Cabbage is one of the most rewarding vegetables you can grow—crisp, leafy, hardy, and packed with vitamins. Whether you enjoy it stir-fried, fermented, pickled, or fresh in salads, nothing beats the taste of homegrown cabbage straight from your garden. And the best part? You can grow cabbage easily from seeds, even if you’re a beginner or gardening in containers.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the cabbage-growing journey—from sowing seeds, caring for seedlings, preventing pests, and finally harvesting beautiful, firm heads. With the right technique, your cabbage patch can transform into a continuous supply of fresh, healthy vegetables.

Let’s dive in!

Why Grow Cabbage from Seed?

Growing cabbage from seeds gives you numerous advantages:

1. More Variety

Seeds give you access to many types—green, red, savoy, napa, or miniature varieties—far more options than nursery seedlings.

2. Healthier Plants

Seed-grown plants adapt better to your soil and climate.

3. Cost-Effective

One packet of seeds can give you 50–100 plants—much cheaper than buying seedlings.

4. Better Control

You can decide how much fertilizer, water, and sunlight your plants get from the very first day.

Step 1: Preparing the Right Growing Environment

Before planting your cabbage seeds, ensure the basics are ready.

1. Climate Requirements

Cabbage is a cool-weather crop.

Ideal temperature:

Germination: 15–21°C
Growth: 10–25°C

It dislikes extreme heat, so sow seeds at the end of summer, early spring, or during cooler months depending on your region.

2. Sunlight Needs

Cabbage requires full sun—at least 6 hours a day.
More sunlight = bigger heads and healthier leaves.

3. Soil Preparation

Cabbage loves:

Rich, well-drained soil
pH between 6.0–7.5
High organic matter

Best soil mix (for containers or seedbeds):

40% garden soil
40% compost
20% cocopeat or sand

Enrich the soil with:

Cow dung manure
Vermicompost
Bone meal (for strong roots)

Step 2: Planting Cabbage Seeds

Cabbage seeds are small but germinate easily when sown correctly.

How to Sow Seeds (Seed Trays or Pots)

Fill seedling trays with a light seed-starting mix.
Make small holes (0.5–1 cm deep).
Place one seed per slot.
Cover lightly with soil.
Mist with water gently.
Keep trays in a bright, indirect sunlit area.

Germination time: 4–7 days
Keep soil moist but not soggy.

Step 3: Caring for the Seedlings

Once the seeds sprout, healthy growth depends on proper care.

1. Light

Place seedlings in a bright area.
If grown indoors, use grow lights 6–8 hours/day.

2. Water

Water lightly every day or every other day.
Keep soil evenly moist, not waterlogged.

3. Thinning

Remove weak or crowded seedlings early.
Each tray cell should contain only one strong seedling.

4. Hardening Off

Before transplanting outdoors:

Expose seedlings to sunlight for 2–3 hours/day
Increase gradually over a week

This prepares them to withstand outdoor conditions.

Step 4: Transplanting the Seedlings

You’ll know your seedlings are ready when:

They have 4–5 true leaves
They are about 4–6 inches tall
They look sturdy and bright green

Where to Transplant

You can plant cabbage seedlings in:

Garden beds
Raised beds
Containers (minimum 12–14 inches deep)

Spacing

Cabbage needs space to form heads.

✔ Large varieties: 18–24 inches apart
✔ Small varieties: 12–16 inches apart
✔ Row spacing: 18–24 inches

Proper spacing ensures:

Better air circulation
Larger heads
Reduced disease risk

How to Transplant

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root plug.
Place the seedling straight and bury up to the cotyledon leaves.
Firm the soil gently.
Water generously.

Mulch around the base with straw or dry leaves to retain moisture.

Step 5: Feeding Your Cabbage Plants

Cabbage is a heavy feeder. Without proper nutrition, heads will remain small and loose.

Recommended Fertilizer Schedule

1. At Transplanting

Mix into soil:

2–3 handfuls of compost
1 tbsp bone meal or neem cake

2. After 2 Weeks

Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer:

Vermicompost
Fish emulsion
Diluted cow dung tea

Nitrogen promotes leafy growth.

3. After 4–5 Weeks

Switch to balanced fertilizers:

NPK 10-10-10 (organic or synthetic)
Banana peel fertilizer (potassium)

This helps the cabbage form tight, firm heads.

Mulching

Applying mulch helps:

Prevent weed growth
Reduce water loss
Maintain cool soil temperature

Step 6: Watering Properly

Consistent watering is essential.

Cabbage Watering Rules

Keep soil constantly moist, especially during head formation.
Water deeply 2–3 times a week.
Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Tip: Use drip irrigation or water directly at the root zone.

Step 7: Pest & Disease Control

Cabbage attracts several pests, but early prevention helps.

Common Pests

Aphids
Cabbage worms
Cutworms
Caterpillars
Snails & slugs

Organic Control Methods

✔ Neem oil spray every 7 days
✔ Chili-garlic spray
✔ Handpick worms
✔ Use netting to prevent butterflies

Diseases

Powdery mildew
Black rot
Downy mildew

Prevention Tips

Avoid overhead watering
Leave proper spacing
Improve air circulation
Rotate crops every season

A healthy plant naturally resists most diseases.

Step 8: Cabbage Head Formation

This is the most exciting phase!

As the plant matures:

Outer leaves widen
Inner leaves start curling
A tight, round head forms

Signs of healthy head formation:

Firm center
Glossy green leaves
Steady growth rate

To promote bigger heads:

Feed potassium-rich fertilizer
Maintain consistent moisture
Keep plants stress-free

Step 9: Harvesting Your Cabbage

Depending on the variety, cabbage takes 70–120 days from seed to harvest.

When Is It Ready?

The head feels firm when pressed.
It reaches its expected size (variety-dependent).
Outer leaves stay green and fresh.

How to Harvest

Hold the cabbage firmly.
Use a sharp knife to cut the base.
Leave outer leaves and root if you want side shoots.

Yes—many cabbage varieties produce small baby cabbages after the main harvest.

Bonus: Growing Cabbage in Containers

Container gardening is perfect for small spaces.

Container Size

Minimum 12–14 inches depth, 10–12 inches wide.

Soil Mix

40% compost
30% garden soil
30% cocopeat/perlite

Tips

✔ Place container in full sun
✔ Water more frequently
✔ Add liquid fertilizer every 10–12 days

Your container cabbage can grow just as well as garden-grown varieties!

Final Thoughts: Grow Fresh, Crisp Cabbage at Home

Growing cabbage from seed is deeply satisfying—and easier than many gardeners think. With consistent care, a nutrient-rich soil mix, proper spacing, and regular watering, you can harvest delicious, crisp, homegrown cabbage from even a small garden or balcony.