How to grow cabbage
Overview
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a cool-season brassica grown for its dense, leafy heads. It requires consistent moisture and fertile soil to develop firm heads, and is frost-tolerant, making it ideal for autumn and winter harvests in most Australian climates.
Varieties
- Sugarloaf — A pointed, cone-shaped cabbage with a sweet, tender flavour, ideal for Australian gardens.
- Savoy King — A savoy type with crinkled leaves and a buttery texture, good for cooler regions.
- Red Acre — A compact, red cabbage with excellent cold tolerance and a long storage life.
- Golden Acre — A classic round, green cabbage that matures early (65-70 days) and is reliable in most zones.
Soil Preparation
Cabbage prefers a pH of 6.0-7.5 in rich, well-drained loam. Before planting, dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or aged manure to provide nutrients. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot.
Growing Guide
Plant cabbage in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. Sow seeds 6mm deep, 30cm apart in rows 45cm apart, or transplant seedlings at 4-6 weeks when they have 4-5 true leaves. Firm the soil around roots and water thoroughly. For best results, rotate crops yearly to avoid soil-borne diseases like clubroot.
Sowing
Sow seeds 6mm deep, 30cm apart in rows 45cm apart. Germination takes 5-10 days. Direct sow or start in seed trays and transplant after 4-6 weeks. Harden off seedlings before transplanting to avoid shock.
Care
Feed cabbage every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) or a nitrogen-rich liquid feed during active growth. Remove yellowing lower leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Companion Planting
Good companions include celery, onions, dill, potatoes, and beetroot. These plants benefit from similar conditions and can deter pests. Avoid planting near strawberries or other brassicas to reduce pest and disease pressure.
Common Pests & Risks
Cabbage white butterfly caterpillars are the most common pest – use exclusion netting or apply Bacillus thuringiensis. Aphids can be controlled with strong water sprays or insecticidal soap. Slugs and snails are problematic in wet weather; use beer traps, copper tape, or organic pellets.
Harvesting
Harvest cabbage when heads are firm and solid, before they split from over-maturity or rain. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, leaving the outer leaves and root in the ground for possible secondary heads. Store in a cool, humid place for several weeks.
In the Kitchen
Cabbage is incredibly versatile: enjoy raw in coleslaw or salads, steamed, stir-fried, or fermented as sauerkraut and kimchi. Store whole heads in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or blanch and freeze for longer storage.
Troubleshooting
Yellow lower leaves: normal aging or nitrogen deficiency – side-dress with blood meal or fish emulsion. Brown leaf margins: boron deficiency or inconsistent watering – ensure even moisture and apply a seaweed solution. Heads splitting: sudden water uptake after a dry spell – water consistently and avoid heavy rain exposure. Holes in leaves: cabbage white caterpillars – inspect regularly and remove by hand or use Bt. Stunted growth: clubroot (soil-borne fungus) – rotate crops, improve drainage, and lime acidic soils.