Cabbage
cool-season crop
At a glance
| Suitable zone groups | All four zone groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10), as a cool-season annual |
|---|---|
| Planting window | See the guide text below, in general terms relative to your last spring frost |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter |
| Watering | Steady, even moisture |
About this plant
Cabbage forms a firm head of overlapping leaves and suits all four zone groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10), as a cool-season annual. Give it full sun and plan its growing season around locally cool weather.
Use fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Maintain steady, even moisture so plants can build healthy leaves and develop heads without repeated drying and soaking.
Common beginner failures and fixes
- Loose heads from crowding: Follow the variety's spacing guidance so each plant has room to develop.
- Holes in leaves: Check leaf undersides for caterpillars, remove them, and protect young plants with insect mesh.
- Heads splitting after uneven watering: Keep moisture steady and harvest firm heads promptly.
- Weak growth in poor soil: Mix mature compost into the bed before planting and use fertilizer according to its label if needed.
Beginner checklist
- Choose a variety suited to your local cool growing season.
- Select a full-sun planting site.
- Prepare fertile, well-draining soil with organic matter.
- Keep soil moisture steady and even.
- Check leaves for pests and harvest heads when firm.
Zone groups and planting windows here are general guidance. Confirm your own zone and last frost date locally before planting.