Hi! Im excited to share with you my complete guide to growing cabbage. Cabbage might not be the glitz and glam of vegetables, but it is actually a gem for the kitchen, offering so many reasons to grow it!
Whether youre a seasoned gardener or just starting out, theres something truly satisfying about nurturing your own cabbage patch and reaping the delicious rewards.
Hey there fellow gardeners! I’m super excited to share everything I’ve learned about transplanting cabbage seedlings. After years of trial and error in my garden, I’ve figured out the perfect timing and techniques to help these cool-season veggies thrive.
When Are Your Cabbage Seedlings Ready?
Your cabbage babies are ready for their big move when
- They have 3-4 true leaves (not those first round baby leaves)
- Stems look thick and sturdy (nobody likes leggy seedlings!)
- Roots fill the cell but aren’t going crazy
- They’ve been properly hardened off
Perfect Timing for Transplanting
Spring Planting
- Transplant 4-6 weeks before last frost
- These tough little guys can handle temps down to 20°F (-6°C)
- For zone 7a gardens like mine, I start hardening off in mid-late March
Fall Planting
- Start seeds in summer
- Transplant 8-10 weeks before first fall frost
- Great for zones 9-10 as a fall/winter crop
How to Transplant Like a Pro
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Prep the Soil
- Mix in rich compost 2-3 weeks before transplanting
- I love using decayed leaves turned into soil during fall
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Spacing Matters
- Small varieties: 12 inches apart
- Big boys like Brunswick: 16-18 inches apart
- Each plant needs its space to grow big heads!
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The Big Move
- Water seedlings well before moving
- Dig holes deep enough for the root ball
- Plant with top leaves above soil level
- Water immediately after planting
Pro Tips from My Garden
- Add mulch right after transplanting – I use biodegradable paper weed barrier
- Plant in full sun spots
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Cover plants if late frost threatens
- Start hardening off when daytime temps stay above 40°F
Common Oopsies to Avoid
- Skipping hardening off (been there, done that!)
- Planting too close together
- Forgetting to water enough
- Not protecting from extreme temps
- Ignoring pest problems
Container Growing? No Problem!
If you’re tight on space, cabbage grows great in containers:
- Use pots 12-18 inches deep
- Width should be 16-20 inches
- Ensure good drainage
- Use quality potting mix
- Keep soil consistently moist
I’ve found that transplanting cabbage isn’t rocket science, but timing and care make all the difference Whether you’re growing classic green cabbage, fancy Savoy, or vibrant red varieties, these guidelines will help you grow some awesome heads!
Remember, your garden, your rules – but these tips should get you started on the right foot. Happy planting, folks!
Got questions about transplanting your cabbage seedlings? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help!
Spring Planting (for a summer harvest)
Start seeds indoors in early April or four to six weeks before your areas last expected frost date.
In regions with mild winters, you can directly sow cabbage in spring as soon as the soil can be worked and temperatures consistently stay above freezing. Cabbage seedlings are sensitive to frost, so make sure your soil is ready and that you dont expect any more frost.
does cabbage need fertilizer?
Yes, cabbages are heavy feeders, so they can benefit from fertilizer to support healthy growth and maximize yields. Providing the proper nutrients ensures that cabbage plants develop strong roots, lush foliage, and large, firm heads.
Two weeks after transplanting, you can fertilize them with compost and three weeks later, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Cabbage needs nitrogen in its early stages.
But be careful, while cabbage plants do require fertilizer, its important not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth, delayed maturity, and increased susceptibility to certain pests and diseases.
At Azure Farm we believe in soil health over fertilizing. We work to add compost to our soil and use organic mulch, cover crops, and crop rotation to ensure our soil is healthy and thus diminish the need for fertilizers.
READ MORE:
Transplanting – Transplanting Cabbage
FAQ
Does cabbage like to be transplanted?
The perfect time to transplant cabbage is during mid to late spring, as warmer weather supports healthy root establishment. Choose a location with fertile, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Remember to be gentle while transplanting, as cabbage may be sensitive to root disturbance.
How long does cabbage take to grow after transplant?
Plants removed at thinning can be transplanted to adjacent areas. Transplants are used to provide earlier harvest. Transplants should have 4-6 mature leaves and a well-developed root system before planting out. Generally 6-7 weeks are required to grow transplants to this size.
When should I transplant cabbage seeds?
Knowing when and how to transplant the tender seedlings is essential to successful growth and production of abundant cabbage heads. Cabbage plants are one of the first vegetables to be set out in the garden after weeks under indoor grow lights, usually in early spring.
When do cabbage plants grow?
Cabbage plants are one of the first vegetables to be set out in the garden after weeks under indoor grow lights, usually in early spring. Once the plants have developed two to three true leaves, they are ready for transplant. True leaves, although small at first from underdevelopment, resemble the plant’s mature leaf in shape and color.
Can cabbage seedlings be transplanted?
After a week or two of hardening off, your cabbage seedlings will be ready to transplant into your garden. Cabbage is a hearty plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay. However, it is crucial to prepare the soil before transplanting for the best results.
Should you plant cabbage seedlings at the right time?
Whether you’ve been gardening for a long time or are just starting out, there’s something very satisfying about taking care of your own cabbage patch and enjoying the tasty results. Transplanting cabbage seedlings at the right time is crucial for ensuring a successful crop.
What should I do when transplanting cabbage seedlings?
When transplanting cabbage seedlings, make sure to carefully remove them from their original container to minimize root disturbance. The roots are fragile at this stage, and any damage can significantly affect the plant’s health and growth.
How to start cabbage from seed?
If you are not buying cabbage seedlings, use these tips on how to start cabbage from seed. Transplanting should be done when your plants reach around 3 to 4 inches in height. Before you transplant them, you will need to harden them off. This is a process that gets them ready for the temperatures outdoors.