How to Grow Cabbage in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

How to Grow Cabbage in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that thrives in cooler weather, making February the perfect time to start sowing seeds. With its long growing season and hardy nature, cabbage is an essential crop for gardeners who want a reliable harvest throughout the year. From crisp summer varieties to hearty winter cabbages, there’s a type for every growing season.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing cabbage in February, from selecting the best varieties to planting, caring for, and harvesting a productive crop.

Introduction: Why Grow Cabbage in February?

Starting cabbage seeds in February gives your plants a head start, allowing them to establish strong roots and mature at the right time for harvesting. Whether you’re growing summer, autumn, or winter cabbages, early sowing is key to maximizing yields and ensuring healthy plants.

Cabbage is a rewarding crop for gardeners of all skill levels, offering a variety of textures, flavors, and uses in the kitchen. With proper care and attention, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown cabbages that are far superior to store-bought alternatives.

1. Choosing the Best Cabbage Varieties

Selecting the right cabbage variety depends on when you want to harvest and how you plan to use it. Here are some of the best options:

1.1 Hispi (Summer Cabbage)

A compact, pointed variety with sweet, tender leaves.
Ideal for early sowing and quick harvesting.

1.2 Golden Acre (Summer Cabbage)

A traditional round-headed variety known for its mild flavor.
Grows quickly and is perfect for salads and coleslaws.

1.3 January King (Winter Cabbage)

A hardy variety with crinkled leaves and excellent frost resistance.
Perfect for overwintering and harvesting in late autumn or winter.

1.4 Savoy King (Savoy Cabbage)

A classic savoy variety with crinkled, dark green leaves.
Known for its rich flavor and versatility in cooking.

1.5 Red Drumhead (Red Cabbage)

A vibrant red variety with tightly packed heads.
Ideal for pickling, roasting, or adding color to salads.

2. Sowing Cabbage Seeds in February

2.1 Where to Sow

Start cabbage seeds indoors, in a greenhouse, or under cover in a cold frame during February.
If the soil is warm enough, sow hardy varieties directly outdoors under cloches.

2.2 Seed Sowing Process

Fill seed trays or pots with seed-starting compost.
Sow seeds 1 cm deep and cover lightly with compost.
Water gently to moisten the soil.
Place trays in a cool, bright location with temperatures around 10–15°C.

2.3 Germination Time

Cabbage seeds typically germinate within 7–10 days under optimal conditions.

3. Growing On and Transplanting

3.1 Pricking Out Seedlings

When seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or modules.
Handle carefully to avoid damaging delicate roots.

3.2 Hardening Off

Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

3.3 Final Planting

Transplant seedlings to their final position when they are 4–6 inches tall.
Space plants 12–18 inches apart, depending on the variety, with rows 18 inches apart.

4. Preparing the Soil

Cabbage thrives in rich, firm soil with good drainage. Follow these steps for soil preparation:

Remove any weeds and dig over the soil thoroughly.
Incorporate well-rotted manure or compost to improve fertility.
Add lime if the soil is acidic, as cabbage prefers a pH of 6.5–7.5.
Firm the soil by treading it down gently to prevent the plants from becoming loose.

5. Caring for Your Cabbage

5.1 Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
Water deeply during dry spells to encourage strong root growth.

5.2 Feeding

Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer during the early growth stages to promote leaf development.
Switch to a balanced fertilizer once heads start forming.

5.3 Mulching

Add a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5.4 Supporting Plants

Use netting or stakes to protect plants from strong winds and pest damage.

6. Pests and Diseases

6.1 Common Pests

Cabbage White Butterflies: Cover plants with fine netting to prevent egg-laying.
Slugs and Snails: Use organic barriers, traps, or pellets to protect young plants.
Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybirds.

6.2 Common Diseases

Clubroot: Prevent by maintaining proper soil pH and practicing crop rotation.
Downy Mildew: Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering.
Black Rot: Remove infected plants promptly to prevent spread.

7. Harvesting Cabbage

7.1 When to Harvest

Summer varieties are ready to harvest about 12–14 weeks after sowing.
Winter cabbages can take up to 6 months to mature, depending on the variety.

7.2 How to Harvest

Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the base of the plant, leaving the outer leaves intact.
Smaller secondary heads may develop after the main harvest.

7.3 Storing Cabbage

Store cabbages in a cool, dark place for up to 2–3 weeks.
For longer storage, blanch and freeze leaves.

8. Benefits of Growing Cabbage

Nutritional Value: High in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber.
Cold Tolerance: Thrives in cooler temperatures, extending your growing season.
Versatility: Perfect for salads, soups, stir-fries, and more.
High Yields: A single planting can produce a significant harvest.

Conclusion: Start Growing Cabbage for a Productive Garden

Growing cabbage in February is a great way to kickstart your gardening season. By starting seeds early and following these tips, you’ll enjoy a productive crop of crisp, flavorful cabbages. Whether you’re growing summer varieties for fresh salads or winter cabbages for hearty meals, this versatile vegetable is a must-have in any garden.

Happy gardening! ?