Growing Cabbage

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S         S S      
      T T         T T  

(Best months for growing Cabbage in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 5°C and 18°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 - 75 cm apart
  • Harvest in 11-15 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, thyme)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard, parsnip
  • Cabbage
  • Winter cabbage

There are many varieties of cabbage.

Those which stand winter weather usually have darker leaves and a stronger flavour, e.g. Savoy.

Red cabbage is grown in a similar way to green varieties.

In temperate climates ff you plant a selection of types you can have cabbage growing all year round.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Cabbage

Young spring cabbage can be chopped and added to salad greens.
Steaming preserves the goodness and flavour of cabbage.
Can also be used in stir-fry.
Red cabbage chopped and cooked with brown sugar, red wine, onions, vinegar and stock is served with boiled bacon or pork.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
18 Oct 24, Ntando (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What type of cabbage I can plant in November I am planting in the north coast at Kwa Zulu Natal
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02 May 24, (USA - Zone 8b climate)
When to plant daikon radish in zone 8 b?
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11 May 24, (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Check the radish page.
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10 Feb 24, ER (USA - Zone 7b climate)
What does plant seeds "undercover" mean?
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15 Feb 24, Liz (Gardenate) (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Young seedlings can be affected by sudden changes of temperature. To prevent this seedtrays are usually kept under cover for a few weeks. Any area which mantains even, frost-free, temperatures 24 hours will do. e.g. Unheated greenhouses, a covered area close to the house, or small frames covered with frostcloth or with a piece of fabric like old bed sheets. If possible put the trays above ground level. Too much strong sunlight can do as much damage as cold nights to seedlings.
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14 Feb 24, Domanique (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Plant undercover in seed trays (with a dome or other thing like that)
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26 Nov 23, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Are there recommendations for sowing cabbage seeds that are tolerant of hot days (17 to 21 deg C and cooler nights 6 to 10 deg C as experienced in the central N.I. I do OK with shop bought punnets in early spring and mid to late autumn, but have no luck with sucessional planting in late spring through summer and early autumn.
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14 Dec 23, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Cabbage are a cool weather crop not a hot weather crop.
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26 Jun 23, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
When is it best to plant cabbages and kale in zones 6b and 7a? And bok choy in these same zones?
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28 Jun 23, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
In zone 6 sow Bok Choy seeds in April, Kale seeds in July and August, and Cabbage seeds in April, July, or August. For zone 7a, Cabbage seeds are best sown in January, February, March, August, or September, while Kale seeds thrive when sown in February, March, or August. Bok choy seeds should be sown in August or September for optimal growth.
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Kaye, I also remember eating what was called 'greens', I asked my Mother and she said they were the outer leaves of cauliflower and cabbage and were also sold as loose leaves in bunches we had them a lot because they were cheap, this was in England though so it might be called something different here, I can remember them being a strong flavour, I havnt had them for years, Im growing cauliflowers and cabbages so I might give them a try and see if its what I remember. Mum said to strip the stem from the leaves and boil them in salted water until soft, drain and using a knife cut vigourously into the leaves while still in the pot. Good luck

- Tricia

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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