Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetable crops among gardeners. It is valued for its hardiness, rich nutrient content, and versatility in cooking. To grow strong and juicy heads, it is important to follow specific planting rules. Choosing the right time, variety, and place for planting will help you achieve the desired results. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle will explore when and how to plant cabbage to ensure a rich and high-quality harvest.
Choosing the Right Time to Plant Cabbage
One of the key factors for successful cultivation is choosing the right planting time. Depending on the variety, cabbage is planted at different periods.
Seedling Planting Times
- Early cabbage: sow seeds in March–April, transplant into the ground in April–May.
- Mid-season cabbage: sow seeds in April, transplant in May–June.
- Late cabbage: sow seeds in April, transplant in May or early June.
How to Determine the Best Time
- The average daily temperature should consistently stay around +12–+15°C.
- The soil should be well-warmed but still moist after spring rains.
How to Properly Prepare Soil for Cabbage
Soil is the foundation of cabbage health and development. It should be fertile, loose, and have a neutral pH level.
Main Steps for Soil Preparation
- In autumn, dig the plot to a depth of 20–25 cm.
- Apply organic fertilizers (well-rotted manure or compost).
- In spring, loosen the soil again and add ash.
- Check the soil’s acidity level — the optimal pH for cabbage is 6.0–6.5.
Best Predecessors
- Cucumbers
- Onions
- Legumes
- Potatoes
It is not advisable to plant cabbage after other cruciferous crops to avoid the spread of pests and diseases.
Choosing the Right Cabbage Variety for a Bountiful Harvest
Each cabbage variety has its own advantages and growing conditions.
| Type of Cabbage | Maturity Time | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Early | 50–70 days | Tender heads, quick ripening |
| Mid-season | 80–120 days | Juicy, suitable for fermentation |
| Late | 130–180 days | Stores well over winter |
How to Choose the Right Variety
- For early consumption, select early varieties (e.g., “Transfer,” “Ditmarscher Früh”).
- For fermentation, mid-season varieties are best (“Slava,” “Gift”).
- For winter storage, plant late varieties (“Amager,” “Wintering 1474”).
Cabbage Planting Technology
Transplanting seedlings should be done following specific schemes to ensure enough space for growth.
Main Planting Rules
- Distance between plants: 40–60 cm depending on the variety.
- Planting depth: up to the first true leaf.
- Seedlings should have a strong stem and 5–7 true leaves.
Planting Schemes for Different Cabbage Types
- Early cabbage: 40×40 cm
- Mid-season cabbage: 50×50 cm
- Late cabbage: 60×60 cm
Caring for Cabbage After Planting
Proper care is the key to a large and healthy harvest.
Main Care Activities
- Regular watering (especially during head formation).
- Loosening the soil after rain or irrigation.
- Fertilizing with organic and mineral fertilizers.
- Protecting from pests and diseases.
Fertilization
- First fertilization 10–14 days after transplanting seedlings.
- Second fertilization during active head growth.
- Use infusions of manure, bird droppings, or special cabbage fertilizers.
Major Pests and Diseases of Cabbage and How to Combat Them
Cabbage is susceptible to attacks from various pests and diseases.
Most Common Pests
- Cabbage white butterfly
- Cruciferous flea beetles
- Aphids
Control Methods
- Regular inspection of plants
- Treatment with garlic, tobacco, or ash infusions
- Use of biopreparations or approved insecticides
Cabbage Diseases
- Clubroot
- Blackleg
- Downy mildew
For prevention, it is important to follow crop rotation, treat seeds before sowing, and avoid overcrowding the plants.
When and How to Harvest Cabbage
Harvesting should be done on time; otherwise, the heads may crack or spoil.
Approximate Harvest Times
- Early varieties: late June – July
- Mid-season varieties: August – September
- Late varieties: October
Harvesting Rules
- Harvest cabbage in dry weather.
- Use a sharp knife, leaving 2–3 outer leaves.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
Planting cabbage requires attention, patience, and knowledge, but the results are worth the effort. Choosing the right time, variety, preparing the soil, and providing careful care will help you grow a rich and high-quality crop. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can grow excellent cabbage that will become a highlight on your table.
Earlier we wrote about how to grow seedlings at home for seasonal profit.