Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Family: Brassicaceae · Genus: Brassica

Cabbage

Cabbage is a leafy biennial vegetable in the brassica family, grown as an annual for its dense leafy heads. Available in green, red, and savoy varieties, it is a staple crop in temperate climates worldwide. Native to the Mediterranean.

Soil Temperature

5°C – 18°C

Spacing

50 – 75 cm

Harvest

11–15 weeks

Sowing

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4 weeks.

Growing Schedule Zone 8b

Sow Indoors Sow Outdoors Transplant Harvest
Jan Sow Indoors
Feb Sow Indoors + Sow Outdoors + Transplant
Mar Sow Indoors + Sow Outdoors + Transplant
Apr Sow Indoors + Sow Outdoors + Transplant + Harvest
May Transplant + Harvest
Jun Harvest
Jul Harvest
Aug Sow Indoors + Harvest
Sep Sow Indoors + Sow Outdoors + Transplant
Oct Sow Indoors + Sow Outdoors + Transplant
Nov Transplant + Harvest
Dec Harvest

Companions

Dwarf beansBeetsCeleryCucumberOnionsMarigoldNasturtiumRhubarbSageDillChamomileThyme

Avoid Growing Near

Climbing beansTomatoPeppersEggplantStrawberryMustardParsnip

Growing Notes

There are many varieties of cabbage. Those which stand winter weather usually have darker leaves and a stronger flavour, e.g. Savoy. Red cabbage is grown in a similar way to green varieties. In temperate climates if you plant a selection of types you can have cabbage growing all year round.

Culinary Hints

Young spring cabbage can be chopped and added to salad greens. Steaming preserves the goodness and flavour of cabbage. Can also be used in stir-fry. Red cabbage chopped and cooked with brown sugar, red wine, onions, vinegar and stock is served with boiled bacon or pork.