Cabbage prefers cool weather, full sun, and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Sow seeds or transplants 2–3 weeks before the last frost, spacing plants 12–18″ apart in rows 2–3 ft apart. Provide 1–2″ of deep, even watering per week and mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. Side-dress with nitrogen 4 weeks after planting, then stop feeding once heads begin to form to avoid splitting. Harvest firm, full-size heads before they crack, leaving inner wrapper leaves for protection. Cabbage stores well in cold, high-humidity conditions for several months.
Cabbage is a cool season vegetable that prefers sunny locations and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep, 2-3 weeks before the last frost in the spring. Thin seedlings or transplant cabbage 12-18 inches apart in the row with rows 2-3 feet apart. Avoid fertilization during head formation as this causes excessive leaf growth and head splitting. Irrigation should be deep and infrequent. The use of plastic or organic mulches helps conserve water and reduces weed growth. Control insects and diseases throughout the year. Harvest cabbage when the heads reach full size, but before they split open.
There are many good cabbage varieties for sale in local gardening outlets, on-line and through seed catalogs. Most grow well in Utah. Golden Acre (65 days), Ruby Ball (red; 55 days), Savoy Ace (80 days), and Danish Ball Head (100 days) have excellent production, eating quality, and storage potential.
Cabbage is a cool season vegetable that thrives best with consistent soil moisture Proper irrigation is key to getting a bountiful cabbage harvest. Underwatering produces small, bitter heads while overwatering invites disease. So how much water does cabbage need? Let’s explore the keys to ideal cabbage watering
Why Cabbage Needs Adequate Water
Cabbage is made up of over 90% water. This crisp leafy vegetable requires sufficient moisture for proper development. Inconsistent watering leads to poor growth and unpleasant flavor.
Cabbage needs steady soil moisture to form tight, compact heads. Insufficient water causes heads to be loose and stunted. Overly dry soil also makes cabbage tough, bitter, and prone to splitting.
On the flip side, soggy soil deprives cabbage roots of oxygen. Excess moisture encourages fungal diseases like clubroot and soft rot. Finding the right balance is essential.
How to Tell When Cabbage Needs Water
It’s important to monitor soil moisture levels to know when to water cabbage, Here are some ways to check if your cabbage needs irrigation
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Soil probe – Use your finger or a moisture meter to check soil moisture 2 inches deep. If dry, it’s time to water.
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Leaves – Drooping or curling leaves often indicate a need for watering. Healthy leaves are rigid and upright.
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Soil sample – Weigh a soil sample, dry it out, then reweigh. If it loses over 50% of moisture, cabbage likely needs water.
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Mulch – Lift mulch to check if soil is dry underneath. Replenish mulch after watering.
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Weather – Dry periods over a week long likely require supplemental irrigation.
How to Water Cabbage Correctly
Cabbage has shallow roots that need consistent moisture. Follow these tips for ideal cabbage irrigation:
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Water early – Water first thing in the morning to minimize evaporation loss later in the day.
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Water deeply – Cabbage has shallow roots so water must penetrate deeply into the soil.
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Water at base – Concentrate water at soil level near the stem to encourage deep roots.
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Use drip irrigation – Drip systems deliver water slowly and directly to the root zone.
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Avoid watering leaves – Wet foliage encourages disease. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation.
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Improve drainage – Ensure cabbage has well-draining soil to prevent puddling.
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Mulch soil – Organic mulch conserves moisture so you water less frequently.
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Check after rain – Account for rainfall when determining irrigation needs.
Common Cabbage Watering Mistakes
Many gardeners unknowingly make these frequent cabbage irrigation errors:
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Watering too often creates dependent roots.
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Midday watering wastes water through evaporation.
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Wetting leaves spreads disease.
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Underwatering stunts heads and causes bitterness.
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Overwatering rots roots and invites fungi.
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Forgetting to account for rain leads to overwatering.
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Neglecting drainage causes soggy soil.
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Not adjusting for weather causes under or overwatering.
Cabbage Water Needs By Season
Cabbage is a cool weather crop but its water needs fluctuate based on seasonal temperatures and weather:
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Spring – Consistent moisture needed but less than summer.
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Summer – Hot sun and wind increases water needs to 2x weekly.
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Fall – Newly planted fall cabbage needs extra irrigation until cooler weather arrives.
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Winter – Water dormant cabbage when soil thaws to prevent desiccation.
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Dry spells – Ramp up watering during prolonged hot, dry periods.
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Humid weather – Reduce frequency during extended damp weather.
Watering Container vs. In-Ground Cabbage
Container cabbage often needs more frequent watering than in-ground plantings:
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Container cabbage must be checked daily and watered at least every other day.
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Containers dry out faster than garden beds.
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Group pots together to create a self-watering humid microclimate.
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In-ground cabbage is buffered from drying winds and sun.
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Surrounding soil insulates in-ground roots and retains moisture.
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In-ground cabbage may only need weekly watering.
No matter where it’s planted, using your finger to check soil moisture is the best gauge for when to water cabbage.
