Cabbage Seeds
How to Grow Cabbage
Cabbage is easy to grow and delicious to eat either cooked or fresh. Also an excellent source of vitamin C, it's useful in dishes from many ethnic traditions. Cabbage can have a tendency to split and bolt, in general any stress that disrupts growth after head formation can cause a head to split. These stresses include fluctuations in soil moisture and heads that have grown to large. There are a couple of ways to slow growth and thus preventing splitting. Wait until just after the heads firm up, then twist the plants to break some of the roots. Plunge a blade of a spade into the soil on one side (to break some of the roots). Or you can plant closer together, for early varieties space 8-10 inches apart, for late types 12-16 " apart. These heads will be smaller, but will also have better flavor. Cabbage prefers a rich, fertile soil. Does best in full sun, especially in cool regions and other areas with short growing seasons. In warmer climates, cabbage will tolerate light midday shade.
Sowing
Seed Depth: ¼" (6mm)
Germination soil temperature: 75-85º F (24-29ºC)
Days to Germination: 5
Sow indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost
Sow outdoors: 10-12 weeks before first frost (for fall crop)
Growing
pH range: 6.2-7.5 (7.2-7.5 to inhibit club root)
Growing soil temperature: 60-65º F (16-18ºC)
Spacing in beds: Early varieties 12", late varieties 18".
Watering: Heavy from planting to head formation, then moderate.
Light: Full sun for best yield, tolerates partial shade.
Nutrient requirements: N= high, P=high, K=high
Rotation considerations: Avoid following cabbage family
Good Companions: Bush beans, beet, carrot, celery, cucumber, dill, lettuce, mint, nasturtium, onion family, potato, rosemary, sage, spinach, thyme.
Bad Companions: Pole and snap beans, strawberry.
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