Brassica oleracea capitata
HEIGHT x WIDTH: 40cm x 40cm.
DISTANCE APART: 40cm
WHEN TO HARVEST: ‘Space Saver’ cabbage is usually ready to be harvested about 60 days after planting and can be cut at any size but the head should feel firm. To harvest the cabbage, use a long knife to cut the stem under the head.
HOW MUCH WATER: Water every day unless it rains.
WHERE TO PLANT: Full sun
CAN I GROW THEM IN A POT? Yes. Fill a large pot that is 50cm deep with premium potting mix, plant the seedlings and water them well. Make sure that the container gets plenty of sunlight.
CAN I GROW THEM IN A GARDEN BED? Yes, choose a spot that gets 6 hours of sun. Mix lots of compost or animal manure into the soil, plant the seedlings and water well. Spread some mulch such as pea straw or lucerne hay over the soil.
BEST BUDDY PLANTS: Cabbages are best buddies with beans, celery, onions, tomato, beetroot and silverbeet.
OTHER ‘SMARTY PLANT’ TIPS:
- When you get your seedlings home, let them sit in a shallow tray of water which has had a tablespoon of seaweed solution added for an hour or two. This will get them ready for transplanting.
- After planting, water the seedlings with a very soft hose or a watering can several times a day until they settle in.
- Cabbages need lots of food so that they can grow firm, crispy heads really quickly so give them a side dressing of granular fertiliser or water them with liquid fertiliser every fortnight.
There’s more information at the Smarty Plants website.