How to Grow Cabbage from Seed to Plate: A Complete Guide
Introduction
Cabbage is a nutrient-rich, versatile, and hardy vegetable that’s ideal for growing in UK gardens and allotments. With the right care, it can be grown almost year-round, providing crisp leaves for slaws in summer or hearty heads for stews in winter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, learning how to grow cabbage from seed to plate means enjoying fresh, homegrown produce and a sense of achievement with every harvest.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to grow cabbage step by step—from sowing seeds and transplanting young plants to protecting them from pests and harvesting at the right time.
Why Grow Cabbage at Home?
- 🥬 Highly nutritious – rich in vitamins C and K, folate, and fibre
- 🌱 Suitable for all seasons – summer, autumn, and winter types available
- 💰 Budget-friendly – one packet of seeds yields many heads
- 🐛 Satisfying to grow – watch tiny seedlings become large, leafy crops
- 🍲 Great in the kitchen – ideal for soups, salads, stir-fries, and fermenting
Types of Cabbage for UK Gardens
There are several cabbage varieties suited to different seasons and uses:
| Type | Varieties | Sowing Time | Harvest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Primo, Greyhound, Hispi | Feb–Apr | Jun–Aug |
| Autumn | September, Tundra, Advantage | Mar–May | Sep–Nov |
| Winter | January King, Savoy, Traviata | Apr–Jun | Dec–Mar |
| Red | Red Drumhead, Ruby Ball | Mar–May | Aug–Oct |
| Pointed | Greyhound, Caraflex | Feb–Apr | Jun–Aug |
Tip: Grow a mix of varieties for harvests throughout the year.
When to Grow Cabbage in the UK
| Task | Timing (UK) |
|---|---|
| Sow indoors | February to May |
| Sow outdoors | March to June |
| Transplant to beds | April to July |
| Harvest (summer types) | June to August |
| Harvest (winter types) | November to March |
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Cabbage from Seed to Plate
Step 1: Sowing Cabbage Seeds
Sowing Indoors (Under Cover):
- Fill seed trays or modules with seed compost
- Sow 1 seed per cell, 1cm deep
- Water gently and place in a propagator or sunny windowsill (15–18°C)
- Germination takes 7–14 days
- Harden off young plants before transplanting
Sowing Outdoors:
- Sow thinly in a seed bed in rows 1cm deep, 15cm apart
- Cover with fleece or netting to deter pests
- Thin seedlings to 5–7cm apart when large enough
Step 2: Prepare the Growing Bed
Cabbages like:
- Firm, fertile soil (they don’t like loose ground)
- Full sun with good air circulation
- Neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5–7.5)
How to Prepare the Soil:
- Incorporate well-rotted manure or compost in autumn or early spring
- Rake in a general-purpose fertiliser a week before planting
- Tread down the soil to firm it
Top Tip: Avoid recently limed or manured ground if growing red cabbage, as it can affect colour.
Step 3: Transplanting Cabbage Seedlings
- Transplant when seedlings have 4–6 true leaves
- Space 30–45cm apart, depending on variety
- Plant firmly, burying stems up to the first set of leaves
- Water in well
Spacing Guide:
| Cabbage Type | Spacing |
|---|---|
| Summer/Pointed | 30–40cm between plants |
| Autumn/Winter | 45–60cm between plants |
| Rows | 45–60cm between rows |
Caring for Your Cabbage Plants
1. Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Water deeply, especially during dry spells
- Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk
2. Feeding
- Apply nitrogen-rich feed 4–6 weeks after planting
- Boost with high-potash liquid feed in mid-season
3. Mulching
- Mulch with compost or straw to suppress weeds and retain moisture
4. Earthing Up
- Draw soil up around stems of tall varieties for stability
Common Pests and How to Prevent Them
| Pest/Disease | Symptoms | Prevention & Control |
|---|---|---|
| Cabbage Root Fly | Plants wilt, roots with maggots | Use collars around stems, cover with mesh |
| Cabbage White Butterfly | Holes in leaves, caterpillars visible | Netting, hand-pick eggs/larvae |
| Slugs and Snails | Chewed leaves, damage at base | Beer traps, pellets, or slug barriers |
| Clubroot | Swollen, deformed roots | Improve drainage, rotate crops, raise beds |
| Aphids | Sticky residue, distorted growth | Wash off with water, use insecticidal soap |
Harvesting Cabbage
When to Harvest:
- Harvest when the head is firm and compact
- Summer types: 10–14 weeks after sowing
- Autumn/Winter types: 16–24 weeks after sowing
How to Harvest:
- Cut at the base with a sharp knife
- Leave outer leaves and stalk to encourage a second crop of small “cabbage sprouts”
Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long—over-mature cabbage can split or bolt.
Storing Cabbage
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 2–3 weeks (in a perforated bag) |
| Root cellar/shed | Up to 3 months (winter types) |
| Freezing | Blanch leaves or shreds first |
Using Cabbage in the Kitchen
Cabbage is incredibly versatile:
- Raw: Coleslaw, salads, sandwiches
- Cooked: Stir-fried, boiled, steamed, roasted
- Fermented: Sauerkraut or kimchi
- Soups & Stews: Add shredded leaves to hearty dishes
Cooking Tip:
Don’t overcook cabbage—it becomes mushy and loses nutrients. Light steaming retains flavour and texture.
Growing Cabbage in Containers
Yes, you can grow smaller cabbage varieties in pots!
How-To:
- Use large containers (30–40cm wide and deep)
- Fill with rich, firm compost
- One plant per pot
- Water and feed regularly
- Protect from pests with mesh or netting
Succession Planting for Year-Round Cabbage
To enjoy a long cabbage season:
- Sow different types (summer, autumn, winter)
- Sow a few seeds every 3–4 weeks between February and June
- Use cloches or fleece for early and late crops
Crop Rotation and Aftercare
- Avoid planting brassicas (cabbage family) in the same spot more than once every 3 years
- Follow cabbage with legumes or root vegetables in your rotation plan
- Clear debris at the end of the season to prevent disease
Conclusion
Cabbage is a classic, cool-climate vegetable that rewards gardeners with generous yields and excellent nutrition. With the right preparation, careful sowing, and consistent care, you can grow firm, flavoursome heads from seed to plate—ready for your favourite dishes all year round.
Whether in raised beds, open ground, or large containers, follow this guide to master every step of cabbage growing and enjoy crisp, homegrown cabbages fresh from your own garden.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Cabbage
1. When should I plant cabbage seeds?
Start sowing indoors from February to May. Outdoor sowing starts from March.
2. How deep should I plant cabbage seeds?
Sow seeds 1cm deep in seed trays or directly in the ground.
3. How far apart should cabbage plants be?
30–60cm apart depending on variety, with 45–60cm between rows.
4. What type of soil do cabbages prefer?
Firm, fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
5. Do cabbage plants need full sun?
Yes, they grow best in full sun but can tolerate light shade.
6. How do I stop cabbage white butterflies?
Cover plants with fine netting and check regularly for eggs and caterpillars.
7. Can I grow cabbage in pots?
Yes! Use large containers, rich compost, and protect from pests.
8. When is cabbage ready to harvest?
When the head is firm and compact—typically 10–24 weeks after sowing.
9. Can I freeze cabbage?
Yes. Blanch leaves or shredded cabbage before freezing.
10. What can I grow after cabbage in crop rotation?
Follow with legumes like beans or peas to restore nitrogen to the soil.
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