Spring Cabbage.

De un vistazo

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Biennial vegetable

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

45cm height and 45cm spread

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 6 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Cuidados

Plant in firm, fertile soil and keep the area weeded to prevent competition. Watch for cabbage white butterflies and aphids, which can quickly damage the leaves. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage steady growth.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, to prevent the heads from splitting.

Feeding

Apply a balanced nitrogen rich fertilizer once growth accelerates in early spring.

Pruning

Remove any yellowing or damaged lower leaves to improve air circulation and prevent rot.

Repotting

Cabbage is typically grown directly in the garden bed and does not require repotting.

Soil

Well drained, fertile, loamy soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

-10 to 25°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Drought tolerance

low

Lifespan

Biennial, typically grown as an annual.

Deer and rabbits

low

Seguridad

People

Cabbage is non toxic to humans and is a common food staple.

Pets

This plant is non toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Raw cabbage leaves can be a choking hazard for small children if not chopped into small, manageable pieces.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling raw cabbage leaves.

Airborne allergens

Cabbage pollen is not typically a significant airborne allergen.

Edibility

Always wash leaves thoroughly to remove soil or potential insect residue before consumption.

Cómo identificarla

• Loose or firm leafy heads
• Waxy, blue green foliage
• Broad, thick, crinkled leaves
• Compact, low growing habit

Height

0.3 to 0.45m

Spread

0.3 to 0.45m

Leaves

blue green, dark green, deciduous

Flowers

yellow, 1 to 2cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Cabbage looper — These caterpillars chew large, irregular holes in the leaves.
• Clubroot — A soilborne fungus that causes stunted growth and swollen, distorted roots.
• Bolting — The plant prematurely produces a flower stalk due to heat stress.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

seed

When to plant

late summer, early autumn

Overwintering

In mild climates, cabbage can stay in the garden through winter with a layer of mulch. In colder areas, harvest the heads before the ground freezes solid.

In containers

Cabbage grows well in containers, provided you use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide.

Planting aromatic herbs like dill or sage near your cabbage is a great way to naturally manage pest populations.

Buenas compañeras

• Dill — Dill attracts beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage pests.
• Onion — The strong scent of onions helps deter cabbage worms.
• Sage — Sage helps repel cabbage moths.

Mantenla lejos de

• Strawberry — Strawberries can stunt the growth of cabbage when planted in close proximity.

Especies parecidas

• Kale — It is a close relative that shares similar growing requirements but does not form a tight head.
• Broccoli — This is another brassica cousin grown for its edible flower buds.

Ciencia

Family

Brassicaceae

Genus

Brassica

Order

Brassicales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Coastal regions of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Conservation

This species is a widely cultivated crop and is not of conservation concern.

It evolved to thrive in cool, moist coastal climates with well drained, nutrient rich soil.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Uses

culinary vegetable, fermentation, ornamental garden border

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

When should I harvest my cabbage?

Harvest when the head feels firm and solid to the touch.

Why are my cabbage leaves turning yellow?

This is often caused by overwatering or a lack of nitrogen in the soil.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name Brassica is the Latin word for cabbage, while oleracea means vegetable garden. Capitata refers to the head forming nature of this specific variety.

Bueno saberlo

• Cabbage has been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
• It is a member of the mustard family.
• Cabbage is packed with vitamin K and vitamin C.
• The word cabbage comes from the French word caboche, meaning head.