Cabbage / Kale Plant

Caring for an outdoor cabbage plant is very similar to caring for kale, as they are part of the same brassica family and both thrive in cool weather. Here is how to keep your cabbage healthy and heading up nicely:

  • Sunlight: Plant your cabbage in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily), though they can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates.

  • Soil: They prefer rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil with plenty of organic matter like compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 6.8) is ideal.

  • Watering: Cabbage has shallow roots and requires consistent moisture to form firm, solid heads. Provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Inconsistent watering can cause the heads to split or crack.

  • Temperature: They love cool weather (ideal temperatures range from 60°F to 65°F). They can handle light frosts, but intense summer heat will cause them to bolt (flower prematurely) and ruin the head quality.

  • Fertilizing: Cabbage are heavy feeders. Mix compost into the soil before planting, and side-dress them with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or organic compost a few weeks after transplanting to encourage lush, leafy growth.

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