (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Rockingham western Australia, I am a fairly new vegetable gardener and have a very happy healthy looking crops growing. 2 days ago I noticed 1 of my cabbages and 1 brocolli have gone limp, why is this and what can I do? all my others look great
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21 Feb 13, juliet (Australia - temperate climate)
what pests are there for cabbages
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28 Nov 12, Andries (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have about4 hectors of land and want to plant cabbage.the land is very sandish what do i need to start and what tipe of firtiliser do i need
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05 Nov 12, Gerhard (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
How to prepere my ground for planting
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28 Oct 12, Ellie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in Toowoomba and am fairly new to growing vegetables. Can someone please tell me which varieties of cabbage and cauliflower to plant NOW, (end of October 2012) that might be ready for eating within a reasonable period of time. I have some small cabbage coming along now but would like to grow more to hopefully ensure a continuing supply for the family. Thank you in anticipation.
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09 Oct 12, Kgabo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am having a one hector area which is clay-loam,& can l plant cabbage & what are the procedures & requirements?Limpopo,RSA
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02 Oct 12, David Chimuka (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where do I get Megaton seed for cabbage in South africa
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Showing 151 - 160 of 226 comments
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Hello Rhonda. I have some suggestions: (i) patience (haha), (ii) think about the varieties of cabbages and caulies that might be suitable for your area (meaning choose quick growing varieties), (iii) plan your autumn planting and growing around your first frost and your spring planting around your last frost, (iv) buy a max/min thermometer for use in the poly tunnel, and (v) think about the effectiveness of a "double skin" poly tunnel. By suggestion (iii) above, I mean try to calculate how many weeks/months into autumn and winter you would like to keep growing your brassicas. Ditto for spring plantings. Hope that this helps. Kevin Tasmania

- Kevin Anderson

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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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