Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Cabbage performs best as a spring or autumn crop in consistently cool weather of 7–18°C. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting. Grow in deeply prepared, fertile, well-drained soil at pH 6.0–7.5 — lime acidic soils to reduce clubroot risk. Incorporate 8cm of compost and 200g per square metre of balanced fertiliser before transplanting. Space plants 45–60cm apart in rows 60–75cm apart. Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot or just slightly deeper. Water consistently — 2.5–4cm per week — as inconsistent moisture, particularly a surge after a dry period, causes heads to split. Mulch to even out moisture fluctuations. Feed with liquid nitrogen fertiliser every 3–4 weeks until heads begin to firm. Cabbage is a heavy feeder but too much nitrogen late in the season causes soft, poorly storing heads. Wrapping heads in the outer leaves (not tying) can extend quality by a few weeks.