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 41°F and 64°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 inches 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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22 Dec 19, Lea (Australia - temperate climate)
Can affect a cabbage and how can they be treated naturally
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29 Aug 19, Glenn (Australia - temperate climate)
What PH level is best suited for cabbages do they like a bit of wood ash. Thank you.
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30 Aug 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google it.
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29 Aug 19, Stephan (Australia - tropical climate)
I would like to find if there are variety of red/purple cabbage suited for tropical climates. I currently plant green cabbage and they firm nice heads. If there red/purple cabbage suited or can be planted in tropics
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29 Aug 19, anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Most plants can be sown in the tropics, you just have a narrow time to plant - so the crop grows in the cooler time of the year. Try Boondie Seeds they have some red varieties.
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26 Aug 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Eurobodalla and would like to grow Savoy Cabbage from seed - can I plant now, or is it too late....Mike
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26 Aug 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It's probably a bit late to start Savoy as it prefers cold weather. Check the info under the cabbage tab /Australia Temperate zone
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24 Aug 19, D, Daireaire (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello nice people I am mad about cabbage and would like to grow it all year round. Can you advise me which varieties to grow for each season please? Thankyou
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26 Aug 19, Anon (Australia - tropical climate)
Generally people who live in different climate zones can not grow most things all year round. Reason most plants need a certain season - temp range - to grow. Things like too hot, or too cold, windy, chance of severe storms etc these all affect the chances of producing a good crop. Things like tomatoes, corn, egg plant caps need warm weather. Cold weather - cabbage broccoli, some lettuce etc.
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20 Jun 21, Agri (Australia - tropical climate)
Sometimes, you can tweak these constraints and create ur own micro climate. Go for the cabbages.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 232 comments
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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.

- Liz (Gardenate)

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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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