Cabbage Plant Growth Stages: From Seedling to Harvest

You have seen cabbage plants in fields, gardens and markets. It looks like a ball covered with leaves. The growth stages of the cabbage plant are simple and easy. You can start to grow cabbage on your own farm.

In this article, the growth stages of cabbage plant are described in a simple way.

If you love growing seasonal vegetables, this article is for you.

Understanding the Growing Stages of Cabbage

Cabbage is a cool-season, nutrient-dense vegetable that is easy to grow at home. Home gardeners can maximize yields by understanding cabbage growing stages.

When its seeds are first sown, they enter the germination stage. Giving the right growing conditions to seed germination. Seeds will sprout roots and an embryonic leaf within 5–14 days.

Once the first true cabbage leaves fully unfold, it enters the vegetative stage. During this stage, plants need energy to develop a strong root system and produce broad, sturdy leaves. Ideal soil temperatures of 60–65 °F encourage robust but slower growth. Keep the soil moist.

As cabbage plants mature, internal physiological changes start flowering. They form tight clusters of small white flowers called button heads. From here, the bolting stage starts.

Germination Stage or Seedling

There are a few different options for starting cabbage from seeds. While directly sowing in the garden, there is a possibility of soil-borne diseases in wet spring weather. Therefore, many gardeners choose to get a head start indoors.

Start by sowing cabbage seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the spring frost. This allows seedlings to grow the strongest roots and true leaves. Later, you can transplant them outside.

Start seeds in individual biodegradable pots or seedling trays using a sterile potting mix. Maintain a soil temperature between 65 and 75 °F for best germination rates.

Within 5–14 days, the first tiny new leaves will emerge from the sown seeds.

Once sprouted, move the seed tray to a sunny windowsill or under a grow light setup.

Around 4-6 weeks after sowing, transplant seedlings 18–24 inches apart into cultivated garden beds.

Space to grow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows 1-2 feet apart. 

Vegetative Stage of Cabbage Plant

Once transplanted into the garden. Its seedlings enter the vegetative phase of growth. This stage typically lasts 4-6 weeks.

During this time, the young plants focus on developing deep, expansive root systems and producing lush, dark green leaves.

Ideal soil conditions include a pH of 6.0–6.7. Compost or fertilizer applications will encourage robust development. 

Proper watering is important during dry spells. 

New outer leaves form in a rounded, stacked rosette pattern. The inner wrapper leaves overlap to protect the hearts of future cabbage heads from damage. 

Leaves reach 8–12 inches wide by the end of this stage. Regular weeding, especially during periods of rainfall, prevents competition for resources.

Bolting and Heading Stage

As cabbage plants mature, they undergo transitional changes both above and below ground in preparation for reproducing. This signals the start of the bolting stage.

Some of the first signs of transitioning to the reproductive phase include thickening of the primary stem and smaller leaves developing higher on the plant. 

Stress factors like excessive heat, cold or dry spells can sometimes trigger early bolting responses. 

To minimize this, ensure it has adequate moisture, fertilizer, or manure and protection from temperature extremes during the vegetative stage and early bolting phases.

Once bolting signals are observed, the main event is underway: heads of pale green cabbage form tightly packed in spiraling tiers.

As heads mature, interior leaves will soften and wrap more tightly.

Maturation or Plant Growth Stage

Once cabbage heads reach full size, they enter the final maturation phase. At this point, largest yields can be achieved and storing or selling  becomes possible.

Some signs a cabbage head has reached complete maturation include:

• Reaching the expected full size potential for its variety, 2–6 inches in diameter.
• Heads feel firm and dense throughout when squeezed.
• Inner leaves curl against the solid core.
• Heads maintain a bright, deep green color without yellowing.

Peak fall harvest periods vary based on the variety of crops. Generally, these periods occur 2-4 months after transplanting seedlings or direct seeding.

At full maturity, resistant varieties can be overwintered in the garden if given protections like mulch. Otherwise, cabbage can last several months when cured and stored at 32–40°F with high humidity.

Under these conditions, some varieties will keep their quality for up to 6 months.

Harvesting Cabbage

Now that cabbage heads have matured, it’s ready to harvest the vegetable for the kitchen or storage.

Choosing the ideal harvest period is important. Most cabbage varieties are ready for harvest when heads reach full size and density. 

Heads should feel heavy, and leaves should be darkened. Cutting too early results in smaller yields while delaying the risk of quality decline.

