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Wednesday, 02 March 2011
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Cabbage is a herbaceous and biennial leafy green vegetable of the Brassicaceae family, which comes in a range of shapes, sizes and colours.
For a long time the cabbage took a back seat to other Brassicas like Broccoli and cauliflower but is now popular with vegetable gardeners, old and new.
Varieties:
- Round head types or drumhead
- Savoy – crinkly leafed type
- Asian Cabbage
- Red Cabbage
- Dwarf Cabbages – small round head types
When, where and how to plant:Cabbage requires a deep, rich soil well dug over prior to planting with a good general fertiliser added. Although cabbage is quite hardy and can withstand frost and cold winds, a warm and well-drained soil is best for an autumn planting.
Plant in full sun, while noting that Asian cabbage will grow in a semi shady area. Don’t use a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen, as it will prevent the cabbages from hearting.
Rotate where you plant cabbages each year with different vegetables. You can sow seeds in late spring or plant out seedlings once the ground temperatures warm after winter. A second sowing or planting in autumn will produce a late winter/spring crop.
Growing guide:Keep well watered through the dry periods, trying not to water the centre of the cabbage as this may cause the cabbage to split. To hurry the plants along, nitrate of soda can be given on light, and sulphate of ammonia on heavy soil.
Cabbage can take anything from 8 to 12 weeks to form. Once planted, protect cabbages from slugs, snails with slug and snail bait; White butterflies with Derris Dust and aphids with an insect spray.
Harvest:Harvest once head has formed or at the desired size. Cabbages will hold once ready in the cooled months.
How to use:A good source of riboflavin, cabbages are most commonly used in coleslaw and salads. With a naturally spicy flavor, cabbage is also an excellent vegetable choice for stir-fries and Asian recipes.
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Grow your Own 
