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

Your comments and tips

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04 Sep 08, Sandra (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
There are holes in my mini cabbages, I'm gussing they are made by caterpillars. What is an organic or home made spray that I can make to deter these caterpillars?
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29 Jul 08, Kaye Hawley (Australia - temperate climate)
I very much miss the spring cabbage we had with Sunday lamb roast as a child. I have tried everywhere to buy sedlings or even seeds. But no-one knows it. These days it also seems to be called spring greens. It is a stronger flavour than other cabbage and grows in loose leaves, rather like English spinach. Are the seeds available anywhere in Australia? I am in WA.
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28 Jul 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Nikki, plant your cabbages out when they have developed past the first two leaves and are looking a bit sturdy: about 8-10cm tall. Good luck with your gardening.
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28 Jul 08, Nikki (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have planted cabbage seeds in trays; how high/big should they be before I transplant them to their final position in the vegie garden?
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It is not a good idea to replant cabbages in the same soil that you have just harvested cabbages from. The risk from soil-borne diseases and nutrient deficiencies would be the main problem. You would also be creating a continuous feast for insect pests. You would be better to have at least another crop in between, say pumpkins for autumn harvest, then replant cabbages after manuring the soil. This would reduce the insect pest problem as you would be growing them in the cooler months when there are not as many insects about. Zucchinis/courgettes would be another high yielding crop you could grow.

- John

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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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