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

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
05 Nov 12, Gerhard (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
How to prepere my ground for planting
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
02 Oct 12, David Chimuka (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where do I get Megaton seed for cabbage in South africa
08 Aug 12, Solly (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I plant cabbages throughout the year in the south of Johannesburg, almost near the vaal triangle & what are the proceedures & requirements? Gauteng, South Africa
Showing 31 - 35 of 35 comments

Well, not entirely true. I got some cabbage seedlings from a nursery that was tossing them. We put them in to the ground on December 3. Then we have them covered with a small hoop house. We also have some incandescent lights to add just enough heat when the temps dip down into the twenties.(F.) You can grow them and they are a challenge, but brassicas like cabbage, kale and broccoli are pretty frost hardy if you give them cover.

- Elisabeth

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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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