It’s important to apply moisture evenly late in the season, otherwise developing heads may split. Cabbage is shallow rooted and usually requires irrigation, but is more drought tolerant than broccoli. Shallow cultivation is necessary to prevent root damage. Follow soil test recommendations when adding nutrients. The plant thrives in most soils as long as adequate moisture is available. Preparation and plantingĬabbage grows well under Michigan’s cool conditions. Ornamental cabbages used in flower beds and other areas of the landscape have loose heads or ruffled leaves that add an interesting touch to the annual garden. Most have smooth leaves except for Savoy types-these have crinkly leaves and contain higher amounts of iron. Some varieties are better for fresh consumption and others are more suited to long-term storage. They are usually advertised as early, midseason or late varieties. Most Michigan gardeners grow or purchase transplants. They vary in color from dark green and red to white.
Time to harvest: 60 to 95 days from transplantĬabbage may be divided into two general groups: loose-heading and hard-heading. Plant out: April (early crop) to early-July (late crop). Properly stored cabbage seeds will remain viable for several years. Store cabbage seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place in an airtight container to keep out moisture and humidity. If the pods are dry, they will release their seeds easily when threshed. Cleaning and Processingīranches of mature fruits can be threshed by rubbing the pods between one’s hands or by flailing the brittle pods against any surface that will cause fruits to break open. Because of this species’ tendency to shatter, the harvested material should be placed on drop cloths or in containers to prevent seed loss. Seeds can be gathered by cutting entire branches or by harvesting whole plants. As with many of the brassica crops, the window of time for an optimal harvest may be short as mature pods will begin to shatter and bird predation can become a problem. Assessing Seed MaturityĪfter flowering in their second year of growth, mature seed pods become dry and turn brown as the seeds inside also mature and brown. In the spring, when the soil can be worked, replant cabbage in your garden. A traditional root cellar is ideal but garages, sheds, and other unheated structures work well in some climates. The optimum storage conditions for cabbage vernalization ranges from 34-39 degrees F and 80-95% relative humidity. Replant these trimmed plants into containers filled with slightly moist potting mix or sand. Trim off outer leaves but keep the cabbage head intact. When plants cannot be successfully overwintered in the field, they can be vernalized in storage.īefore the first frost, dig up the entire plant, roots and all. Overwinter cabbage in the field if you will have 10-12 weeks of cool weather (around 50 degrees F) without regular temperatures below 35 degrees F. Vernalization can happen in the field or in storage. To save seeds from cabbage, first decide how you will vernalize your plants. If you’re saving seeds for genetic preservation of a rare variety, save seeds from 80 plants. When maintaining a variety over many generations, save seeds from 20-50 plants. To ensure viable seeds, save seeds from at least 5 plants. StoringĬabbage will keep for about four months at a temperature between 32-40 degrees F and a relative humidity of 80-90%. Cabbage is often fermented to make sauerkraut and kimchi. It can also be enjoyed roasted, braised, stewed, and stir fried. Raw cabbage can be used in fresh salads like coleslaw. Trim off the loose outer leaves and store heads in a cool place. CABBAGE SEED GERMINATION TIME HOW TO
When and How to HarvestĬut the head at the base of the plant with a harvesting knife or pruning shears as soon as the cabbage head feels solid. Early season insect pests, such as flea beetles, can be deterred by growing transplants underneath row cover. Common Pests and DiseasesĬabbage can suffer from a number of pests and diseases including flea beetles, cabbage moths, aphids, leaf miner bugs, slugs, and black rot. When growing for seed, increase spacing to 18-24 inches apart in rows that are at least 36 inches apart. Space cabbages at least 24-36 inches apart in even spacing or 12-14 inches apart in rows spaced 36-44 inches apart. Transplant cabbage seedlings outdoors just before the last frost. Sow cabbage seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting seedlings outdoors. The scientific name of cabbage is Brassica oleracea, a species that also includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Cabbage varieties come in a spectrum of colors, from light green to dark purple.
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