Growing cabbage plants in pots is a great option for container gardeners or anyone with limited space. With the right pot, soil, and care you can grow healthy productive cabbage plants on a patio, balcony, or any small space.
Choosing the Right Pot for Cabbage
When selecting a container for growing cabbage, bigger is better. Pick a pot that’s at least 12-20 inches wide and deep. This gives the roots enough room to spread out. A 5-gallon pot is ideal for one cabbage plant.
Plastic ceramic wood, and fabric pots all work well. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Place a tray under the pot to catch excess water.
Selecting the Best Potting Mix
Cabbage needs nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. A quality potting mix is the best choice. Look for a mix made for vegetables that contains:
- Potting soil for nutrients
- Compost to improve drainage and add nutrients
- Perlite or vermiculite to retain moisture
- Peat moss to lighten heavy soils
You can make your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite. Commercial mixes like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix work too.
How to Plant Cabbage in a Pot
Start cabbage from seeds or transplants. For transplants, gently remove from pots and plant in the new container. Bury up to the first set of leaves.
For seeds, plant 1⁄4 inch deep in moist potting mix. Thin seedlings to one plant. Place pots in full sun. Add a tomato cage for support if needed.
Caring for Cabbage in Containers
Cabbage needs consistent moisture and nutrients to grow well in pots. Check soil daily and water when the top inch is dry. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Plants need at least 6 hours of sun. Move pots to follow the sunlight. Monitor for pests like caterpillars and use row covers or natural sprays if needed.
When to Harvest Cabbage
Cabbage is ready for harvest when heads feel firm and reach maximum size. This takes 70-100 days from planting. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife. Eat right away or store in the fridge.
Mini cabbages mature faster, in 45-60 days. Harvest when heads are compact and firm. Remove outer leaves before storing.
Troubleshooting Common Cabbage Problems
Growing cabbage in containers has its challenges. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Leggy growth – Needs more sun
- Wilting – Check for pests, increase water
- Holes in leaves – Remove caterpillars, use row covers
- Slow growth – Add nitrogen fertilizer
- Small heads – Pick smaller variety, give more space
With the right pot, soil, and care, you can grow cabbage successfully on a patio or balcony. Just be sure to provide adequate sunlight, moisture, nutrients, and pest protection. In a few months, you’ll be harvesting your own delicious cabbage for salads, slaws, and more!
How to Plant Your Cabbage in the Ground
You’ll Need:
- Cabbage plant
- Spade or shovel
- Compost
- Watering can or garden hose with sprinkler nozzle
- Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food or other plant food.
Step 1. Working together, adults and kids should pick a planting spot that receives full sun. As with any planting, choose a spot away from any buried cables, wires, or pipes. Allow 3 feet on all sides of your planting hole for your cabbage to grow.
Step 2. Use a spade or shovel to loosen the soil, then mix in a few shovels of compost to enrich the soil. Make a small hole with your hands or a trowel.
Step 3. Remove your cabbage from its container and gently tickle the roots to loosen them. Place your cabbage in the hole, pressing down a little to help the roots make contact with the soil. Plant it so an inch or two of the stem is buried.
Step 4. Fill in the hole around your plant, and press the soil firmly to remove air pockets.
Step 5. Gently water your plant using a watering can or a hose with sprinkler nozzle. Feed your plant according to fertilizer package instructions.
Step 6. Feed your plant according to fertilizer label instructions. Food plants are hungry!
How to Transplant Your Cabbage
You’ll Need:
- Cabbage plant
- Small container (4-8″ diameter)
- Soil of choice
- Watering can or garden hose with sprinkler nozzle
- Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food or other plant food.
Step 1. Plant the baby cabbage seedling in a container (4–8-inch diameter).
Step 2. Place the cabbage in a sunny spot to mature for 3-4 weeks.
Step 3. Water and fertilize regularly!
How to Grow Cabbage in Containers – Complete Growing Guide
FAQ
Does cabbage grow well in pots?
Proof that growing cabbage in containers is not only possible but easy! We popped these in a rectangular planter that was about 6 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and 18 inches long. It fits to cabbages perfectly!
Does cabbage need full sun?
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.
What is the trick to growing cabbage?
The trick to growing cabbage is steady, uninterrupted growth. That means rich soil, plenty of water, and good fertilization. Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable suited to both spring and fall.
How many heads of cabbage do you get from one plant?
Cabbage plants only produce one head per growing season. Fresh cabbage from the garden looks different from cabbage purchased at the store. Cabbage heads from the garden have many open leaves that can be eaten.
Can cabbage grow in a pot?
Cabbage has a shallow root system but still requires a deep and wide pot to grow. Here are the ideal container specifications: Size: At least 12-16 inches in diameter and depth to accommodate the cabbage’s roots. Material: Plastic, clay, or fabric pots are all suitable, but make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
How do you plant cabbage seedlings?
Keep the trays in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights. Transplant the seedlings into pots when they have 4-5 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed. From Seedlings: If planting directly into pots, plant one cabbage seedling per pot. Space is important as cabbage heads need room to develop.
How do you grow cabbage in containers?
Proper planting and spacing are key for growing cabbage in containers. The right techniques will give your plants room to thrive and produce healthy heads. Start cabbage seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use small pots or seed trays filled with moist seed-starting mix. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep soil damp.
How many cabbage plants can you grow in a container?
For smaller cabbage types, you can grow two plants per large container. Space them on opposite sides of the pot. Dwarf varieties need less room. You can plant these closer together in smaller pots. Proper care is key to growing healthy cabbage in containers. Focus on sunlight, water, and nutrients to help your plants thrive.
How big should a cabbage pot be?
Pick a container that’s 12 to 20 inches wide and deep. This size gives cabbage roots enough room to spread out. Larger pots hold more soil and retain moisture better. Plastic, ceramic, and wooden containers all work well for growing cabbage. Plastic is lightweight and affordable. Ceramic looks nice but can be heavy.
Can cabbage grow indoors?
Yes, if placed in a sunny spot or under grow lights, cabbage can thrive indoors. Growing cabbage in pots is an excellent way to enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables even if you have limited space. With proper care, the right pot, and a sunny location, you can successfully cultivate healthy and productive cabbage plants.