Nutritious, versatile, easy to grow, and ideal for cooler climates.

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that’s great to grow in your garden. It’s nutritious, packed with vitamins C and K, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. Growing cabbage is relatively easy, making it a favorite among gardeners. It thrives in cooler temperatures and is quite hardy. To harvest, wait until the heads are firm and have reached the desired size, usually about 70-90 days after planting. Use a sharp knife to cut the head at the base, leaving the outer leaves and roots to potentially produce a second crop.

Cabbage is an ancient vegetable with origins tracing back to Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region. It is believed that wild cabbage, a leafy plant with minimal head formation, was first cultivated by the Celts around 1000 B.C. The Greeks and Romans later improved and popularized it. By the Middle Ages, cabbage had become a staple in European diets, valued for its hardiness and nutritional benefits. The vegetable was introduced to the Americas by European settlers in the 16th century. Over time, various types of cabbage, including red, green, and Savoy, were developed, making it a versatile and essential ingredient in global cuisines.

Top Producing Cabbage Varieties

• Stonehead: Known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures and produces dense, round heads.
• Farao: An early-maturing variety with a compact habit, producing medium-sized, solid heads.
• Copenhagen Market: A classic variety with excellent flavor, forming medium-sized, round heads.
• Golden Acre: Compact size and early maturity, producing small to medium-sized heads with a sweet flavor.
• January King: Unique with red and green outer leaves, excellent flavor, and good cold resistance.

Soil Preparation

1. Soil Testing: Begin with a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Cabbage prefers a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
2. Add Organic Matter: Incorporate well-rotted compost or aged manure into the soil. This enriches the soil and improves drainage.
3. Till the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches to encourage strong root development.
4. Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) according to the soil test recommendations. Cabbage is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization.

Growing Cabbage

1. Planting Time: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
2. Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart to allow adequate room for growth.
3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Protection: Use row covers to protect young plants from pests such as cabbage worms and aphids.
5. Fertilizing: Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3-4 weeks after transplanting to promote healthy growth.
6. Harvesting: Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm and reach the desired size, usually 70-90 days after planting. Use a sharp knife to cut the head at the base, leaving the outer leaves and roots for potential regrowth.

Cooking with Cabbage