When transplants reach 5 inches tall, thin to make sure they are still the desired length apart
(The plants you remove can be transplanted elsewhere in your garden
)Fertilize 3 weeks after transplanting
Keep soil moist with mulch and water 2 inches per week
Start cabbage seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost
See frost dates for your area here
Harden off plants over the course of a week
To prepare soil, till in aged manure or compost
Transplant outdoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last expected frost date
Choose a cloudy afternoon
Plant 12 to 24 inches apart in rows, depending on size of head desired
The closer you plant, the smaller the heads
Mulch thickly to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Practice crop rotation with cabbage year to year to avoid a build-up of soil-borne diseases
Although broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are closely related, cabbage will not tolerate them
Also, avoid proximity to strawberries and tomatoes
Cabbage can be grown near beans and cucumbers
Cabbage Red Imported Care
The planting season for cabbage is quite long
Early cabbage should be transplanted as soon as possible so that it can mature before summertime heat
If you have been wondering when to plant cabbage plants, you should know that several varieties are available at different maturity times so you can have a harvest all summer long
When thinking about when to plant cabbage plants, you should remember that hardened plants can be very tolerant of frosts
Therefore, you can plant these early in the spring with other cool-season vegetables
Late cabbage can be started during mid-summer, but remember that they won't develop ahead until fall
Sunlight
Cabbage needs at least 6 hours of full sun each day; more is better.
Watering
Water regularly, applying 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week if it doesn't rain.
Soil
Requires well-drained soil, fertile soil high in organic matter, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Can tolerate slightly alkaline soil. This heavy feeder also needs plentiful, consistent moisture.
Temperature
Germination temperature: 45 F to 85 F - Will germinate at soil temperatures as low as 40 F.
Fertilizer
Fertilize plants again with a liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion or 20-20-20 after they begin to develop new leaves and when they start forming heads.
Harvest Season
Harvest when heads reach desired size and are firm. This will take around 70 days for most green cabbage varieties.
Most early varieties will produce 1- to 3-pound heads.
Cut each cabbage head at its base with a sharp knife. After harvesting, bring inside or put in shade immediately.
To get two crops from early cabbage plants, cut the cabbage head out of the plant, leaving the outer leaves and roots in the garden.
The plant will send up new heads. pinch them off until only four or so smaller heads remain.
When these grow to tennis-ball size, they will be perfect for salad.
After harvesting, remove the entire stem and root system from the soil to prevent disease build-up.
Only compost healthy plants; destroy those with maggot infestation.
Cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks, wrapped lightly in plastic. Make sure it is dry before storing.
In proper root cellar conditions, cabbage will keep for up to 3 months.
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