All You Need to Know About Growing Cabbage in a Container in 6 Steps
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated at: July 8, 2023
Do you want to pick fresh home-grown cabbage packed with nutrition? But you don’t have access to an outdoor space. No worries. You can grow cabbage in the container from a confined space on your balcony or patio.
Cabbage is not only incredibly versatile in the kitchen but also low in calories, and rich in vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K.
This guide will walk you through all the details and tips that you need to know to grow cabbage successfully. With a little bit of guidance, you’ll be on your way to growing cabbage in a container.
Ready to get the juicy insights? Let’s dive deeper!
About Cabbage
Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that grows best in sunny spots with healthy, well-drained soil. Temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit might cause bolting, which occurs when your plants develop too quickly and then cease flowering and set seeds. Full sun is ideal for developing; darkness might impede the growth process. Cabbages are classified into three categories. Common cabbage has dark green leaves. Dutch cabbage has a larger heart and leaves, as well as a milder flavor. It is pale green or even white in color. The leaves of red cabbage are purplish in color. From May to August, they are in bloom, and from July to September, they are ready for harvest.
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil Texture: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist
Available Space To Plant: 12 inches-3 feet
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Recommended Varieties
Because different cabbages develop in different ways, choose one that will thrive in the limited space of the container. Some of the best cultivars for growing in containers are ‘Gonzales,’ ‘Dwarf Modern,’ ‘Little Leaguer,’ and ‘Red Ace.’ These varieties are tiny and require little space to grow, making them perfect for container gardens. They are also noted for their rapid growth, large production, and delicious taste.
How to Choose the Right Container?
You can use pots, buckets, basins, huge bowls, or old recyclable containers from your home. With appropriate drainage, a single cabbage can grow successfully in a 10-12 inch broad and deep pot. Planting more than one of that size cabbage will result in lesser heads. If you want to produce more cabbages in one pot, use larger containers. Make sure to clean and disinfect any re-used containers or pots before using them for another plant.
How To Grow Cabbage?
1
Soil Preparation
For growing cabbage in a container, choose healthy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Apply all-purpose fertilizer (16-16-8 or 10-10-10) before planting as per recommended dose on the packet..
2
Planting and Spacing
Cabbage can be grown from seed or as transplants. Plant seeds 14-34 inches deep and thin to the final stand when plants have 3-4 genuine leaves. Plants removed during thinning might be transferred to other containers. Transplants are utilized to allow for an earlier harvest. Before planting, transplants should have 4-6 mature leaves and a well-developed root system. Generally, it takes 5-6 weeks to grow transplants to this size.
Transplants should be sown 2-3 weeks before the growing area’s last frost date. Seeded cabbage can be planted at the same time. Choose early maturing cultivars for autumn maturing cabbage and plant 50-75 days before the expected maturity date. Maturity should occur approximately 1-2 weeks after the first fall frost. High temperatures slow growth, impair quality, and may cause internal tipburn.
3
Watering and fertilization
While growing cabbage in a container, make sure to water deeply and infrequently to keep soil moisture balanced. Each week, around 1-2 inches of water are necessary. Mulching around the plant conserves soil moisture and inhibits weed growth. During heading, moisture changes cause maturing heads to break open.
After 4 weeks of transplanting or thinning, use a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) to boost plant development. After heads begin to form, avoid adding more nitrogen. At this time of year, high nitrogen levels induce loose heads and splitting. Irrigate the fertilizer into the soil 6 inches to the side of the plant.
4
Managing Pests and diseases
While growing cabbage in a container, you may encounter the following problems, and here is how you can solve these:
- Aphids: Soft-bodied green or black insects that feed on the underside of leaves. The leaves crumple and bend. To remove insects, use insecticidal soaps, suitable pesticides, or a robust stream of water.
- Cabbage Worms and Loopers: Cabbage worms and loopers range in color from pale to dark green. Adult loopers look like gray or brown moths, whereas cabbage worms seem like white butterflies. Worms and loopers lurk in cabbage heads and create holes in the leaves. Control worms and loopers with pesticides or biological methods.
- Flea Beetles: They are black in color and feed on the seedlings. Adults use their teeth to chew tiny holes in leaves and cotyledons. Beetles can harm seedlings or diminish plant standing. Control bugs with insecticides during sowing or after seedlings emerge from the soil.
- Alternaria Leaf Spot A more common symptom is leaf blotches on leaves or heads. Spots form concentric circles with a black, sooty appearance. Use an appropriate fungicide. Avoid the use of overhead irrigation. Use crop rotation and excellent sanitation.
5
Harvest And Storage
You can harvest cabbage when it is fully grown, sturdy, and compact. Leave 2-3 wrapper leaves on the stem below the crown for protection. Cabbage can be safely preserved at 32°F and 95% relative humidity for 2-6 months. When keeping cabbage, avoid storing it near apples, pears, or other ethylene-producing fruits, as bitter flavors will develop.
Start Growing Cabbage in a Container!
Growing cabbage in a container allows you to say goodbye to store-bought cabbage and enjoy nutritious, crunchy cabbage at your doorstep. Remember, container gardening is more than just a practical solution for limited space.
With the help of this guide, you’re all set to start your cabbage growing journey. So, are you ready to enjoy the homegrown goodness? You just need to take the first step and invest a bit of time and resources. Soon, you’ll b enjoying cabbage harvests from your container garden.
Check out growing guide for onions, cucumbers, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli.
