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How to Grow Brassicas (Cabbage and Kale)

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Brassicas (Cabbage and Kale)

Brassica oleracea

vegetable

Brassicas are a diverse group of cool-season cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower, all belonging to the species Brassica oleracea. These nutrient-dense vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, and are staples in cuisines worldwide. They thrive in cool weather and can tolerate frost, making them ideal for spring and fall gardens.

Looking for a specific variety?

Napa cabbage Red cabbage Savoy cabbage Lacinato kale Curly kale Red Russian kale

When should you plant Brassicas (Cabbage and Kale) in your zone?

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Example Brassicas (Cabbage and Kale) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Brassicas (Cabbage and Kale)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Brassicas (Cabbage and Kale)

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Brassicas (Cabbage and Kale) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, minimum 6 hours daily (8+ hours preferred)
💧
Water: Consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Inconsistent watering can cause splitting and bitter flavor.
📏
Spacing: 12-24 inches depending on variety (cabbage heads 18-24"; kale 12-18") inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-120 days depending on variety and season
🌱
Planting depth: Start seeds 0.25-0.5 inches deep; transplant seedlings at true leaf stage

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Aged compost Well-rotted manure Nitrogen-rich fertilizer Bone meal for calcium

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler climates with temperatures between 45-75°F

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 true leaves developing; delicate and vulnerable

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light (grow lights if indoors). Maintain temperature 60-70°F. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Leaves expand rapidly; plants develop multiple true leaves and establish strong root systems

Harden off transplants before planting outdoors. Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

3

Head Formation (Cabbage) / Leaf Expansion (Kale)

4-8 weeks

Cabbage develops tight heads; kale produces increasingly ruffled, nutritious leaves

Monitor for pests and diseases weekly. Remove yellowing lower leaves. Continue consistent watering and feeding. Maintain cool temperatures if possible.

4

Maturity

2-3 weeks

Cabbage heads firm and fully sized; kale leaves fully developed and tender

Check soil moisture regularly. Stop nitrogen fertilizing 3-4 weeks before harvest. Kale actually improves in flavor after light frosts.

5

Harvest Ready

Ongoing (kale can produce for 1-2 years)

Cabbage heads are solid when squeezed; kale leaves are tender and deeply colored

Harvest kale leaves from bottom up for continuous production. For cabbage, cut entire head or leave stump for smaller secondary heads.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets Onions Garlic Potatoes Carrots Celery Dill Chamomile Thyme Mint Spinach Lettuce Chard

Avoid planting near:

Strawberries Tomatoes Fennel Kohlrabi Broccoli (same disease susceptibilities) Cauliflower (same disease susceptibilities)

Common Pests

  • Row covers before egg-laying. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Hand-pick caterpillars. Neem oil. Encourage beneficial wasps.

  • Bt spray. Spinosad. Row covers. Hand-picking. Encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps.

  • Row covers on young plants. Diatomaceous earth. Neem oil. Reflective mulches. Avoid excessive nitrogen.

  • Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap. Neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings.

  • Yellow sticky traps. Insecticidal soap. Neem oil. Reflective mulches. Remove heavily infested leaves.

  • Crop rotation (5+ years without brassicas). Lime to raise soil pH above 7.2. Remove infected plants. Sterilize tools. Choose resistant varieties.

  • Use disease-free seeds. Remove infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Improve air circulation. Crop rotation. Destroy infected plants.

Uses

🍳

Fresh consumption & cooking

Culinary

Cabbage is versatile in raw salads, stir-fries, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. Kale is nutrient-dense in smoothies, salads, sautéed dishes, and crispy baked chips. [source]

💊

Anti-inflammatory & cancer prevention

Medicinal

Both are rich in glucosinolates and sulforaphane, compounds with potential cancer-fighting properties. Also high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support immune health. [source]

🏠

Natural remedy & poultice

Household

Traditionally used as warm compresses for arthritis and inflammation. Cabbage leaves are applied directly to skin for swelling relief and breast engorgement. [source]

🍳

Fermentation & preservation

Culinary

Cabbage ferments beautifully into sauerkraut and kimchi, developing beneficial probiotics and extending storage life. A staple preservation method in traditional cuisines. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & beneficial insect support

Wildlife

Brassica flowers attract bees and other pollinators. If left to bolt, they provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects that control garden pests. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For cabbage: Cut entire head at soil level when fully firm and dense; secondary smaller heads may develop from the stump. For kale: Begin harvesting outer leaves when 8-10 inches long; lower leaves mature first. Kale actually improves in sweetness after light frost due to starch-to-sugar conversion. Harvest in early morning for maximum crispness. Can harvest continuously for months.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods per calorie available, containing more vitamin K per ounce than spinach, and high levels of vitamins A, C, and antioxidants.
  • 🌱 Sauerkraut and other fermented brassicas have been consumed for thousands of years, with records dating back to ancient China, and the fermentation process increases the bioavailability of nutrients.
  • 🌱 Brassicas contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol that converts to diindolylmethane (DIM) in the stomach, which has been studied for its potential hormone-balancing properties.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch pH Transplant True Leaves
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