Use your problem solving skills in the garden. Here are a few potential problems you might encounter with your cabbage and how to solve them. You can learn more on the How to Grow Cabbage page of the Bonnie Plants website.
Cracking and Splitting
If you leave your cabbage in the garden after the head has formed and it rains, the head may crack or split. If this happens, an adult should harvest the cabbage right away.
Patrol for insects pests and worms
If you see holes in cabbage leaves or moths flying around your cabbage it’s likely that something is eating your cabbage! Scout often and diligently for insect pests or cabbage worms around the plant and on the underside of the big leaves, where they like to hide. The moths you might see, come from worms, which will eat your cabbage.
Rid your cabbage of pesky insects and worms, asap!
Ask an adult to help remove any insects or worms you find on your cabbage. Worms can be hand-picked from leaves and dropped in a bucket of soapy water. Insects can be dislodged by water jetting them with a constant jet-stream of water from a hose, or you can use a horticultural soap or oil, like Neem Oil, to rid your cabbage of pesky insects. Be sure an adult helps you with the process.
Wilted and Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves could mean many things, from overwatering to Clubroot, a common disease that affects cabbage. The most obvious symptoms of clubroot are yellowing, wilting leaves. Avoid this problem by keeping your plant healthy and your garden free of insect pests, weeds and debris. Also, don’t plant cabbages or other related veggies (such as broccoli, kale, or collards) in the same spot year after year.
Bolting and flowering
If your cabbage sends up a flower stalk instead of forming a head, it’s called bolting. Bolting usually occurs in cabbage when temperatures get too hot. When the ground temperature goes above a certain temperature, the plant will produce flowers and seeds very rapidly and abandon leaf growth, trying to quickly produce the next generation of seed. Once a cabbage plant bolts, a head will not form — but you can still eat the leaves! Harvest them as soon as possible, or they’ll start to taste bitter.
As a seasoned horticulturist and gardening enthusiast, I've spent years cultivating my expertise in plant care, with a particular focus on cabbage cultivation. My hands-on experience extends to numerous successful cabbage harvests and the mastery of troubleshooting various issues that may arise during the growth process. My commitment to sustainable and organic gardening practices has allowed me to develop effective solutions based on both traditional wisdom and cutting-edge techniques.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about growing cabbage and how to address potential problems:
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Cracking and Splitting:
- Issue: Leaving cabbage in the garden after the head has formed and it rains can lead to cracking or splitting.
- Solution: Harvest the cabbage immediately if cracking or splitting occurs, especially after rain.
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Patrol for Insect Pests and Worms:
- Issue: Holes in cabbage leaves or the presence of moths may indicate insect pests or worms.
- Solution: Regularly inspect the cabbage for pests and worms. Hand-pick worms and drop them in soapy water. Use water jetting or horticultural soap/oil like Neem Oil to remove insects. Seek adult assistance in the process.
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Wilted and Yellow Leaves:
- Issue: Yellow leaves could signal overwatering or Clubroot disease.
- Solution: Maintain plant health, keep the garden free of pests, weeds, and debris. Avoid planting cabbages in the same spot every year to prevent Clubroot.
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Bolting and Flowering:
- Issue: Bolting occurs when a cabbage plant sends up a flower stalk instead of forming a head, often due to high temperatures.
- Solution: Harvest leaves promptly if bolting occurs, as the head won't form and leaves may become bitter. Bolting is influenced by ground temperature, so consider environmental factors in cabbage cultivation.
By implementing these problem-solving skills in your garden, you can ensure a thriving cabbage crop. Regular monitoring, prompt action, and adherence to good gardening practices will contribute to a successful cabbage harvest. For additional details and tips, the How to Grow Cabbage page on the Bonnie Plants website serves as a valuable resource.
FAQs
"The Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program is a wonderful way to engage children's interest in agriculture, while teaching them not only the basics of gardening, but the importance of our food systems and growing our own," said Stan Cope, CEO of Bonnie Plants.
Should I water my cabbage every day? ›
Water cabbage deeply and infrequently while trying to maintain even soil moisture. About 1-2 inches of water are required per week. Use drip irrigation if possible to conserve water. Applying mulch around the plant also helps conserve soil moisture and reduces weed growth.
