Cut the ripened cabbage head using a knife once it seems hard to touch, but before it divides.Rotate cabbage with other crops to minimize the buildup of soil-borne infections.The former enriches the soil with nitrogen while the latter attracts beneficial wasps that eliminate cabbage worms. Instead, plant them close to beans and dill. So, don’t plant them together with other related species. Cabbages, like other Brassica species, quickly deplete the soil of resources.Apply a thick layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature and prevent loss of moisture.Examine the pots each day for any indications of moisture loss.Keep the soil moist and greenhouse temperature as they grow.The ideal soil temperature that facilitates effective germination is 65☏.Simple to transplant: Transplant the seedlings when they have developed two leaves.The desired spacing is two feet by two feet.Maintain a moistened seed tray till the seedlings sprout and are ready for transplanting.Start the cabbage seeds in a small nursery inside the greenhouse ( Get some hydroponic seed trays for your greenhouse!).Keep away from: Tomatoes, beans, peppers and strawberries.Grow from seed: 1/4-1/2 in deep, spacing 2 ft by 2 ft.A distance of 1 mile is usually adequate.Quick overview of growing cabbage in a greenhouse Therefore, care should be taken to isolate the seed crop from potential pollen contaminates. All cole crops (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, kale, and kohlrabi) belong to the same species and cross-pollinate readily. To facilitate the emergence of the seed head, an "x" should be cut in the head once plants have re-established themselves in the spring. Plants can then be planted outdoors in the spring. In colder climates, mature cabbages must be dug in the fall and stored indoors using the long-term method described above. In temperate climates, cabbages grown for seed can be planted in mid-summer and left to overwinter in the field. SAVING SEED: Cabbages are biennials and require an extended vernalization period for seed production. The ideal conditions for cabbage storage are 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% humidity. Store in a root cellar or other cool, well-ventilated place. Harvest by pulling plants up by the roots, being careful not to damage the head. Inspect for cracks as damaged heads will not keep. For winter storage of fall cabbages, select solid, disease-free cabbages with tightly wrapped leaves. If storing in the fridge, leave as many of the wrapped leaves intact as possible and do not wash until use. For fresh eating or short term storage: Using a sharp knife, cut the heads at the stem. HARVEST AND STORAGE: Cabbages can be harvested at any time once the heads reach ample size. To slow the growth of a mature cabbage and thus prevent splitting, pull or twist the plant slightly to break roots or sever some of the roots by inserting a shovel on one side of the plant. Splitting of mature or nearly mature heads is a common issue caused by fluctuations in moisture and heads that have grown too large. If weeds become a problem, pulling is preferable to hoeing. Mulch plants to prevent weed growth and maintain consistent moisture. Floating row covers and biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are very effective at controlling caterpillar damage.ĭISEASES AND OTHER PROBLEMS: The shallow root system of cabbage makes it very susceptible to fluctuations in soil moisture and damage by cultivation. Otherwise, the predominant threat to cabbages is the cabbage moth caterpillar. INSECT PESTS: Very young direct-seeded plants are susceptible to flea beetles. Water well and mulch with straw, newspaper, or grass clippings. Space transplants 18-24" apart in all directions. TRANSPLANTING: Set plants outdoors 4-5 weeks before last frost and after plants have put out at least three true leaves. Floating row covers are recommended to protect late-planted seedlings from flea beetles. Fall cabbages can be started indoors approximately 3 months before last frost or direct seeded in mid-summer. Germination will occur in approximately 5 days. Sow seeds 1/4" deep in sterile seed starting media. SOWING: Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Cabbage prefers full sun, but can tolerate some light shade, especially in very warm climates. For best results, mulch plants with straw, newspaper or other natural materials. Cabbage has a shallow, dense root system that makes it prone to moisture fluctuations and damage by cultivation. CULTURE: All cabbages are heavy feeders and thus prefer rich, fertile soil with ample amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron.
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