Field guide
How to grow cabbage: planting, care, and harvest guide
Cabbage typically reaches first harvest in 70–100 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant cabbage by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — May to June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — April to May
- USDA Zones 7–8 — March to April
- USDA Zones 9–10 — February to March
- USDA Zones 11–13 — October to January
Companion plants
Good companions: beans, Celery, Onions, Dill
Avoid planting with: Strawberries, Tomato (Slicing)
Harvest
When to pick
- Head is firm and solid when squeezed
- Head has reached expected size for the variety (softball to basketball)
- Don't wait too long — heads split in heavy rain or heat
How: Cut at the base with a sharp knife. In warm weather, leave the stump — small secondary heads may sprout from the base.
Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic, refrigerate. Lasts 1-2 months. Excellent for sauerkraut and fermentation.
Common pests and problems
Cabbage Worms/Cabbage Loopers
Signs: Holes in outer and inner leaves, frass (droppings), caterpillars
Control: Row covers, Bt spray, hand-picking. Inspect inner leaves when harvesting.
Cabbage Root Maggot
Signs: Wilting, stunted growth, tunnels in stem base
Control: Apply collar barriers (cardboard or felt circles) around transplant stems. Row covers. Beneficial nematodes in soil.
Slugs
Signs: Large holes, slime trails, damage worst at night
Control: Beer traps, copper tape, diatomaceous earth, hand-pick at dusk.
About this field guide
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