How to grow... Cabbage
Rocket Growing Guides
Cabbage falls into the Brassicas category of veg plants that need to be looked after in much the same way. It’s a big category, with cauliflower, calabrese, broccoli, and kale and there are others too. All these veggies are really nutritious and are great ones for growing in the garden.
They are susceptible to several pests and diseases, so it is worth reading up a bit before you plant them so that you can be prepared!
- Cabbage Growing Guide
How to Plant Cabbage
- Choose a sunny site with fertile soil. They will do better out of strong wind.
- Raised beds or traditional plots are perfect. If growing in pots, they will need a fairly large pot each – approx 40x40cm
- Plant cabbages 40cm apart and firm in really well – this will encourage them to form a tight heart.
- Place a brassica collar around base of stem to prevent cabbage root fly (you can do this by cutting a 10cm disc from cardboard, then cut into the centre and pop it around the base of the stem)
- Net against pigeons and cabbage white butterflies – you could make a hoop tunnel approx. 50cm high, and cover with insect proof mesh/net. Alternatively, drape horticultural fleece over the plants and secure with stones at the corners and sides.
How to Grow Cabbage
- During dry spells, water well twice a week.
- Protect against slugs/snails
- Cabbages will normally start off producing lots of open leaves in spring, and only later in the summer will they start to produce a tight head.
Common Problems and Pests with Cabbage
- Cabbage root fly – stunted growth/sudden wilting – the maggots tunnel into the roots to feed and the roots start to rot. Brassica collars and fine mesh netting will help to prevent this in future.
- Eaten by caterpillars – use netting to avoid Cabbage White butterfly from laying eggs in the first place. Check foliage (underside and near stems) regularly for small white/green/yellow eggs and wipe off. Pick off caterpillars if you find them.
- Club root – stunted growth/discoloured leaves – this is a fungal disease that can’t be remedied so you will need to get rid of affected plants. Plant future brassicas in a different area of the plot to avoid re-infection in subsequent years.
- Slugs/snails – keep them well protected as they will happily hide in the foliage and eat the sprouts
- Mice/rodents – can eat the sprouts too
- Pigeons – will strip leaves bare in just a couple of hours. To protect against these pests, cover plants with fine mesh netting or horticultural fleece.
- No heart forming – this sometimes happens if weather/soil has been too hot or if the plants haven’t had enough water. It also may happen if the plant is not well firmed in.
How to Harvest and Store Cabbage
- Harvest in autumn/early winter, as you wish to use them, once the cabbage has “hearted” and formed a solid cabbage-like centre. Cut off at base with sharp knife.
- In cold weather you can leave them in the ground until you want them.
- Cabbages will keep in the fridge for several days.
- Red cabbage will store for several weeks in the fridge.
