Damon Mcknight
Cabbage is a leafy, cruciferous vegetable that is versatile in the kitchen and highly nutritious. It grows quickly and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including raw in salads, cooked in stir-fries, or fermented into sauerkraut or kimchi. Cabbage thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and grows best in cool conditions, making autumn, winter, and early spring the ideal seasons for planting. In cooler climates, cabbage can be grown year-round. The time it takes to grow cabbage varies, depending on the variety, weather conditions, and cultivation practices, but it typically takes around 70 to 120 days from planting to harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best months for growing | Autumn, winter, and early spring |
| Soil temperature | 5°C to 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 15°C to 25°C |
| Seed germination time | 5 to 10 days |
| Seedling stage | Once seeds sprout, protect from pests and diseases |
| Vegetative growth stage | Leaves develop and a solid head forms |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6 to 8 hours a day) |
| Soil | Well-drained, moist, pH 6.0-7.5, enriched with compost and well-aged manure |
| Watering | Regular, consistent |
| Feeding | Regular liquid feed, organic fertiliser every 3-4 weeks |
| Harvest time | 11 to 20 weeks, depending on variety |
| Compatible plants | Dwarf beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, herbs |
| Varieties | Sugarloaf, Red Drumhead, Copenhagen, Primo, Kale (Blue), Savoy, Red, Green |
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What You'll Learn
Best months and seasons for growing cabbage in Australia
Cabbage is a leafy, cruciferous vegetable with several varieties, including green, red, and savoy cabbage. It is versatile in cooking and highly nutritious. Cabbage thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It grows best in full sun and prefers cooler temperatures.
In Australia, cabbage can be grown year-round in cool climates. The best months for growing cabbage in temperate regions of Australia are those with soil temperatures between 5°C and 18°C. This typically includes autumn, winter, and early spring. In tropical regions, such as northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, cabbage can be grown during the dry season when temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall.
To ensure a continuous supply of cabbage throughout the year, gardeners can plant a carefully curated succession of varieties suited to each season. For example, the Copenhagen variety does well in the subtropics, while Sugarloaf and Red Drumhead are more tolerant of heat.
The time it takes for cabbage to grow depends on the variety, weather conditions, and cultivation practices. On average, cabbage takes about 70 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Early maturing cabbage varieties can be harvested in 12 weeks, while later varieties can take up to 15 to 20 weeks. Seed germination typically occurs within 5 to 10 days, and seedlings require consistent moisture and a temperature of around 15 to 25°C for successful germination.
To summarise, the best seasons for growing cabbage in Australia are autumn, winter, and early spring, with specific months depending on regional temperature variations. Gardeners can also cultivate heat-tolerant varieties during the warmer months by providing shade on hot days.
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How to prepare the soil
Cabbage thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it's important to prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-aged manure. This will ensure your cabbages have the nutrients they need to grow large and healthy.
To prepare the soil, start by choosing a spot in your garden that gets full sun. Cabbage loves the sun and needs about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Once you've found the perfect sunny spot, it's time to start amending the soil.
Loosen the soil in the garden bed and mix in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure. You can also use a soil improver like Yates Dynamic Lifter to give your cabbages an extra boost. If you're planting in pots or containers, use a potting mix with Dynamic Lifter to provide a rich growing environment for your cabbages.
Make sure the soil is nice and moist before planting your cabbage seeds or seedlings. Water the soil thoroughly and keep it consistently moist throughout the germination and growth stages. Cabbage leaves are mostly water, so they will wilt if they don't get enough hydration.
To retain moisture in the soil and provide additional nutrients, spread a layer of organic mulch, such as pea straw or sugar cane mulch, over the beds. This will help your cabbages stay happy and healthy as they grow.
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How to sow cabbage seeds
Cabbage is best planted in autumn, early winter and spring. In cool climates, it can be grown year-round. Cabbage loves cool conditions and grows best over autumn, winter and early spring. It grows well in full sun and in well-drained, moist soil.
If your soil is very acidic, apply lime the winter before sowing to raise the pH above 6 and deter club root disease. Cabbages like rich, fertile soil, so add two buckets of garden compost per square metre/yard. This is best done the previous autumn, so you can leave it over winter to consolidate, as cabbages also like firm ground. If you add the compost just before sowing or planting, take care to firm the soil by shuffling across the surface on your heels. Remove any weeds, then rake the surface level, creating a fine, crumbly texture.
You can sow seeds outdoors from late winter to late summer. Sowing indoors is a good way to get cabbages off to an early start, out of reach of slugs and snails. It can also reduce the effects of club root. Sowing times vary from late winter to summer, depending on the variety, so check your seed packet for full details.
Sow seeds in modular trays to reduce root disturbance when transplanting outside. Fill with peat-free seed compost, water thoroughly, then sow two seeds per module, 2cm deep. Keep them in a greenhouse or on a bright windowsill. Thin out the young seedlings, removing the smaller or weaker one, to leave one per module. Keep in good light and water regularly.
