Cabbage — Grow Guide — Holly's Homestead

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Sun

Full sun

Water

Consistent, deep

Soil pH

6.0–7.0

Spacing

40–50cm

Depth

as per seedling

01Firm heads need space

Give cabbage full spacing from the start — crowded plants form loose, small heads and are far more prone to pest and disease pressure.

02Planting

Method

Transplant seedlings; firm soil well around the base.

Soil

Rich, well-drained, high organic matter.

Timing

Plant in cooler months — spring or autumn depending on zone.

Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.

03Growing care

Water deeply and consistently — inconsistent watering splits heads.
Feed with nitrogen-rich compost early, then ease off as heads form.
Net against cabbage moth from planting.
Twist heads slightly at maturity to reduce splitting if leaving in place.

04Problems

Cabbage moth/white butterfly — caterpillars shred leaves; net or hand-pick.
Clubroot — swollen, distorted roots; keep pH up, rotate for years.
Aphids — cluster under leaves; hose off or encourage ladybirds.
Head splitting — irregular watering, especially heavy rain after dry.

05Harvest & storage

Signs

Head feels firm and solid when gently squeezed.

Method

Cut at the base with a sharp knife, leaving outer leaves and roots for a smaller second flush.

Curing

None needed.

Storage

Fridge crisper 2–4 weeks; whole heads keep longest.

Preserving

See Fermenting (sauerkraut and fermented brassicas) or Freezing Produce (blanching and freezing a glut) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.

Recipes

Try our Basic Sauerkraut — a way to use a glut.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby

OnionCeleryDillNasturtium

Avoid nearby

TomatoStrawberry

Rotation note

Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle to manage clubroot.

Cabbage is a moderate brassica to grow, needing full sun with consistent, deep watering.