Cabbage

Cabbage
Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
Annuals, Vegetables

Early varieties mature in 7 to 8 weeks from transplanting into garden; late varieties require 3 to 4 months. Many good types available. In Alaska, ‘O.-S. Cross’ is standard variety for giant cabbage; use a floating row cover for an early start. In addition to green cabbage, you can find red and curly-leafed (Savoy) types. For Chinese cabbages, see Asian Greens and Chinese Cabbage.

To avoid overproduction, set out a few plants every week or two, or plant both early and late kinds. Time plantings so heads will form either before or after hot summer months. Sow seeds 1/2 in. deep about 6 weeks prior to planting-out time. Transplant to rich, moist soil, spacing plants 2–2 1/2 ft. apart. Give frequent light applications of nitrogen fertilizer. Never let plants wilt. Mulch helps keep soil moist and cool. Light frost doesn’t hurt cabbage, but harvest and store before heavy freezes occur. In low and intermediate desert, grow as a winter crop in full sun.

To prevent soil-borne pest buildup, plant in different site each year. Row covers will protect plants from some pests such as aphids, cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, and root maggots. Alternatively, prevent root maggots by ringing base of plant with a tar-paper collar; or cover with a cone fashioned from window screen. Collars made from paper cups or metal cans (with ends removed) also deter cutworms, which chew seedlings off at the base. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be applied to control young larvae of cabbageworms and loopers on plants.