Cabbage
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
📋Quick Facts
Height
0.4-0.5m
Spread
0.5-0.6m
Water
💧💧 Average watering
Hardiness
Zone 2-11
About
Sow cabbage seed across four overlapping seasons for year-round harvest: spring cabbage (sow July–August, harvest March–May), summer cabbage (sow March–May, harvest June–August), autumn cabbage (sow April–May, harvest September–November), winter cabbage (sow April–May, harvest December–February). Cabbages are hardy (RHS H5; winter cultivars H6) and reliable in UK conditions provided you net against cabbage white in summer and pigeons in winter. Plant 45 cm apart in firm fertile soil; firm the soil hard around each plant — like Brussels sprouts they sulk in loose ground. Cut when heads are firm to the touch. Winter cultivars (January King, Tundra) stand outdoors right through to spring; summer cultivars must be cut and used promptly or they split.
How to grow cabbage
- 1
Choose by season
Spring (Pixie, Spring Hero): sow July–August, transplant September, harvest March–May. Summer (Hispi, Greyhound): sow March–May, harvest June–August. Autumn (Autoro, Marabel): sow April–May, harvest September–November. Winter (January King, Tundra, Holland Late): sow April–May, harvest December–February. Pick a season; sow accordingly.
- 2
Sow seed
Modules at 12–15°C or a seedbed once soil is workable. Germination in 1–2 weeks. Successional sowings within each seasonal window every 3 weeks for continuous picking.
- 3
Prepare firm fertile soil
Full sun, firm soil, slightly alkaline (lime if pH below 6.5). Fork in well-rotted compost from the previous autumn. Brassicas hate loose ground — they need firmness.
- 4
Transplant when 10–15 cm tall
45 cm apart for standard heading cabbages. Firm the soil hard around each plant; water in well. Spring cabbage plants overwinter in their final position; mulch them with straw in November in cold gardens.
- 5
Net against cabbage white
From transplanting through October. Cabbage whites lay on any brassica; caterpillars strip a plant overnight. Net firmly with 5 mm enviromesh on hoops.
- 6
Water through dry spells
Cabbages need consistent moisture but tolerate drought better than cauliflowers. Water deeply once a week in dry weather; mulch with grass clippings or straw.
- 7
Cut summer cabbages promptly when firm
Cut when heads are firm to the touch and full-sized. Don't leave summer cabbages in the ground past their prime — they split, especially after rain. Cut the head off above the lower leaves with a sharp knife; sometimes the stump resprouts giving a second crop of small heads.
- 8
Stand winter cabbages in the ground
Winter cultivars (January King, Tundra) take cold and hold their shape outdoors right through to February or March. Cut as needed. Spring cabbages can be picked as spring greens (loose leaves) from December onwards if you don't want to wait for hearting.
- 9
Re-net pigeons in winter
From October, pigeons strip unprotected brassicas. Net winter cabbages with proper bird netting on hoops.
Common questions
Pest Resilience
Cabbage white caterpillars are the main threat; also mealy aphid, pigeons, and clubroot.
Companion Planting
Visual Characteristics
Fruits
Harvest: Spring to autumn / fall
Culinary
Coleslaw, stir-fries, sauerkraut, soups, stuffed rolls, braised, kimchi
The cabbage year in your garden
How to Propagate
This plant produces viable seeds for propagation
Hardiness Zones
USDA 6–7 equivalent