Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. capitata · Vegetable

A hardy, cool-season vegetable that forms a tight head of leaves. It needs fertile soil and steady water to bulk up. Spring, summer and winter varieties let you harvest across much of the year.

💧Water2–3 times a week, keep evenly moist (estimated)

☀️LightFull sun

🐾PetsNot toxic

Care at a glance

Light: Full sun; light shade in hot climates
Water: 1–1.5 in per week, evenly
Soil: Fertile, firm, pH 6.5–7.5
Temperature: Best 55–75 °F; mature heads tolerate light frost
Spacing: 12–24 in apart, rows 24–30 in
Container: At least 5 gallons, 12 in deep
Harvest: 60–110 days after transplanting (estimated)
Lifespan: Biennial grown as annual

When?

For a summer crop, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost and plant out 2 weeks before it. For autumn and winter heads, sow in early to midsummer (estimated).

Step by step

Sow seeds 1/4 in deep in trays; they sprout in 5–10 days.
Plant out when seedlings have 4–5 true leaves.
Set plants a little deeper than in the pot and firm the soil well.
Cover with fine netting to keep out cabbage white butterflies.
Water evenly and add mulch to keep roots cool.
Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich feed 3–4 weeks after planting.
Cut when the head feels firm; leaving the stump can give small extra heads.

Common problems

Green caterpillars eating leavesCabbage worms; use netting and hand-pick.

Heads split openHeavy rain or watering after drought; harvest promptly, water evenly.

Wilting, swollen rootsClubroot; rotate crops and raise soil pH with lime.

Gray waxy insects under leavesCabbage aphids; spray off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Pets

Not listed as toxic to cats or dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Similar plants

Broccoli Cauliflower Onion

Sources

ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.