Cabbage

Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that grow best in cool weather.

Spring Planting

In most areas there is not enough time to grow cabbage from seeds before the weather gets too hot.  Start seeds indoors 12 weeks before the frost date, or purchase transplants.

Transplants are ready when they have 4-6 true leaves. Harden off and transplant outside 5 weeks before the frost date.

If you live in a climate with hot summers and/or a short fall, choose varieties that mature quickly.

Fall Planting

Start seeds indoors 14 weeks before the first fall frost date, or purchase transplants (if available).

Transplants are ready when they have 2-4 true leaves. Harden off and transplant outside 9 weeks before the frost date.

The plants will mature more slowly in the fall because the days are shorter, but since they can tolerate freezing temperatures, you can continue harvesting after the first fall frost.

If you live in a mild climate with a late or no fall frost date (after Nov 1), you might be able to plant cabbage from seed and grow it all during the winter.

Soil and Fertilizer

Cabbage grows best in a rich soil; amend with lots of compost and fertilizer (chemical or organic) at planting and once during the season.

Fertilizer: 16-16-8 at planting, 21-0-0 four weeks later. Do not add additional fertilizer as it will cause the heads to split.

Harvest

Harvest at any point after the heads have formed and are solid and hard to the touch.

Similar to: broccoli, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts

More Resources

• Cabbage Reference Sheet (Utah Extension Service)