Cabbage is a hardy crop that thrives in cool conditions and can be available year around. There are wide ranges of cultivars, which have small to large heads, are loose to dense centers, green, white or purple.

Spring Cabbage- can be sown undercover in a greenhouse or hoop house in autumn, which are ready to be harvested in spring as loose leaves ‘spring greens’- pr once hearts have developed

Summer Cabbage- is sown in spring to mature in 4-6 months. They maybe ball to pointed-headed.

Winter Cabbage- May be white or Dutch- large, very tight, white heads, harvested during late autumn or winter from spring sowing, storing for months once cut. Savoy cabbage is a bubble textured winter cultivar that has dark green, leaves, very hardy, and can stand into winter from spring sowing, Crosses from these 2 types are also very hardy. Red Cabbage, distinctive in looks and flavor, is usually grown to mature in late summer and autumn. It is often not as hardy as overwintering types but stores well if kept frost-free. Some cabbage cultivars can be grown as mini-vegetables. Organic and heirloom varieties are available.

Ideal Site- Cabbage does best in an open sunny location and is tolerant of exposure. Some cabbage such as smaller Savoy, look attractive in a flower garden. Prior to planting, prepare the soil with a medium-fertility soil improver plus a general organic fertilizer., or plant after a nitrogen fixing green manure. Do not over feed cabbages that will overwinter. If growth is too lush it will not survive frost. The ideal soil pH is 6-8.

Seed to Harvest- 20- 25 weeks

Cultivation- The minimum germination temperature is 45F (7C). Undercover: for extra-early crops sow an early summer cultivar in cell packs or trays in February or March. Harden off and plant outside as soon as the soil is workable. An early crop can be grown under cover. Later sowings can be made in trays or cell packs undercover. Outside: sow thinly in a seedbed. Transplant 5-6 weeks later.
 

Plant Care- Protect seedlings and young plants from cabbage root fly. Water transplants until well established.

Problems- Cabbage root fly, cabbage aphid, cabbageworms, flea beetle, clubroot, brassica white blister.

Harvesting- Cut as needed. Spring cabbage in fertile soil can give two crops: after cutting head make a cross cut on remaining stalk, and several small cabbages will develop. Autumn and winter cabbages can be stored for several months.

Nutrients- cabbages contain vitamins A, B1,B2,B6, C, K, dietary fiber, manganese, folate, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, and protein.