Cabbage Red Acre

Growing Conditions

Climate:

• Cabbage thrives in cool weather, ideally with day temperatures between 15-20°C.
• In warmer regions, it can be grown in late summer to autumn or winter; in cooler regions, it’s perfect for spring or autumn planting.

Soil:

• Cabbage prefers fertile, loamy soil with good drainage. A soil amendment of well-rotted manure or compost enhances nutrient content.
• Soil pH should be within the range of 6.0 to 7.0. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and amend as necessary.

Sunlight:

• Choose a location that receives full sun (6-8 hours a day), which helps promote healthy growth and reduces pest problems.

Planting

Seeds or Seedlings:

• Seed Starting: If starting from seeds, sow indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost, then transplant outside after acclimatizing the seedlings.
• Direct Sowing: Alternatively, sow seeds directly in the garden when soil temperatures reach 10°C .

Spacing:

• Space the plants adequately for good air circulation. Generally, space seedlings 70 cm apart in rows that are at least 70 cm apart.

Care and Maintenance

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Regular deep watering (about 5-7 cm per week) is essential, especially during dry spells.
• Mulch around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilising:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost when planting, following up with side-dressing once the plants are a few weeks old.
• Look for a fertiliser high in nitrogen.

Weeding:

• Regularly remove weeds that compete for nutrients and water.
• Hand-pulling or shallow cultivation is recommended to avoid disturbing cabbage roots.

Pest and Disease Management

Cabbage is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. Here are the common ones:

Pests:

• Cabbage Moths and Caterpillars: They can be controlled with floating row covers or natural predators like ladybugs.
• Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like lacewings.

Diseases:

• Black Leg/Clubroot: Rotating crops and ensuring good soil drainage can help prevent disease.
• Downy Mildew: Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation.

Harvesting

Timing:

• Cabbages are usually ready to harvest 70-100 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Signs of Readiness:

• Harvest when the heads feel firm to the touch and reach the desired size. The outer leaves will begin to yellow slightly.

Method:

• Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the stem. Leave a few outer leaves intact to allow for regrowth.

Storage

• Store harvested cabbage in a cool, dark place. Cabbage can last for weeks in the refrigerator, especially if unwashed and kept in a breathable bag.