Planting and Growing Guide for Loose Head Cabbage (Brassica sp.), also known Spring or Conical Head Cabbage
Description
Spring cabbages are grown for their outer leaves. The leaves are harvested before a tight ball is formed. Any ball that forms is usually cone shaped and has loose leaves. There are many varieties to choose from that have a range of requirements in terms of growing and planting season season. By choosing a variety of type you can have fresh cabbage leaves available throughout the year in many climates and zones. The types grown in winter generally have dark green leaves and stronger flavours.
Start seeds in trays about 4 weeks ahead of the last spring frost. Transplant into the garden when seedlings are several inches tall. Use a spacing of 10 inches and apply a good quality mulch to maintain soil moisture. Feed regularly with any high nitrogen fertilizer. Use non-toxic B.T. (Bacillus thuringiensis), or home made chilli sprays to control white butterfly caterpillars. Pick them off before they can damage your cabbages.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Start seeds about 4 weeks before last spring frost. Sow in seed trays at a depth of about 10 mm (1/2 inch) and keep in a covered area. Plant out the seedlings after the last frosts.
Space between plants: 30-40 cm (12 inches). If planted in the garden thin out seedlings to this spacing.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 12 weeks. The outer leaves can be harvested before the head forms.
Hints:
- Young cabbage leaves can be chopped and used in salads and stir-fry dishes
- The seedlings are frost tender, but the mature plants taste better when frosts occur
- Cabbage does best with full sun and when grown in rich, well-drained soil
- Feed regularly and avoid any checks in growth to ensure leaves are tender
- Caterpillars can be devastating, so watch out for white butterflies
- A secondary head may grow after the primary one is removed
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!