Cabbage

Cabbage prefers rich, well-drained soil around pH 6.0-7.5 and cool weather for firm heads. Add compost and side-dress with nitrogen after establishment, then keep moisture steady to reduce growth checks and splitting.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

18 in

First harvest

65–100 days

Tips

• Transplant young seedlings 12-24 inches apart according to the variety's mature head size.
• Water deeply for 1-1 1/2 inches weekly, especially as heads begin forming.
• Cover plants with insect netting and inspect for cabbageworms and aphids inside outer leaves.
• Rotate away from brassicas and remove diseased plants to limit black rot and other persistent problems.
• Cut heads when firm under hand pressure, before they split, leaving damaged outer leaves in the garden waste.

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