A good Cabbage crop begins with large vigorous health seedlings 4 to 6 weeks old,
grown in 4" or larger growing pots. Growing your own seedlings insure quality and
varieties not commercially available. Cabbage seedling are commonly found commercially
if you prefer just buying your seedlings. The seeds should be started about 6 to
8 weeks before your average last frost date in your zone, or 6 to 8 weeks before
your last frost date for a early spring crop.
Make sure the seed starting mix is a light sterile soil mix with a liberal portion
of Perlite or Vermiculite to maintain moisture.
Sow 2 seeds per 4"pot about ¼" deep in pre-moistened growing mix. During the day,
keep the seedling next to a sunny window after they have germinated. Move to top
of the water heater or refrigerator at night if you do not have a greenhouse. A heated
greenhouse will produce ideal, controllable growing conditions. You can use supplemental
overhead florescent lighting when needed. Never allow your lights to burn more than
16 hours per day. A cheap electrical timer is the key to success here. Seedlings
must be allowed to have a period of rest from light to grow properly. Hang your lights
1½ inches above the tops of the seedlings. This will prevent the seedling from becoming
leggy. Raise the lights suspended by a chain as the plants grow. Do not allow the
soil to dry out. Feed newly emerged seedlings every other watering cycle. Try feeding
young seedlings with Fish Emulsion or liquid seaweed. After they have grown 2 true
leaves use a fertilizer high in phosphorus. Fertilize every two weeks until transplant
time.
Four weeks after seedlings have emerged clip off at the soil line the smallest of
the 2 seedlings with scissors. Seeds can also be started by directly sowing into
your prepared wide row beds. Plant 2 seed ¼" deep about 16" apart and water gently.
Four weeks after seedling have emerged thin the seedlings to one seedling per hill.
Clip the smallest one at ground level with scissors.
Cabbage is a cool-season crop, closely related to broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and
mustard. It can be grown as either a spring or a fall crop. Cabbage is a popular
high-quality vegetable for fresh use. Cabbage is highly nutritious and delicious
fried, boiled or eaten raw as a salad or coleslaw. This vegetable is a good source
of Vitamin C.
