How to Grow Cabbage in Greenhouse: Insider Tips for Maximum Yield!

Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding experience, offering fresh, flavorful produce and a sense of accomplishment. Cabbage, a versatile and nutritious vegetable, is a great addition to any home garden. However, achieving optimal growth and maximizing yield requires careful planning and attention. A greenhouse provides a controlled environment that can significantly enhance your chances of success when growing cabbage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from seed selection to harvesting, to help you cultivate healthy and delicious cabbages in your greenhouse.

Choosing the Right Cabbage Variety

The first step to growing successful cabbage is selecting the right variety. Consider your growing season, space limitations, and desired head size when making your choice.

Early Maturing Varieties: These varieties are ideal for shorter growing seasons, producing mature heads within 60-70 days. Popular examples include:

• Early Jersey Wakefield: A classic early-maturing variety with a compact head and sweet flavor.
• Golden Acre: A fast-growing variety with a golden-yellow head and mild flavor.
• Red Acre: A popular choice with a deep red head and excellent flavor.

Mid-Season Varieties: These varieties take approximately 70-80 days to mature, offering a balance of yield and flavor. Popular examples include:

• Danish Ballhead: A reliable variety with large, firm heads and a sweet flavor.
• Stonehead: A classic variety known for its large, dense heads and crisp texture.
• Savoy: A variety with crinkled leaves and a delicate flavor.

Late Maturing Varieties: These varieties require 80-100 days to mature and produce large, heavy heads. Popular examples include:

• Green Globe: A classic variety with large, green heads and a sweet flavor.
• Red Cabbage: A variety with deep red leaves and a slightly bitter flavor.
• Chinese Cabbage: A variety with loose, leafy heads and a mild flavor.

Preparing Your Greenhouse for Cabbage

Before planting your cabbage seeds, it’s crucial to prepare your greenhouse for optimal growth. This involves:

Soil Preparation:

• Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content. Cabbage prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
• Amendments: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage, aeration, and nutrient content.
• Fertilizer: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 into the soil before planting.

Greenhouse Environment:

• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent excessive humidity and heat buildup.
• Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal growth.
• Light: Provide sufficient light for healthy growth. Supplement with artificial lighting during winter months or cloudy days.

Sowing Cabbage Seeds

Cabbage can be started from seeds directly in the greenhouse or by starting them indoors and transplanting them later.

Direct Sowing:

• Timing: Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for your region.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Transplanting:

• Timing: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
• Preparation: Transplant seedlings when they have 4-6 true leaves.
• Spacing: Plant seedlings 12-18 inches apart in rows 24-30 inches apart.

Caring for Your Cabbage Plants

Once your cabbage plants are established, providing proper care is essential for healthy growth and abundant yields.

Watering:

• Regularly: Water your cabbage plants deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods.
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing:

• Balanced Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
• Side Dressing: Side dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the plants start to form heads.

Pest and Disease Control:

• Inspect Regularly: Monitor your plants for signs of pests or diseases.
• Organic Control: Use organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
• Disease Prevention: Practice crop rotation and proper sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks.

Head Formation:

• Blanching: To encourage head formation, use a method called blanching. This involves tying the outer leaves together to prevent light from reaching the developing head.

Harvesting Your Cabbage

Cabbage is ready for harvest when the heads are firm and dense, typically 60-100 days after planting, depending on the variety.

Harvesting:

• Cut the Head: Use a sharp knife to cut the head at the base of the plant.
• Remove Outer Leaves: Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves.
• Store: Store harvested cabbage in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoying Your Homegrown Cabbage

Freshly harvested cabbage is bursting with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy it in various ways:

• Salads: Add shredded cabbage to salads for a crunchy texture and refreshing taste.
• Coleslaw: Create a classic coleslaw with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and your favorite seasonings.
• Sauerkraut: Ferment cabbage to make sauerkraut, a tangy and flavorful condiment.
• Soups and Stews: Use cabbage in soups and stews for a hearty and nutritious meal.

A Bounty From Your Greenhouse: A Recap of Growing Cabbage

Growing cabbage in your greenhouse can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh, flavorful produce throughout the year. By following these steps, you can create the ideal environment for your cabbage plants to thrive and produce abundant yields. Remember to choose the right variety, prepare your greenhouse, provide proper care, and harvest your cabbage at the optimal time. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor the delicious taste of homegrown cabbage!

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I grow cabbage in a small greenhouse?

A: Yes, you can grow cabbage in a small greenhouse. Choose compact varieties like Early Jersey Wakefield or Golden Acre and space them appropriately to maximize yield.

Q: What are the best temperatures for growing cabbage?

A: Cabbage prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can negatively impact growth.

Q: How often should I water my cabbage plants?

A: Water your cabbage plants deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods. The soil should be consistently moist but not soggy.

Q: What pests and diseases should I be aware of?

A: Common cabbage pests include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Diseases to watch out for include cabbage yellows, black rot, and clubroot.

Q: Can I use leftover cabbage leaves for compost?

A: Yes, you can add leftover cabbage leaves to your compost bin. They will break down over time, adding valuable nutrients to your compost.