Choose a sunny site with fertile soil. They will do better out of strong wind.
Raised beds or traditional plots are perfect. If growing in pots, they will need a fairly large pot each - approx 40x40cm
Plant cabbages 40cm apart and firm in really well - this will encourage them to form a tight heart.
Place a brassica collar around base of stem to prevent cabbage root fly (you can do this by cutting a 10cm disc from cardboard, then cut into the centre and pop it around the base of the stem)
Net against pigeons and cabbage white butterflies – you could make a hoop tunnel approx. 50cm high, and cover with insect proof mesh/net. Alternatively, drape horticultural fleece over the plants and secure with stones at the corners and sides.
Growing Tips:
During dry spells, water well twice a week.
Protect against slugs/snails
Cabbages will normally start off producing lots of open leaves in spring, and only later in the summer will they start to produce a tight head.
Problems & Pests:
Cabbage root fly – stunted growth/sudden wilting – the maggots tunnel into the roots to feed and the roots start to rot. Brassica collars and fine mesh netting will help to prevent this in future.
Eaten by caterpillars – use netting to avoid Cabbage White butterfly from laying eggs in the first place. Check foliage (underside and near stems) regularly for small white/green/yellow eggs and wipe off. Pick off caterpillars if you find them.
Club root – stunted growth/discoloured leaves – this is a fungal disease that can’t be remedied so you will need to get rid of affected plants. Plant future brassicas in a different area of the plot to avoid re-infection in subsequent years.
Slugs/snails – keep them well protected as they will happily hide in the foliage and eat the sprouts
Mice/rodents – can eat the sprouts too
Pigeons – will strip leaves bare in just a couple of hours
No heart forming – this sometimes happens if weather/soil has been too hot or if the plants haven’t had enough water. It also may happen if the plant is not well firmed in.
Harvesting/Storing:
Harvest in autumn/early winter, as you wish to use them, once the cabbage has “hearted” and formed a solid cabbage-like centre. Cut off at base with sharp knife.
Cabbages will keep in the fridge for several days.
Red cabbage will store for several weeks in the fridge.
