Holly's Homestead — Brassica
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Annual/biennial, grown as annual from seedlings
MATURITY 70–120 days
TYPE Annual/biennial, grown as annual from seedlings
MATURITY 70–120 days
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.
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.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionCeleryDillNasturtiumAvoid nearby
TomatoStrawberryRotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle to manage clubroot.