The right tools make harvesting cabbage a simple task. A sharp knife works best for cutting. 

Cut heads below the bottom leaves, leaving a 2-3 inch long stem. This keeps the head intact rather than separating inner leaves.

For long term storage, consider techniques like curing and canning cabbage. To cure, leave cut necks exposed to full sun and air for 2–3 days. 

Proper drying helps combat rot and allows the vegetable to store for months. 

Canning sauerkraut is a way to preserve it and extend its shelf life. When canned, sauerkraut can last for more than 12 months.

Different types can be planted for a longer harvest from fall to early spring. 

Homegrown cabbage can stay crunchy and delicious after late summer with careful harvesting methods.

Troubleshooting Common Grow Cabbage Issues

Even with best efforts, cabbage crops can encounter occasional problems in the garden. Some common issues and solutions:

Cabbage Loops/Imported Cabbageworms – Green caterpillars chew holes in leaves. Hand pick caterpillars and destroy infected plants.

Black Rot: Fungal disease forms black, wet spots on leaves and stems. Remove infected plants and practice crop rotations.

Clubroot: galls and misshapen roots caused by soil-borne Plasmodiophora organisms. Improve drainage and rotate crops for at least 3 years between brassicas.

Yellows/Stunting: Caused by tiny cabbage root flies laying eggs at stem bases. Use floating row covers before heads to block access.

Splitting: Occurs due to uneven moisture while heading. Use techniques like basket weaving to support the development of cabbage.

Rotting: due to over-maturity, moisture. Harvest cabbage at full size but before deterioration sets in.

Aphids—sap-sucking insects—transmit diseases and stress plants. Spray off with a strong water stream or use insecticidal soaps for small populations.

Being proactive by selecting pest-resistant varieties, rotating crops, weeding, and maintaining healthy soil and plants goes a long way in avoiding issues. Quick detection and appropriate remedies can limit damage when problems do occur.

Tips for Success Growth Stages of Cabbage

Now that the basics of growing cabbage have been covered, here are some additional tips to ensure a successful harvest:

Maintain proper water and nutrients : Cabbage growth needs 1-2 inches of water per week and balanced fertilizer or manure like compost tea every few weeks.

Use companion plants: Marigolds, tomatoes and garlic are great companions that repel pests. Plant among cabbage rows.

Overwinter cabbage: In colder zones, protect fall cabbage with mulch and low tunnels for harvest into next spring.

Stake tall varieties: Wrap cabbage tied to stakes or cages to prevent large heads from breaking under their weight.

Create successive plantings: Sow seeds or set transplants of quick maturing types every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply.

Control bugs and diseases: check for pests like cabbage maggots or worms and use organic remedies at first sight. Remove damaged leaves.

Harvest at full size: Cut heads when firm and before flower shoots emerge for best quality and storage potential.

Store : Cure harvested cabbage in sunlight, then refrigerate or can for extended freshness over winter months.

Save seeds: Allow some plants to mature seed heads for harvest, then dry and store seeds for next season.

FAQs on Cabbage Growing

Q. What soil conditions do cabbages need?

A. Ideal cabbage soil is loose, fertile and rich in organic matter, with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Cabbage thrives in moisture-retentive but well-draining soil.

Q. How much space does each cabbage plant need?

A. Space cabbage 12–24 inches apart in the row, allowing 15–30 inches between rows. Dense plantings should divide 15–18 square inches per plant.

Q. When should I plant cabbage seedlings outdoors?

A. The best timeframe is 6–8 weeks before the average spring last frost date in your growing zone. Hardier varieties can go out earlier.

Q. How can I tell the difference between cabbage varieties?

A. Varieties differ in head shape, size, color and maturity time. Check descriptions before buying to understand traits like green vs red cabbages.

Q. What pests and diseases commonly affect cabbage?

A. Major issues include cabbage worms, root maggots, clubroot disease, black rot fungus and mildew. Cultural practices like rotation help prevent recurring problems.

Conclusion

Cabbage is a highly nutritious and satisfying vegetable to grow at home through understanding its developmental stages.

By understanding the full production cycle and leveraging useful techniques, home gardeners can consistently grow bountiful cabbage crops year after year. 

Tips such as succession planting, staking support and seed-saving also enable continuous production

With fundamental understanding and experience over seasons, growing stages cease to present challenges on the path to a bountiful harvest.