Sow March to early summer germinates between 10 and 25°C.
Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have 5 or 6 leaves. Make a hole big enough to accommodate the root ball firming the soil around the plant.
The spacing between plants depends on the end product, for compact heads space at 30cm, 45cm for large heads and only 15cm for spring cabbage to encourage the pointed conical shape.
All young seedlings and transplants should be protected from cabbage root fly. The most successful way to do this is with protective discs around the base of the stem, often called ‘collars’.
Keep young plants well watered until established and then only water during dry periods. Keep weeds under control in the beds. Earth up spring and winter cabbages in winter and firm down any which have been loosened by wind and frost.
Harvesting
Harvest spring cabbages from March through to May when the heart is solid throughout. Summer cabbages can be harvested from late June through to October
Winter cabbages harvest from September to March for Savoy types, or November to March for winter cabbages. Red cabbages have a much shorter harvest period of September to the end of November but can be stored through winter by packing in straw.
The hardy winter types can be left in the ground for several months and cut as required.
Harvest cabbages by cutting close to ground level with a kitchen knife, if you cut a cross on the stump a secondary crop of small cabbages can appear from the cut surface
An easy to grow and low maintenance plant that will give confidence to the first time gardener as it produces bucket loads of veg. Plant out in April – late May when the chance of frost has passed. Incorporate plenty of organic matter to feed the plant and help retain water.
Harvest: July Onwards.
Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.
Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season