How to Harvest Cabbage
Cabbage heads should be cut when firm and fully formed but before they split. Cut the head at soil level, leaving outer wrapper leaves attached for protection. Store harvested cabbage at 32°F and high humidity. Avoid storing near ethylene-producing fruit like apples.
Cabbage thrives when given consistent moisture through its growth cycle. Learn when and how to properly irrigate your cabbage plants for the highest yields of beautiful, tasty heads. Pay close attention to soil moisture levels and seasonal water needs. With experience, you’ll master proper cabbage irrigation for robust, flavorful harvests.
How to Harvest and Store Cabbage
Cabbage heads should be harvested when the heads reach full size and are firm and compact. Cut the stem below the head leaving 2-3 wrapper leaves for protection. Cabbage can be stored for 2-6 months at 32°F and 95% relative humidity. Avoid storing cabbage with apples, pears, or other ethylene producing fruits as bitter flavors will develop.
Plant 3-4 cabbages per person for fresh use and additional 5-10 plants for storage, canning or freezing. Expect 10-15 lbs. per 10 feet of row.
Cabbage has no fat, is low in calories, high in vitamin C, and is a source of fiber, calcium, iron, and folic acid.
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Cabbage prefers cool weather, full sun, and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Sow seeds or transplants 2–3 weeks before the last frost, spacing plants 12–18″ apart in rows 2–3 ft apart. Provide 1–2″ of deep, even watering per week and mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. Side-dress with nitrogen 4 weeks after planting, then stop feeding once heads begin to form to avoid splitting. Harvest firm, full-size heads before they crack, leaving inner wrapper leaves for protection. Cabbage stores well in cold, high-humidity conditions for several months.
Cabbage is a cool season vegetable that prefers sunny locations and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep, 2-3 weeks before the last frost in the spring. Thin seedlings or transplant cabbage 12-18 inches apart in the row with rows 2-3 feet apart. Avoid fertilization during head formation as this causes excessive leaf growth and head splitting. Irrigation should be deep and infrequent. The use of plastic or organic mulches helps conserve water and reduces weed growth. Control insects and diseases throughout the year. Harvest cabbage when the heads reach full size, but before they split open.
There are many good cabbage varieties for sale in local gardening outlets, on-line and through seed catalogs. Most grow well in Utah. Golden Acre (65 days), Ruby Ball (red; 55 days), Savoy Ace (80 days), and Danish Ball Head (100 days) have excellent production, eating quality, and storage potential.
5 Cabbage Growing Mistakes to AVOID
FAQ
Can you over water cabbage?
Be careful not to over-water, as over-watering can cause problems, such as root rot, especially in containers or raised beds.
Does cabbage need to be watered every day?
Once they’re well established, cabbages generally only need watering during dry spells, when you should give the ground a thorough soaking every 10 days.
How much water do you put in for cabbage?
Put the cabbage leaves or shredded cabbage in a large pan and cover halfway with water. Bring to the boil and cook for 3-5 mins or until tender.
Does cabbage like wet or dry soil?
Water is so important for all leafy greens really, but especially for cabbage, which is up to 92 percent water in its makeup. Cabbage likes for the soil to stay fairly moist underneath but not soggy. Water when the soil feels dry about an inch or two down.
Does cabbage need a lot of water?
Cabbage does not need a lot of water. The plants prefer to get a moderate amount of water on a consistent basis. The soil should stay moist every day, but not look soggy. Waterlogged soil has the potential to suffocate the roots, cause disease, and deplete nutrients. Cabbage does not need a lot of water to grow big and strong.
How often should you water a cabbage plant?
Fall – Cabbage planted in late summer for fall harvesting requires extra watering until the weather cools. Winter – In cool regions, you may need to water fall cabbage once weekly after the ground freezes to prevent desiccation. Dry spells – Increase irrigation anytime two weeks pass with less than an inch of rainfall. Track local weather.
How do you water a cabbage plant?
Water your cabbage early in the morning and aim at the base of the plant. Overwatering and underwatering your cabbage plants is equally bad for them. Always water your cabbage plants early in the morning. Also, do your best to water at the soil level without splashing the leaves.
How do you care for a cabbage plant?
Water your cabbage plants in the morning before the sun starts shining brightly. Pour the water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves and head wet. Slow down the flow of water if any puddles form on the soil surface. Water left on the plant leaves encourages pests and diseases to flourish.
How much rain do cabbage plants need?
Watering Cabbage Cabbage needs about 1 1/2 inches of rain per week for best results. If you don’t get this much rain in your area in a week, you’ll need to water your cabbage plants yourself. You can use a soaker hose, jugs, or a regular hose to get the job done. If no rain falls in your area, give your cabbage plants one good, deep soak per week.
How do you know if a cabbage plant needs water?
Check cabbage leaves – If the lower leaves start to droop, wilt, or curl, the plant likely needs water. Healthy cabbage leaves should be rigid and upright. Weigh the soil – Take a trowel and dig up a small soil sample near your cabbage. Weigh the sample, then weigh it again after drying it out completely.