I prefer to grow Chinese or Napa cabbage as it has a milder flavor and takes less space because it does not form a big round head.
You have choices with cabbage as you can give it a head start indoors or directly sow it outside. Also, cabbage can be grown via hydroponics.
In order to germinate, cabbage seeds prefer soil temperatures between 55℉ and 75℉.
Indoor Sowing Tips:
Sow the seeds 1/4″ deep in the spring or late summer to early fall under grow lights.
While I initially water the seeds from above until the seeds germinate, I switch to water from below in the seed tray.
Transplant the cabbage seedlings to 4 inch pots in the grow room once there are a few sets of true leaves and continue to water them from below in the seed tray.
Don’t forget to harden off the seedlings before transplanting.
It is suggested to space cabbage seedlings between 6 inches apart (4 plants per square foot) or 12 inches apart (1 plant per square foot) depending on the variety and the type of cabbage.
Outdoor Sowing Tips:
Cabbage seeds should be sowed 1/4″ deep. Outdoor sowing should be done in early to mid spring and late summer to early fall.
Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart (4 plants per square foot) or 12 inches apart (1 plant per square foot) depending on the variety and type. If you want baby cabbage, then plant the seeds closer together.
Initially I water the seeds from above until the seeds germinate, then switch to the drip system.
Cabbage is good for succession planting and baby cabbage for interplanting. Cabbage does not like the summer heat.
Growing Tips:
You can extend the planting and transplanting schedules and be prepared for crazy temperature swings by using hoop tunnels and garden fabric.
Provide compost when planting and liquid fish or seaweed plant food or a plant food that is higher in nitrogen as needed.
Keep cabbage seedlings and plants moist but not soggy by using a drip system.
Since cabbage is part of the Brassica Family, it may be attacked by slugs so I use Sluggo Plus to get rid of them.
Also, I secure mosquito netting over my hoop tunnels to keep out the cabbage moths and other pests. Don’t forget that rabbits love greens too!
Since cabbage loves cooler weather and the roots are shallow, you may want to use a shade cloth over hoops in the afternoon and use some leaf mulch
Sowing and growing tips for Chinese cabbage are similar to the sow and grow tips for Bok Choy. Also, Cabbage belongs to the greens veggie category.
