Growing Cabbage

Planting on several dates allows longer harvesting…

The head size of cabbage is determined by the variety, fertilizer and spacing between plants.

Cabbage is a cool season vegetable which can be produced in the spring, fall and winter in Georgia. In south Georgia, transplants or seed can be planted from the end of January through February. By planting on several different dates, cabbage can be harvested at various times.

Side dress with nitrogen…

This shallow-rooted crop requires moderate amounts of fertilizer. Before planting, apply from four to six pounds of a complete such as 8-24-24 or 8-8-8 for each 100 feet of row. Side dress with nitrogen about three or four weeks after transplanting and four to six weeks after seeding. Apply ammonium nitrate at the rate of one pound for 100 hundred feet of row.

Cabbage head sizes…

The head size of cabbage is determined by the variety, fertilizer and spacing between plants. Some varieties, such as Rio Verde and Hercules, produce large heads. Others, such as Little Rock, produce small heads. Plants spaced closely will produce smaller heads. Wide spacing will encourage production of larger heads. Recommended spacing is 12 to 15 inches on rows at least three feet apart. You can also increase production in small garden by planting a double row on a bed.

In Georgia, cabbage often "bolts" or produces seed head prematurely. This bolting or premature formation of seed head occurs when cabbage is exposed to temperatures of about 40° degrees Fahrenheit or lower for several weeks. The larger the seedling exposed to these temperatures, the more likely it is to bolt.

Cabbage varieties recommended for Georgia are:

Rio Verde, Market Prize, Solid Blue, A and C Number 5 plus, Fortuna, Ocala, Greenboy, Little Rock, Tastie, Green Jewel, Superette, Round Dutch, Blue Boy, Savoy King and Stonehead.

For more information on growing cabbage, contact your local County Extension Office.