How to Grow Cabbage

Cabbage is king! It can be julienned for salads, roughly chopped for stir fries or fermented to make sauerkraut and kimchi (we hear it's great for gut health!). It grows fairly quickly and also looks great in the garden, too.

Full sun

Regular watering

Well drained

Suitable for all climatic zones.

8-12 weeks depending on the variety (check the label)

Certain varieties can be planted anytime of the year (check the label)

How to grow cabbage in a garden

Step 1

Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, lightly firm down and keep moist.

Step 2

While waiting for the seedlings to grow, prepare the planting area by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Add a little Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid Lime & Dolomite.

Step 3

Once seedlings have emerged, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food. Allow seedlings to grow to about 7cm before transplanting into prepared area.

Step 4

When transplanting, space seedlings at least 30-40cm apart and water in well with Yates Thrive Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food. Feed weekly to ensure strong root development and lush leaves.

How to grow cabbage in a pot

Step 1

The best cabbages to choose for containers are the non-hearting Asian types, such as Wombok or Buk choy. Grow them in 600mm troughs and don't overcrowd them.

Step 2

Position in full sun and fill pots with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Sow seeds, lightly firm down and keep moist.

Step 3

Once seedlings have emerged, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie and Herb Liquid Plant Food to boost growth.

The trendiest and definitely most space saving way to grow cabbages is as microgreens. These pint-sized plants can be grown on a windowsill and when they're ready – within 2 to 3 weeks – they can be harvested with scissors, just as they're needed. Try Yates Cabbage Rubies - make successive sowings for a continuous supply and use the red-stemmed shoots to decorate and add flavour to your dishes

Yates varieties

Cabbage Growing Tips

Cabbages need watering around 2- 3 times a week. Be careful not to over water as the heads may split!
A layer of organic mulch, such as pea straw or sugar cane mulch will help retain moisture in the soil.

Why isn't My Cabbage Forming a Head?

Any kind of stress can prevent a Cabbage from developing a tight head (also called a ball or a heart). Stress can be from lack of water, waterlogging, heat, cold, and lack of nutrients (primarily nitrogen).

Be sure you plant at the correct time of year and according to your climate, keep the soil moderately moist, avoid overwatering and plant in a position that has good drainage, feed regularly with Yates Thrive Natural Vegie & Herb Plant Food.