How to Grow Cabbage
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water
Regular (1-1.5 inches/week)
Spacing
18" apart
Depth
0.5" deep
Height
12-18"
Germination
4-10 days
Ready to Grow Cabbage?
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Common Cabbage Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Golden Acre
Small, early-maturing green cabbage ideal for home gardens; ready in 63 days.
Red Acre
Compact red cabbage with dense heads and excellent color; great for slaws and pickling.
Savoy Perfection
Crinkled-leaf savoy cabbage with milder, more complex flavor than smooth-leaf types.
January King
Cold-hardy heirloom with beautiful blue-green leaves tinged purple; survives heavy frost.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
Seed Saving Guide
DifficultWhen to Harvest Seed
Cut an X in the head to allow seed stalk to push through. Harvest seed pods when tan.
Processing
Thresh dried seed stalks, winnow to separate seeds.
Seed Viability
Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
B. oleracea — crosses with broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower. Requires 1000-foot isolation.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Cabbage. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Cabbage Planting Calendar by Zone
Cabbage Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage? +
Start Cabbage seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 0 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Cabbage take to grow? +
Cabbage typically matures in about 70 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Cabbage indoors or direct sow? +
Cabbage should be started indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Cabbage need? +
Cabbage requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Cabbage? +
Space Cabbage plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Cabbage need? +
Cabbage has regular (1-1.5 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Cabbage? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Cabbage is rated difficult. Cut an X in the head to allow seed stalk to push through. Harvest seed pods when tan. Thresh dried seed stalks, winnow to separate seeds.
How long do Cabbage seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Cabbage seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Cabbage seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Cabbage is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Cabbage
Cool-season cole crop with dense, leafy heads. Plant early spring or late summer.
Expect your Cabbage to be ready for harvest in approximately 70 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.