Cabbage Seeds – Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Brassica oleracea var. capitata • Brassicaceae • Native to Eastern Mediterranean Europe
Cabbage Seeds grow into compact, leafy heads with crisp texture and classic garden flavor. A reliable choice for cool-season vegetable gardens, raised beds, containers, and fresh home cooking.
Plant Name: Cabbage Seeds
Quantity: 100
Selected: Cabbage Seeds / 100
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Avoid planting cabbage in the same soil where other brassicas grew in the past two to three years, as this significantly increases the risk of clubroot and other soilborne diseases that are difficult to manage once established.
Botanical profile
Meet the Cabbage – Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Step-by-step planting
Growing cabbage from seed takes patience and attention to timing, but the process is straightforward once you understand what this cool-loving plant actually needs at each stage.
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1
Start Seeds Indoors
Sow cabbage seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost, planting them about a quarter inch deep in moist seed-starting mix kept around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable cabbage germination.
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2
Provide Strong Light
Once seedlings emerge, move them under grow lights or into a bright south-facing window immediately, as insufficient light causes leggy transplants that struggle to establish well in the garden.
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3
Harden Off Transplants
About a week before transplanting, set seedlings outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing exposure so they adjust to wind, cooler air, and direct sun without shock.
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4
Prepare Soil
Work compost into your garden bed and test your soil pH, aiming for a cabbage soil pH between 6.5 and 6.8, which supports healthy nutrient uptake and helps suppress clubroot.
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5
Transplant at the Right Time
Set transplants into the garden 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date, since cabbage tolerates light frost well and actually develops sweeter flavor when heads mature in cool weather.
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6
Follow a Cabbage Spacing Guide
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 24 to 36 inches apart, as crowding restricts head development and increases humidity around the leaves, which invites fungal problems.
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7
Watch for Harvest Window
Monitor your cabbage days to harvest based on the variety you chose, and cut heads when they feel firm and solid under gentle pressure, before the outer leaves begin to crack or split.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Cabbage Seeds – Brassica oleracea var. capitata
When should I start cabbage seeds indoors?
For a spring crop, start cabbage seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date, which varies considerably depending on your USDA zone. In zones 3 to 5, that often means starting in late February or early March, while gardeners in zones 6 to 8 may start in late January. For a fall crop, count backward from your first expected fall frost by the number of days to harvest listed for your variety, then add another 6 to 8 weeks for the indoor start.
What soil pH is best for cabbage?
Cabbage soil pH performs well in the range of 6.5 to 6.8, which is slightly acidic to nearly neutral. Keeping pH in this range helps the plant access calcium and other nutrients efficiently and also creates an environment that discourages clubroot, a serious fungal disease. If your soil tests below 6.0, incorporating agricultural lime well before planting can bring it into the right range.
How far apart should cabbage be planted?
A reliable cabbage spacing guide puts transplants 12 to 18 inches apart within the row and rows 24 to 36 inches apart from each other. Smaller, compact varieties can get by on the closer end of that range, while large heading types benefit from the wider spacing. Giving plants enough room improves airflow, reduces disease pressure, and allows each head to develop to its full size.
How long does cabbage take to harvest?
Cabbage days to harvest depend entirely on the variety, and the range across all types is wide, from around 50 days for fast-maturing early types to 100 or more days for large storage varieties. Most mid-season varieties fall somewhere between 70 and 85 days from transplant. Always count days to harvest from the transplant date, not from when you sowed the seed indoors.
Can cabbage be grown in containers?
Cabbage can be grown in containers, though it needs more room than most people expect. Choose a container that holds at least 5 gallons per plant, with good drainage, and use a rich, moisture-retentive potting mix. Keep in mind that containers dry out faster than garden beds, and cabbage needs consistent moisture throughout head development, so container growing requires closer attention to watering.
Is cabbage safe for pets?
Plain, cooked or raw cabbage is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats and is not listed as a harmful plant by most veterinary references. That said, feeding large quantities can cause digestive upset or gas in some animals, so it is worth keeping fallen leaves out of reach of pets who like to graze in the garden. If you have concerns about your specific pet, a conversation with your veterinarian is always a reasonable step.
What temperature do cabbage seeds germinate?
Cabbage germination occurs across a fairly wide soil temperature range, with seeds capable of sprouting anywhere from about 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The sweet spot for strong, even germination is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside of ideal conditions, such as in very cold or fluctuating soil temperatures, germination can be slow or uneven, which is why starting seeds indoors where you can manage the environment tends to produce more consistent results than direct sowing early in the season.