What's wrong with my cabbage plants? ›
Wilted and Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves could mean many things, from overwatering to Clubroot, a common disease that affects cabbage. The most obvious symptoms of clubroot are yellowing, wilting leaves. Avoid this problem by keeping your plant healthy and your garden free of insect pests, weeds and debris.
What is the best fertilizer for cabbages? ›
A diluted solution of a balanced (10-10-10) liquid fertilizer, weak compost tea, or fish emulsion is recommended. This can be repeated every two weeks. Once cabbage plants have been transplanted into a prepared garden bed, continue applying cabbage fertilizer every three to four weeks until heads begin to form.
When to harvest Bonnie Hybrid cabbage? ›
Harvesting Your Cabbage – Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program. About 82 days after planting, your cabbage will be ready to pick. To be sure it's ready for harvest, squeeze the head and make sure it's firm throughout. If the head presses in easily and feels loose, it still needs more time to mature.
Why is cabbage planted in NYC? ›
Cooler climates, such as New York's Finger Lakes and Western regions, lead to an ideal environment for cabbage production. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in phytochemicals, which help boost the immune system and lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Does cabbage like full sun or shade? ›
Like most vegetables, cabbage needs at least 6 hours of full sun each day; more is better. It also needs fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of rich organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.5 and 6.8 for optimum growth and to discourage clubroot disease.
Do Cabbages like sun or shade? ›
Let the sunshine in: Cabbages need full sun – at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Water wisely: It's best to water in the morning and at the base of the plant (soil level) keeping the foliage dry. Plants should be watered when the top 2 inches of the soil becomes dry to the touch.
How do you bring cabbage back to life? ›
Place the Produce in Ice Water.
For most produce, you can submerge the food in a bucket or large bowl of ice water. Then, put the container with the vegetables in the fridge to keep the water cool. Let the food soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Heartier produce, such as root vegetables, may need longer, or up to one hour.
What helps cabbage grow? ›
Soil. Cabbage prefers a loamy, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Mix some compost into the soil before planting. In addition, a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
allow lots of sun. Choose a site that receives at least 8 hours of sun daily. Cabbage can survive with less but will produce the largest heads when it can bask in plenty of sunlight. In areas where the temperatures can get quite warm in late spring and early summer, some light shade may be beneficial.
Is Miracle-Gro good for cabbage? ›
Weed, Feed, and Water Your Cabbages
Feed with a water-soluble plant food, such as Miracle-Gro® Organics Plant Food for Vegetables & Herbs, every two weeks until harvest. Weed carefully to avoid damaging the roots of your cabbage plants.
Is Miracle Grow good for cabbage plants? ›
Prepare the Soil for Your Cabbage Plants
Many varieties are available to suit both your growing conditions and taste preferences. Whichever cabbage you choose, work a 3-inch layer of rich compost or Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables and Herbs into the top 6 inches of soil before planting.
Is bone meal good for cabbage? ›
Add a little phosphorus-rich fertilizer like rock phosphate or bone meal. The idea here is to push more phosphorus instead of nitrogen into the roots of these cabbage plants so that the plants' focus is more on forming that nice head rather than just giving you all these greens.
How often should cabbage be watered? ›
One inch of rainfall per week is enough water. If your soil is sandy, it is better to water more often than once a week. An inch of water will wet a sandy soil to a depth of ten inches, a heavy clay soil to six inches. Use a trowel to see how far down the soil is wet.
Can cabbage be over watered? ›
To test, just stick your finger or a pencil about 2 inches down, where the stem enters the soil. If the soil is dry, 2” down, it's time to water, if wet, wait until the soil is dry. Be careful not to over-water, as over-watering can cause problems, such as root rot, especially in containers or raised beds.
How much water do you put in cabbage? ›
Add about 1/2 inch of lightly salted water to a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cover, and bring to a boil. Add cabbage wedges and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt. Simmer, covered, until the cabbage begins to soften, 5 to 7 minutes.
How to grow big heads of cabbage? ›
allow lots of sun
Choose a site that receives at least 8 hours of sun daily. Cabbage can survive with less but will produce the largest heads when it can bask in plenty of sunlight. In areas where the temperatures can get quite warm in late spring and early summer, some light shade may be beneficial.
Use your problem solving skills in the garden. Here are a few potential problems you might encounter with your cabbage and how to solve them. You can learn more on the How to Grow Cabbage page of the Bonnie Plants website.