Growing Cabbage in Autumn: A Complete Guide for Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Cabbage is a cool-season crop that thrives in autumn, making it an excellent addition to your garden for the fall months. With proper care, cabbage can withstand light frosts and even benefit from cooler temperatures, which enhance its flavor and texture. Whether you prefer it in salads, stews, or fermented into sauerkraut, autumn-planted cabbage is a versatile crop that provides nutritious harvests well into winter. Here’s everything you need to know about growing cabbage in autumn, from planting tips to harvest and storage.

Why Grow Cabbage in Autumn?

Autumn is an ideal time for growing cabbage because it thrives in cooler weather, and the chill improves its sweetness. Planting in autumn also minimizes the risk of bolting (when a plant goes to seed prematurely) that can occur in warm weather. Additionally, cabbage is a hardy vegetable that can be harvested well into the winter months if provided with light frost protection.

Best Varieties of Cabbage for Autumn Planting

When choosing cabbage for autumn growing, select varieties that mature in the cooler months and offer good frost tolerance:

1. Golden Acre: A fast-maturing cabbage with small, dense heads, ideal for autumn planting and compact garden spaces.
2. January King: Known for its beautiful purple-tinged leaves and excellent cold tolerance, this variety matures well through late autumn and early winter.
3. Savoy Cabbage: Recognized for its crinkled leaves and mild flavor, savoy varieties like ‘Winter King’ and ‘Tundra’ are cold-hardy and ideal for salads and cooking.
4. Brunswick: A traditional heirloom cabbage that produces large, flat heads and performs well in cold weather.
5. Red Cabbage: Varieties like ‘Red Drumhead’ or ‘Ruby Perfection’ add color to your garden and kitchen and are very frost-tolerant.

Steps for Planting Cabbage in Autumn

1. Choose a Sunny Spot
   Cabbage grows best in full sun, ideally in a spot that receives at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. This helps the plants produce large, firm heads.
2. Prepare the Soil
   Cabbage prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or aged manure to ensure it has the nutrients needed for optimal growth.
3. Plant Seedlings or Seeds
   Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting outdoors, or plant directly in the garden 8–12 weeks before the first frost. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows that are 24–36 inches apart to allow room for mature heads.
4. Water Thoroughly
   Cabbage requires consistent moisture, so water the plants deeply after planting. Keep the soil moist but not soggy to promote healthy root development.

Caring for Cabbage Through Autumn

• Mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weeds.
• Fertilize Regularly: Cabbage is a heavy feeder and benefits from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4–6 weeks. This supports leafy growth and head formation.
• Protect from Frost: Although cabbage can tolerate light frost, use row covers or garden fleece if temperatures drop significantly, as this will protect the heads and extend the harvest season.
• Pest Control: Common pests for cabbage include cabbage worms and aphids. Use row covers to protect plants from pests and inspect leaves regularly for any signs of infestation.

Harvesting Cabbage

Cabbage is usually ready to harvest 80–180 days after planting, depending on the variety. Heads should be firm and reach their full size before harvesting.

1. Harvesting Mature Heads
   Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage at the base, leaving a few outer leaves intact to protect the head. Harvest only when the head feels firm to the touch; loose heads are a sign that they need more time to mature.
2. Secondary Harvest
   After harvesting the main head, smaller heads may form on the remaining stem, which can be harvested for additional yield.

Storage Tips

Store cabbage in a cool, dark, and humid place for the best shelf life. Unwashed heads can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a month or longer in a root cellar. Cabbage can also be pickled or fermented for long-term preservation, making it a versatile crop in the kitchen.

Top 10 Questions and Answers on Growing Cabbage in Autumn

1. When should I plant cabbage in autumn?
Start seeds indoors in late summer and transplant outdoors 8–12 weeks before the first expected frost.

2. Can cabbage be grown in containers?
Yes, cabbage can be grown in large containers that are at least 12 inches deep, but compact varieties work best for container gardening.

3. How far apart should cabbage plants be spaced?
Space cabbage plants 18–24 inches apart to allow room for large heads to develop.

4. What type of soil is best for cabbage?
Cabbage prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adding compost helps provide the nutrients it needs.

5. How often should I water cabbage?
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Cabbage roots are shallow, so regular watering is important.

6. Can cabbage tolerate frost?
Yes, cabbage is frost-tolerant, and a light frost can improve its flavor. For severe frost, use row covers or mulch to protect the plants.

7. What pests are common with cabbage, and how do I control them?
Cabbage worms, aphids, and slugs are common pests. Use row covers to protect young plants and inspect leaves regularly for signs of infestation.

8. How do I prevent cabbage heads from splitting?
Splitting can occur from irregular watering or sudden heavy rain. Consistent moisture and reducing watering as heads mature can help prevent this.

9. How do I know when cabbage is ready to harvest?
Cabbage is ready to harvest when the head feels firm and reaches its full size. Use a sharp knife to cut it at the base.

10. Can I store cabbage over winter?
Yes, cabbage can be stored in a root cellar or refrigerator for several weeks. It can also be pickled or fermented for long-term storage.

This guide provides you with the knowledge to grow and enjoy fresh, homegrown cabbage from autumn through winter. From hearty soups to fresh slaws, your cabbage harvest is sure to add flavor and nutrition to your meals all season long!