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.

Plant guide

Spring Cabbage.

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Pronounced BRASS-ih-kuh oh-ler-AY-see-uh

Also known as Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Shetland cabbage, cabbage

cabbage, broccoli, and allies — Photo by rainerburkard (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Spring cabbage is a hardy biennial vegetable grown for its tender, leafy heads. It is typically sown in late summer to overwinter for an early harvest the following spring. These plants thrive in cool weather and provide a fresh harvest when little else is ready.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant dries out very quickly between waterings.
Growth has slowed significantly despite regular feeding.

Safety

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.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

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.

Seed starting

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed starting mix.
Keep the soil consistently moist and warm until germination.
Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have two sets of true leaves.

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

Grows well with

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.

Keep away from

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

Similar species

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.

Science

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 8/9
Salinity: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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.

Good to know

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.

Is your spring cabbage looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.