If sowing in their final position, sow three seeds every 30–45cm, depending on the variety (check seed packets for spacings), then thin out each cluster to one strong seedling as soon as they’re large enough. Protect the seedlings from slugs and snails and cover with insect-proof mesh. Alternatively, sow in modular trays outdoors for transplanting into the ground later.
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How to care for seedlings
Cabbage seedlings require careful attention to ensure they grow into healthy plants. Here is a detailed guide on how to care for your seedlings:
Soil Preparation
Before transplanting your seedlings, ensure your soil is prepared. Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun and has good drainage. Enrich the soil with organic matter like well-rotted manure or compost. Add a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote seedling growth.
Spacing and Transplanting
When transplanting seedlings, space them 18 to 24 inches apart, or about 30-50cm depending on the variety. Dig small holes for each seedling, ensuring the roots have good contact with the soil. Push the soil around the roots firmly but avoid compacting the top of the soil, which can prevent moisture from reaching the roots.
Watering
Water your seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist. Cabbage leaves are mostly water, so consistent watering is crucial to prevent wilting. Watering also helps regulate soil temperature. Aim for 2 inches of water per square foot of soil per week.
Pest Control
Pests can be a significant issue for cabbage seedlings. Protect your seedlings from pigeons with wire mesh, and use netting to prevent butterflies from laying eggs on the leaves. Nasturtiums can be planted as a sacrificial crop for cabbage worms, diverting them from your cabbage plants. Remove any yellowing leaves at the base of the plant, as these can attract pests.
Hardening Off
Before exposing your seedlings to outdoor conditions, gradually harden them off. Start by leaving them outdoors on mild days, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures. A cloche cover or cold frame is useful for this process, as it allows you to control their environment.
Feeding
Cabbage seedlings are heavy feeders. After planting, side-dress your seedlings with compost every few weeks to maintain soil richness. Alternatively, use an organic vegetable fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio.
By following these steps, you'll be able to care for your cabbage seedlings effectively, setting them up for healthy growth and development.
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How to harvest cabbage
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked or used raw, offering a range of nutritional benefits. Knowing how and when to harvest cabbage from your garden will allow you to enjoy the best flavour and freshness this vegetable can offer.
The best time to harvest cabbage depends on the variety you're growing. Generally, cabbages are categorized according to when they are harvested: spring, summer, and winter. Spring cabbage varieties are planted in mid to late summer and harvested in early to late spring the following year. Summer cabbage varieties are planted in early to late spring and harvested in late summer to late fall. Winter cabbage varieties are planted in mid to late spring and harvested in late fall to late winter.
Harvesting cabbage at the right time results in the best flavour. Mature heads that are ready to pick need not be of a certain size. Solid heads indicate when it is time for harvesting cabbage. When heads are firm all the way through when squeezed, the cabbage is ready for harvest. Heads may be large or small when ready; the size varies depending on the variety and the weather conditions the cabbage grew in.
The most successful technique for harvesting cabbage is cutting. Cut the head at the lowest point possible, leaving the loose outer leaves attached to the stalk. This will allow for a later cabbage harvest of sprouts that will grow on the stem after the cabbage head is removed. Knowing when to pick cabbage is particularly important if rain is expected. Mature heads may be split by excessive rainfall or overwatering, making them inedible. Harvesting cabbage should happen before the rainfall has a chance to damage the cabbage heads.
After harvesting, you can store cabbage in the refrigerator, but do not wash it first. Simply put your head of cabbage in a zip-top bag wrapped with a damp paper towel. You can also store whole cabbage plants with roots attached in a cellar. Hang cabbage heads from the ceiling several inches apart or wrap them in several layers of newspaper on the floor of the cellar.
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Frequently asked questions
Cabbage grows best in cool conditions, so autumn, winter, and early spring are the best times to grow cabbage in Australia. In cool climates, cabbage can be grown year-round.
Cabbage thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil with compost or aged manure before planting. Cabbage also prefers a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5.
The time it takes to grow cabbage varies depending on the variety, weather conditions, and cultivation practices. On average, cabbage takes about 70 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Early maturing cabbage varieties can be harvested in 12 weeks, while later varieties can take up to 15-20 weeks.
Some common pests that can affect cabbage growth include caterpillars, aphids, whiteflies, snails, and slugs. Cabbages are also susceptible to diseases caused by bacteria and fungi, such as black rot and downy mildew.
It is important to provide consistent moisture and maintain a temperature of around 15 to 25°C for successful seed germination. Once the seeds have sprouted, ensure the seedlings receive adequate sunlight or supplemental lighting if growing indoors. Keep the soil moist and protect the seedlings from pests and diseases.
