Cabbage is actually a family of plants, but for simplicity's sake, we are talking about Brassica oleracea, the type of cabbage that is traditionally used in cole slaw and sauerkraut. A little-known fact is that cabbage contains more vitamin C than oranges! Hardiness Zones: 4-11 (Find your hardiness zone.) When to Plant: Directly sow seeds in early spring when all danger of frost has passed or start seeds indoors in February or March. Conditions: Cabbage prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Rich, loamy soil is ideal for this vegetable. Avoid planting any crop in the cabbage family in the same spot each year. Space Needed: Thin seedlings to 15-18 inches apart, in rows 32-36 inches apart. Maintenance: Cabbage requires continuous watering, but avoid water logging its roots. Be aware that cabbage is prone to attack by white butterflies and their offspring, cabbageworms (green caterpillars). Ward off an attack naturally by planting Sweet Alyssum around the crop. When to Harvest: The heads are usually ready for harvest after 90-95 days. The heads should be tight and firm. Average Yield: One packet of seeds could yield 50 pounds of cabbage. Continuous Yield: No Life Cycle: Annual Difficulty Rating (1-5): 2 |