How to grow cabbage from seed
The cabbage is an extremely hardy vegetable that, due to having numerous varieties, can be grown throughout the whole year.
It belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
It belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
Cabbage has an abundance of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, C and K plus quantities of iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iodine, sulphur and manganese, making this vegetable an important addition to any healthy diet.
Modern breeds of cabbage have rid the vegetable of the pungent smell and taste of older varieties, evolving into a crisp and crunchy vegetable with a delicate and milder form. Raw cabbage is a welcome addition to many summer salads, whilst a traditional Sunday roast dinner would be lacking without a large helping of delicious cooked greens!
Modern breeds of cabbage have rid the vegetable of the pungent smell and taste of older varieties, evolving into a crisp and crunchy vegetable with a delicate and milder form. Raw cabbage is a welcome addition to many summer salads, whilst a traditional Sunday roast dinner would be lacking without a large helping of delicious cooked greens!
Types of cabbage
There are a number of different types of cabbage, but the main varieties are Savoy, Chinese, Spring, Summer and Winter cabbage. The season refers to the time of year when the cabbage is harvested and not when the seeds are sown.
Soil conditions for growing cabbage
Most types of cabbage require a well-draining, light - medium soil with a neutral pH of about 6.5 - 7.0. If your soil is slightly acidic, you must add lime to neutralise this, as brassicas do not fare well in acidic soil, which can cause problems such as club root. Do not grow cabbage in a plot where other brassicas have grown in the past three years and do not add manure or compost near to the time of sowing or planting.
Climate conditions for growing cabbage
Winter cabbage is one of the sturdier varieties of cabbage and will withstand harsh weather including frosts. Other varieties may not fare so well and will need some protection from the cold and wet weather.
Cabbage is best grown in a temperate climate, and should be planted in an open and sunny spot that can either be in full sun or partial shade.
Cabbage is best grown in a temperate climate, and should be planted in an open and sunny spot that can either be in full sun or partial shade.
Soil preparation
When cultivating cabbages the soil should be prepared well in advance, especially if you are enriching the soil with organic matter. If you are sowing the cabbage seeds in spring, prepare the soil in autumn by digging in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure.
If you had a previous crop of peas or beans in the spot where you plan to grow your cabbage, there is no need to add any extra organic matter as these crops leave plenty of nutrients in the ground after they have been dug up.
One week before planting the cabbage seedlings, apply a general fertiliser and firm down the soil. Cabbages like a firm and compact soil as this produces firm cabbages. Also ensure that all weeds and debris are removed from the area.
If you had a previous crop of peas or beans in the spot where you plan to grow your cabbage, there is no need to add any extra organic matter as these crops leave plenty of nutrients in the ground after they have been dug up.
One week before planting the cabbage seedlings, apply a general fertiliser and firm down the soil. Cabbages like a firm and compact soil as this produces firm cabbages. Also ensure that all weeds and debris are removed from the area.
Sowing the cabbage seeds
Summer and Winter cabbages are both sown in April, yet the summer variety will be ready to harvest from August onwards whilst the Winter cabbage needs a longer growing period and won't be ready to pick until November. Spring cabbages are sown in July or August to be ready to harvest from the following April.
First of all the seedlings are sown into a prepared seed bed outside. Water the ground before sowing and firm down with the back of a rake. Sow the seeds at 12mm (1/2inch) deep with 15cm (6inch) between rows.
Then, thin the seedlings to 7.5cm (3inch) once they reach a height of approximately 5cm (2inch).
When the seedlings subsequently reach a new height of 10 - 15cm (4 - 6 inch) and have 5 or 6 true leaves, they will be ready to transplant to their final position.
Water the plot in the evening, the day before you are due to transplant, and then plant the seedlings at 30cm (1ft) apart for spring greens and 45cm (18inch) apart for spring cabbage. Allow 30cm (1ft) between rows. Make sure that you firm down the soil around the plants, as this is very important for good growth and development.
First of all the seedlings are sown into a prepared seed bed outside. Water the ground before sowing and firm down with the back of a rake. Sow the seeds at 12mm (1/2inch) deep with 15cm (6inch) between rows.
Then, thin the seedlings to 7.5cm (3inch) once they reach a height of approximately 5cm (2inch).
When the seedlings subsequently reach a new height of 10 - 15cm (4 - 6 inch) and have 5 or 6 true leaves, they will be ready to transplant to their final position.
Water the plot in the evening, the day before you are due to transplant, and then plant the seedlings at 30cm (1ft) apart for spring greens and 45cm (18inch) apart for spring cabbage. Allow 30cm (1ft) between rows. Make sure that you firm down the soil around the plants, as this is very important for good growth and development.
Caring for the cabbage plant
The cabbages may need a certain amount of attention, as they are prone to several diseases and disturbances from pests. Caterpillars, aphids and the cabbage root fly in particular must be looked out for.
Hoe around the plants to remove all weeds and apply a mulch to suppress new weeds appearing. This will also retain moisture, which is extremely important during the hot weather. The cabbage plants must not be allowed to dry out, as it will affect their growth.
The cabbages will need plenty of nutrients during their growing period; however do not feed them any fertilisers that contain nitrogen.
Hoe around the plants to remove all weeds and apply a mulch to suppress new weeds appearing. This will also retain moisture, which is extremely important during the hot weather. The cabbage plants must not be allowed to dry out, as it will affect their growth.
The cabbages will need plenty of nutrients during their growing period; however do not feed them any fertilisers that contain nitrogen.
Harvesting the cabbages
Most varieties of cabbage are ready to harvest once the hearts have formed and are firm to touch. The exception is if you are growing spring greens, which are harvested before the hearts have taken shape.
To harvest the cabbages, simply lift the whole vegetable from the ground with a garden fork or spade, or cut the stem, just above the lowest leaves of the plant. Remove the outer, rough leaves of the cabbage and store in a cool place, preferably on a shelf or rack until ready to use. The cabbages will remain fresh for several weeks.
To harvest the cabbages, simply lift the whole vegetable from the ground with a garden fork or spade, or cut the stem, just above the lowest leaves of the plant. Remove the outer, rough leaves of the cabbage and store in a cool place, preferably on a shelf or rack until ready to use. The cabbages will remain fresh for several weeks.
