SoCal Home Gardening

Cabbage

Grows best in cool weather, versatile in the kitchen.

Information on Growing Cabbage

Growing cabbage in a home garden can be a rewarding experience. Here is some detailed information on how to successfully grow cabbage:

1. Selecting the right variety: There are many different types of cabbage available, such as green cabbage, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, and napa cabbage. Choose a variety that suits your taste and climate. Consider factors like maturity time, size, and disease resistance when selecting the right variety.

2. Choosing the best location: Cabbage prefers a cool climate and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Select an area in your garden that receives full sun but also has some shade in the hottest part of the day. Ensure the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter.

3. Preparing the soil: Before planting cabbage, it is crucial to prepare the soil properly. Start by removing any weeds or debris from the garden bed. Then, loosen the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and improve moisture retention.

4. Starting from seeds or transplants: Cabbage can be grown from either seeds or transplants. If starting from seeds, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Keep the seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny window until they have 4-6 leaves. Transplants can be directly planted in the garden after the threat of frost has passed.

5. Planting and spacing: Whether using seeds or transplants, space the cabbage plants about 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. Plant the seedlings with their first true leaves just above the soil level. Cabbage grows best when not crowded, so proper spacing is essential for healthy development.

6. Watering: Cabbage requires consistent moisture to ensure proper growth. Water the plants deeply, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering, as moist leaves increase the risk of diseases. Instead, use drip irrigation or water the soil directly.

7. Fertilization: Cabbage is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea once a month to provide essential nutrients. It is also a good practice to side-dress the plants with compost or well-rotted manure halfway through the growing season.

8. Pest and disease management: Cabbage can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Monitor your plants regularly and take necessary measures like using organic pesticides or handpicking the insects. Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to prevent common cabbage diseases like clubroot and black rot.

9. Harvesting: Cabbage is ready for harvest when the heads feel firm and have reached their mature size. Cut the heads from the base, leaving a few outer leaves intact. Depending on the variety, this can take around 70-90 days from transplanting.

10. Storage: Cabbage can be stored in a cool and dark place for several weeks, making it a great vegetable for winter use. Remove any damaged leaves and wrap the heads in plastic or store them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.

By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh and delicious cabbage from your own home garden. Remember to experiment, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the process of growing your own food.

Cabbage Varieties

See All Cabbage Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.