How to grow Cabbage in the UK
Brassica oleracea
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Net everything — pigeons and caterpillars love them. Choose seasonal varieties for year-round crops. This guide covers when and how to sow Cabbage, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Cabbage
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan Harvest | Feb | Mar Sow | Apr | May Plant | Jun | Jul Harvest | Aug Harvest | Sep Harvest | Oct Harvest | Nov Harvest | Dec Harvest |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Firm, fertile soil — lime if acid
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 1.5 cm
- Spacing
- 45 cm apart
- Sowing
- Sow in succession spring–summer for year-round heads
- Growing
- Firm in well; net from butterflies and pigeons
- Harvest & upkeep
- Cut heads when firm
- Watch for
- Cabbage white caterpillars, club root, cabbage root fly, pigeons
Companion planting for Cabbage
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
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Cabbage FAQs
When should I sow Cabbage in the UK?
In the UK, sow Cabbage in March. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
What grows well with Cabbage?
Cabbage grows well alongside Beetroot, Celery, Dill, French Marigold, Lavender, Pot Marigold. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Cabbage?
Keep Cabbage away from Strawberry, Beef Tomato, Cherry Tomato, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Cabbage need?
Cabbage prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Cabbage ready to harvest?
Cabbage is typically ready to harvest in January, July, August, September, October, November, December in the UK.
Is Cabbage easy to grow?
Moderate. Net everything — pigeons and caterpillars love them. Choose seasonal varieties for year-round crops.