Cabbage (Fall Red) Growing Guide

Brassica oleracea

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●

Soil

Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in prior to planting.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes. Tolerates moderate frost, but damaged by hard freezes.

Feeding

Drench every two weeks with an organic liquid fertilizer.

Spacing

Single Plants: 2' 9" (85cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 2' 7" (80cm) with 2' 11" (90cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow in spring to summer for harvesting in the fall.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Try growing different varieties from seed to explore differences in leaf color (such as red cabbage) and head shape. Late-maturing fall cabbage varieties are great for cool storage or making into kraut.

Harvesting

Wait until a few light frosts have passed to harvest, because cool weather enhances the sweet flavor of cabbage.

Troubleshooting

Heavy summer rains following dry weather can cause heads to split. Watch for green imported cabbageworms, the larvae of the cabbage white butterfly. Exclude the adults with row covers.