Growing Cabbage

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S         S          
    T T       T T      
    P         P P      

(Best months for growing Cabbage in USA - Zone 7a 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

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29 Aug 19, anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Most plants can be sown in the tropics, you just have a narrow time to plant - so the crop grows in the cooler time of the year. Try Boondie Seeds they have some red varieties.
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26 Aug 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Eurobodalla and would like to grow Savoy Cabbage from seed - can I plant now, or is it too late....Mike
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26 Aug 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It's probably a bit late to start Savoy as it prefers cold weather. Check the info under the cabbage tab /Australia Temperate zone
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24 Aug 19, D, Daireaire (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello nice people I am mad about cabbage and would like to grow it all year round. Can you advise me which varieties to grow for each season please? Thankyou
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26 Aug 19, Anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Generally people who live in different climate zones can not grow most things all year round. Reason most plants need a certain season - temp range - to grow. Things like too hot, or too cold, windy, chance of severe storms etc these all affect the chances of producing a good crop. Things like tomatoes, corn, egg plant caps need warm weather. Cold weather - cabbage broccoli, some lettuce etc.
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20 Jun 21, Agri (Australia - tropical climate)
Sometimes, you can tweak these constraints and create ur own micro climate. Go for the cabbages.
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25 Jun 19, Graham platt (Australia - temperate climate)
HI,,is it ok too cut off low leaves from my red cabbage while growing,,,,,thanks.
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09 Mar 19, Ken (Australia - temperate climate)
I have beds made from very large plastic drums which I have made waist high frames to keep them in (sturdy). My question is, "how deep does the root system of Red Cabbages go"? I am on the south coast of NSW and most shops do not have red cabbage. I make a lot of stir frys and coleslaw. Thanks
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10 Mar 19, Mike Logan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
About 30cm would be enough - but I would make them 50cm deep of soil. I take it you may have used the top/bottom of a 200 liter drum. Or you could cut them long ways - more area of garden.
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15 Dec 18, Doreen (Australia - temperate climate)
Is there anywhere in Australia where I can buy spring cabbage or the seeds
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Showing 41 - 50 of 153 comments
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Hi Mike, A good tip with your compost is to mix 1 part of greens such as your plant residue & grass clippings (Nitrogen), with the same amount of brown material such as dried leaves, especially gum tree leaves & trigs (Carbon) mulched up in the mower, very important to have equal parts for a good balance, I rake up leaves & twigs around the parks & schools and around stormwater drains. Grass clippings & plant residue are great but full of nitrogen which will give you leafy caulis but no heads. Also, worm pee is very important, worm pee mixed with water @ 9:1 ratio & poured around the base of each plant every 3 weeks conditions the soil which releases the nutrients out of the soil for the roots to feed off, I start my worm pee after seedlings emerge in the seed trays, I keep my worm farm moist & I catch 1 litre a week, but next year I will be increasing that to 2 litres a week. I use my worm castings at planting time plus a side dressing every 2 months around my plants & use my worm pee as my tea. I have clay soil over here on the east coast and it took me years to get it friable but it paid off in the long run. Also, mulching around you plants is very important for moisture retention & worm activity, especially sandy soils. Dried gum leaves are so important in any soil as Carbon is a very important element for healthy growth. PS: Space your cabbages & Caulis & you will have great results. BR...….Steve

- Steve Donovan

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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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