Cabbage (Red) Growing Guide

Brassica oleracea

Cabbage (Red)

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) 

Soil

Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not required if good soil.

Spacing

Single Plants: 50cm (1' 7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 55cm (1' 9") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

In areas with cooler summers, cabbage can be sown almost all year round, except for the coldest mid winter months. In areas with hot summers, avoid sowing in the hot mid summer months.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Surround stem with a 10cm mat with a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent cabbage root fly from destroying the roots. Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants.

Harvesting

Harvest when it has formed a good sized head. Don't leave in the ground for too long otherwise it will split.

Troubleshooting

Heavy summer rains following dry weather can cause heads to split.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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