Cabbage Growing Guide - Seeds In A Cup®

History of Cabbage

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) originated in the Mediterranean, cultivated by the Celts as early as 1000 BCE. The Romans popularized it as a staple vegetable, and by the Middle Ages, it was a key crop across Europe, valued for its storage qualities and nutrition.

Growing Cabbage from Seed

Materials Needed: Cabbage seeds, potting mix, 4-inch pots, watering can.
Germination Info: 5-10 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C), no stratification, 90% success rate.

Harvest Seeds: Use fresh cabbage seeds.
Prepare: Fill pots with moist potting mix.
Plant Seeds: Sow ½ inch deep, 2-3 seeds per pot.
Provide Conditions: Keep cool (65-75°F), moist, in full sun.
Monitor Growth: Sprouts in 5-10 days; thin to one at 2 inches.
Transplant: Move to garden after 4-6 weeks, spacing 18-24 inches apart.

Suggestions: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; grow in cool weather for best heads.

Container Gardening Tips

Cabbage can grow in large containers with Seeds In A Cup® kits.

Container Size: 15-20 gallon pots with drainage.
Soil Mix: Rich mix with compost (2:1).
Location: Full sun (6-8 hours).
Watering: Every 2-3 days, keep moist.
Pruning: Remove outer leaves if yellowing.

In-Ground Gardening

Space Needed: 18-24 inches apart, rows 2-3 ft apart.
Soil Types: Well-drained loam; test with jar method.
Watering: 1-2 inches weekly.
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours).

Plant Profile Chart

Common Name	Botanical Name	Family	Plant Type	Size	Sun Exposure	Soil Type	Soil pH	Bloom Time	Hardiness Zone	Native Area	Toxicity
Cabbage	Brassica oleracea var. capitata	Brassicaceae	Annual Vegetable	1-3 ft tall	Full Sun	Loamy	6.0-7.0	N/A	1-10 (annual)	Mediterranean	Non-Toxic

Diseases and Pests

Diseases: - Black Rot (Xanthomonas campestris): Yellowing leaves.
Pests: - Cabbage Worms: Leaf damage.
Prevention: Rotate crops, use row covers.
Remedies: Apply Bt, remove affected leaves.